About to install RC 5" lift. Advice please

[blueka]

I'm planning on installing the RC 5" lift soon

When doing the front do I need to remove the torsion bars or can they come off with the lower arms?

Would you recommend new bars and arms on a 26yr old explorer?

Thanks

Si

 

[410Fortune]

the t bars can come out of the control arms...once you ubolt them from the t bar hangers at the back, you smack them with a BFH from the front......they are simply press fit into the control arm. They can be a real ***** to let go....bigger hammer

Not a bad idea to replace the LCA, at least the bushings and ball joint, as well as the t bars.
Looking forward to seeing the Rough country 5" on an explorer. You have to modify some stuff on the truck side, I have heard, once you have rc lift there is no going back, whereas the superlift is reversible.

love all the vw's!!!

 

[blueka]

The VWs belong to the guy doing my chains and swapping my engines over.

I'll keep my registry updated. It's been a while.

Thanks

Si

 

[DannyW]

I'm planning on installing the RC 5" lift soon

When doing the front do I need to remove the torsion bars or can they come off with the lower arms?

Would you recommend new bars and arms on a 26yr old explorer?

Thanks

Si

View attachment 444627

Ditto on the lower arms, just easier to do the whole thing without pressing bushings.
The rest of the kit is straight forward. The tbars have to come out completely because you will add extenders on the hangers.
There is one small triangle notch that has to be clearanced, but the entire lift is easily reversable.
Not sure on your year Ex, but my (95) tbar hanger covers/skids did not fit after the conversion. But a set of 2000 Rangers fit like they grew there.
You can see the install in this playtime pic.
I'm like a Jeeple...
-Dan

 

[chewymilk]

Keep us posted on the install. This is on my short list of suspension mods. Curious about the little things people leave out

 

[beepinX]

Keep us posted on the install. This is on my short list of suspension mods. Curious about the little things people leave out

You can't go wrong with the RC kit.

 

[DintDobbs]

Do NOT forget the front drive shaft!

Control arms don't... exactly... wear out, but they can be bent. If you're concerned for them being bent by prior use (or abuse!) go ahead and replace 'em, but if they're still in good shape and not rusted, I'd use them.

 

[blueka]

Yeah I got the extended front shaft. I'm in the UK so getting parts is hard.

Si

 

[chewymilk]

You can't go wrong with the RC kit.

Thanks. I've installed them on other people's vehicles (Jeeps, truck, etc) but am honestly having a hard time finding hard information about using ranger suspension parts on an explorer.
It's not a lack of information, it an overabundance and threads that are multiple years (decades) old, with broken links and missing pictures.

 

[DannyW]

Thanks. I've installed them on other people's vehicles (Jeeps, truck, etc) but am honestly having a hard time finding hard information about using ranger suspension parts on an explorer.
It's not a lack of information, it an overabundance and threads that are multiple years (decades) old, with broken links and missing pictures.

From what I have experienced, 1998 through 2000 Ranger is a very close match to the 1995 - 2000 Explorer front end, not so much the rear end. That is with the V6, not sure about the V8.

 

[blueka]

So for the rear end I bought RC 91-94 explorer 4" leaf pack with warrior shackles

Si

 

[chewymilk]

So for the rear end I bought RC 91-94 explorer 4" leaf pack with warrior shackles

Si

That was going to be my next question. It says the rear doesn't fit models with the 31 spline rear.

 

[blueka]

I might buy new torsion bars and lower arms. I'm definitely going to order the rotors and pads. Hopefully have it done before September 30th

Si

 

[410Fortune]

The 98-99 rangers are almost identical to the 96-01 explorer and 02-04 sport/ trax but the 98-99 rangers have power vacuum hubs. The 2000-11 ranger v6 is same suspension
Somewhere in 04-06 the rangers w sohc also got the larger front brake rotors like the 02-04 sports/trac
This suspension is called the Dana 35 ifs, SLA it stands for short long arm believe it or not

 

[DannyW]

The 98-99 rangers are almost identical to the 96-01 explorer and 02-04 sport/ trax but the 98-99 rangers have power vacuum hubs. The 2000-11 ranger v6 is same suspension
Somewhere in 04-06 the rangers w sohc also got the larger front brake rotors like the 02-04 sports/trac
This suspension is called the Dana 35 ifs, SLA it stands for short long arm believe it or not

The 95-97 Explorers had Central Disconnect Axles, not sure that was ever a thing on the Rangers - may be wrong on that.

 

[410Fortune]

Correct!

The cad was only available on v6 explorers
Center axle disconnect
Never fitted to a ranger from the factory