4th Gen Suspension Upgrades / Recovery Points

[oy1crazyace]

Hey all,

Posting this here, didn't get much traction in the last place I posted. Any help would be appreciated.

Hey all,

I have a 2007 XLT with 167K miles and climbing.

I have been looking at turning my EX into a overland vehicle to run some pretty basic to moderate trails. That being said I have read quite a bit about the modifications people have done in the 4th gen forum.

I have looked at the traxda spacers and the Rancho quick lift. As well as the BTF upper control arms.

My question is what is the best way to go when it comes to the 4th gen suspension? Stock with spacers & BTF arms? Quick lift? Some other option?

I have been thinking about doing the quick lifts with some 33" AT tires since this is my daily (for now). Right now I drive about 108 miles a day so I am looking for something durable.

Also, any recommendations on how to add recovery points to the 4th gen?

Thanks!

 

[96firephoenix]

If you drive 108 miles a day and don't need the utility of an explorer for any of it, I recommend that you buy a gently used honda civic or something that is more fuel efficient. I'm not at all exaggerating when I say it has paid for itself. I have a 110 mile commute, and the gas and payments in my 2011 CRZ are lower than what just gas in the explorer was. If you're planning to do this commute for more than a year, your savings at 40 mpg vs 17 mpg average is $2000 per year.

Then with the additional gas money you save, you've got a better budget for things like big tires that wreck your fuel economy.

Adding recovery points is pretty easy if you're willing to cut up your bumper and bolt onto existing holes in the frame. The front crash bar is bolted onto the front frame rails, so it makes a good template for fabricating a bull bar that bolts through the bumper cover straight to the frame rails.

If you're feeling really adventurous, you could upgrade your rear hitch to the 2" receiver.

 

[06bluez]

https://www.etrailer.com/Front-Receiver-Hitch/Ford/Explorer/2010/31545.html?VehicleID=2010203606#prod-acc-onlyreviews

front 2" hitch would be a good recovery option and you can use a reciever mount winch in the front or back...

 

[apoctank]

I've got a front hitch, been pulled with it before. It works if you build it right, but the crash bar is really flimsy so you need to reinforce it well or just replace it altogether

 

[Bazz270]

Mine built of Curt front hitch receiver and a GoRhino grill guard.
Bought a winch and a recovery / tow eyes from amazon.