A question to well modified Explorer owners?

[bgracen]

I have a 94 explorer two door 4x4. My projected tire size is 33 x 10.50x 15", I have 31's now.

On lifting: Which company offers a good flexible suspension for fitment of 33 while remaining a decent ride (50/50street and trail)? I'm especially looking for one with extended radius arms, and due to the local laws here in the state of Maine, the springs must remain under the axles. I would really like a complete spring pack instead of add-a-leaves.

On gearing: How is the performance (trail use/fuel economy/highway revs) with the 4:56 gears. I have 3:27 now and with the 31's they are a pig, but I still get 18mpg. Are 4:10's enough or are the 4:56 the way to go? I do frequently pull 3500 pound trailer.

On Lockers: I'm looking for quiet on the street and working as advertised off the road.

I appreciate any opinions. Thank you all.

-DUBE

 

[Goober]

Since your limited to leaving the springs under the axle, you'll also be limited to the heighth you'll be able to achieve. I have a 4" lift(suspension) that came with arched rear springs. Superlift uses the 'spring over' method for getting a higher lift. You can use shackles and that would give you another 1"-1 1/2". For the front you can get the brackets for the 5.5" lift with the springs and Superlift also sells extended radius arms. With arched rear leafs and shackles in the rear you could get the lift your looking for to equal to the 5.5" in front.
As for the gearing, most people here say to get 4.56 with 33" tires. And with a 5.5" lift little if any trimming would be necessary.
I still run stock diffy's , so I can't help you on the locker issues. I'm sure others here will throw in some other advice. Good luck.

 

[Trckmagik]

You could go with the Superlift front lift (5.5") And use the 6.0" Springs from Skyjacker for the rear. Spring under Axle.

 

[Goober]

I didn't know they had 6" arched springs.. Would they still be ok to use even with 3500lb towing? I was wondering what the rate would be for towing with arched springs(is it same, lower? How much heighth they would lose over time from towing?

 

[Trckmagik]

I dont exactly. I know I have towed a couple of uhaul trilers (large ones) and have never had a problem with my 6 " skyjacker rear springs.

 

[ScottXXL]

Just curious...what state do you live in where there is a limitation on spring over axle?