99 Explorer Rear Suspension Sag Issue

[hawaiianryan7]

The rear suspension has an issue of sagging. I own a 50 lb sub-woofer box that sits right up next to the rear seats. I would like to resolve the issue besides removing the 50 lb box, if there are any recommendations. I have seen other Explorers around that have the same issue of suspension sag. I am just wanting to see if there are any quick-fixes or simple aftermarket mods that I may pursue. Thanks.

 

[bender]

add-a-leaf helper spring will do what you want, approx $50 or so plus easy install...

 

[hawaiianryan7]

What if I did the Torsion Twist procedure, but reduced the ride height of the front end, instead of increasing it? This would make the Explorer ride level, wouldn't it?

 

[hawaiianryan7]

Where can I find the add a leaf for a 99 Explorer?

 

['97 V8]

www.summitracing.com

they are 29.95, and free shipping. Easy as Fawk to install

 

[hawaiianryan7]

Even though I have a 99 Explorer, will these add a leaf's work?

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...880273+4294908331+4294907830+115&autoview=sku

 

['97 V8]

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...4294907830+4294907043&appfilter=1#Application

they will, but just to make sure i went a couple steps further...just to be on the safe side.

 

[DeathsArrow]

Does an add-a-leaf improve the ride at all?

 

[Explodersport]

you could do shackles, they are cheap and even easier than AAL. about the same price too.

 

['97 V8]

Does an add-a-leaf improve the ride at all?

it stiffins it up a tad. i like the way my truck rides now. it articulates great off road, but now has less body roll in the back. When i hit a bump i dont keep bouncing the way i used to with out the aal.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

you could do shackles, they are cheap and even easier than AAL. about the same price too.

Shackels are a bit more..... i remmember that they were about 50 + shiiping when telico was having there sale. the part number is WAR-153. But they do stick out bellow the bumper a little and in the ned the springs will sag back down a bit(long term).

 

[hawaiianryan7]

Wonderful explanations.

For the installation of the Add A Leaf's what procedures and cautions should I take in doing it? The suspension is not going to pop on me in any way if I install these bad boys will it? Do installation instructions come with the parts?

 

[SplashMan]

Here is how we did mine...

1. Jacked up the rear by putting a floor jack on the rear pumpkin.
2. Put jackstands just in front of the front leaf hangers.
3. Removed the rear tires.
4. Placed the floor jack under the right leaf pack just tight enough to hold it in position and compress it slightly.
5. Unbolted the lower shock bolt.
6. Removed the "U" bolts.
7. Slowly lowered the floor jack until the leaf was loose.
8. Placed clamps on the leaf pack(but not on the bottom overload)
9. Removed the centerpin (had to cut it off) and then the stock overload leaf
10. Placed the add-a-leaf to the bottom of the leaf pack, install the new centerpin (leave the stock overload off, it is now usless and only lowers your shock mount), remove the "C" clamps and jacked it back up to put the "U" bolts and lower shock bolt back on.

Move to the other side, do the same. Reinstall the tires, remove the jack stands and take it for a drive.

 

['97 V8]

its easy.taKE off the wheels. Jack the truck from the pumpkin till it its in the air. place jack stands under the frame and let the jack down on the stands. However keep the jack under the axle as you will need to raise the axle to place the u-bolts and shock mount plate thingy on. Then un bolt the u-bolts. Remove them. Then place 1 c-clamp before and after the center pin. but do not let the c-clamp hold down the over load leaf. Un bolt the center pin and slide the bolt out. Then the overload leaf will fall, becuase the c-clamp isnt holding it. Make sure you dont hurt the foil that is on the leaf. THen get the correct size bolt in the kit and slide it through the center pin hole. Then slide the aal then the overload leaf following it.hold it togethor with your hand to center the leafs correctly with the rest of the pack. Kepp tightening as far as you can with your hand and again make sire they are centered. After that get your ratchet and tighten it down. Not too tight but tight. Then place the u bolts on the axle and then slide the plate on to em. Place the nuts on them and tighten them as far as you can go by hand. After that tighten all of them. However tighten them in a criss cross pattern. Do the same step for the other side. After that, jack the truck up some more so the wait is on the axle and raise your stand higher just in case wen you tighten you manage to make the axle slip off the jack, never hurts to play it safe. Then tighten everything really good. I tightened them back to spec which i believe was 80 foot pounds.

Now the center pin bolt is too long so you will have to cut it. When the other side is done. Tighten everything again. Drive it for 5 miles or so and then tighten it again. After that your all good and ready to roll.

It took 30 minutes to do. I thought it would be harder but it is damn simple.

 

['97 V8]

Damn you splash man lol.

 

[Lazzman]

They don't make an application that will fit a '98?

 

[SplashMan]

[QUOTE='97 V8]http://store.summitracing.com/partd...4294907830+4294907043&appfilter=1#Application

they will, but just to make sure i went a couple steps further...just to be on the safe side.[/QUOTE]

This fits all Explorers.

 

[hawaiianryan7]

My Explorer actually has ~170lbs of equipment situated in the rear, from 4 bowling balls, toolbox, bandpass sub box, and a receiver hitch bike rack. So I am really looking to fix the issue of the suspension.

Thanks for everyone's involvement in explaning this issue and offering their friendly advice!

 

[hawaiianryan7]

Super Springs!

I have fallen across some interesting items that claim to do well. They are self adjusting spring stabilizers, that are a simple bolt on to your existing leaf spring assembly, no dismantling necessary! This item gives users extra loading and towing capacity and prevent rear-end sag without hardening the ride on vehicles having leaf spring rear suspension systems.

Here are the links:

http://www.4wheelparts.com/4wp/prod...t=SUS&man=SPR&prodline=SPR&catName=Suspension

http://www.supersprings.com/