add a leaf or schakles??

[Blake D]

I went to O'rileys they said $125 for the add a leaf?!!!!! What makes the Rancho so different from a generic add-a-leaf kit that runs like $30? Do you not get as much height from the generic or something? Oh yeah do you also need new coils on the front to even out the ex and if so what is the cost? I would love to add a couple inches but don't want to get into regearing, hose extension, steering extension, any extension if I don't have to. If I could just add a leaf and mabye some new coils up front to equal it out I would be happy for now.
If the Rancho are so good is there anyplace that sells them cheaper than $125? That just seems REAL steep!

 

[jordan23]

I'm with Blake D on this one...I'd love to add them to my ride too, but at the price, I'll go for the cheaper ones!

Will stock shocks still work with the add-a-leaf AND Warrior shackles?

I already have the Warrior shackles installed, I just need to know if I'll need to replace my stock shocks!

Jordan23

 

[S.Matsushige]

95XLT-As for installation, it wasn't too bad if you have jackstands and a floor jack. I just placed the floor jack under the rear differential and shock mount and unbolted the springs from the shock supports. I never released the leafs from the truck. Removed the leaf needed to replace and added the additional leaf, rebolted the leafs together with the new bolt provided, raised the leafback up to the rear end with the jack, rebolted the shock supports back on and added the new straps to the leafs. Did one side at a time. Chances are, the second side will go even faster. As for time, it took me half a day because I also installed progressive coils with an inch lift on the front end. The coils added an inch and the rear is about an inch higher, but unnoticable.
As for going with the generic ones, I have no experience with them. I went with Rancho because they make quality tested components and they back everything I ever bought from them. I've heard others say that the ride got harsher with the add a leaf, but I can tell you for a fact that the Rancho add a leaf doesn't. You'll get at least 1.5 to 2 inch lift and I personally think it makes the Explorer ride and handle better. Just be careful from going with cheaper ones because sometimes you get what you pay for. This is also from experience.
I would think you would have to add coils or some kind of small lift out from to get it close to level. I paid $200 for coils with an inch lift from Performance Products. I'm sure there maybe cheaper ways of leveling out the front. I just thought the progressive coils would make a difference and it does in the handling. At some point, I may opt to go with the Rancho 2.5 inch lift, but for now I'm happy with the way the suspension is working. Hope this helps!

 

[taxx]

with a spring under situation like we have an add a leaf isn't going to give you lift. It may raise the back a little, but that is just bringing it back up to factory ride height by taking the sag out of the crappy ford springs. It may push them up a little higher, but add a leaf is not for lift, shackles are for lift.

 

[Blake D]

could you just add some shackles in the back and larger springs in the front and get about a 2" (suspension style) lift without needing to change anything else?

 

[jordan23]

What kind of cost would be incurred to switch my 2001 Sport to a Spring Over? What would I have to do in the front to compensate?

Thanks!

Jordan23

 

[01EB5.0]

Get the trailmaster 4" lift kit if you want spring over

 

[taxx]

Originally posted by Blake D
could you just add some shackles in the back and larger springs in the front and get about a 2" (suspension style) lift without needing to change anything else?

You don't even need larger springs. The newer models have torsion bars that can be tightened for lift and the older models you can get spacres for the springs.

 

[Robert]

Blake's Explorer is a '94, he doesn't have torsion bars. So to answer your question Blake, yes some stiffer springs for the front and shackles for the rear. F150 springs seem pretty popular around here for the '94 and earlier Explorers for a small lift.

 

[taxx]

Originally posted by Robert
Blake's Explorer is a '94, he doesn't have torsion bars. So to answer your question Blake, yes some stiffer springs for the front and shackles for the rear. F150 springs seem pretty popular around here for the '94 and earlier Explorers for a small lift.

That is why I mentioned the spacers for the springs too.

 

[Blake D]

I wouldn't have to extend any lines or anything? Could I expect what about 2 inches? That would be just fine, give me a little more room and better approach and departure angles. The spacers and/or springs where do I get them and what would the cost be? Which is better for the lift and performance? and is there any other brand that is good besides the Warrior ones? Just the shackles and bigger springs/or spacers right, I don't need to do the add a leaf thing.

Thanks for everyone's help, if all goes well I might have a little lift that I want at the price my WIFE can agree on.

 

[taxx]

Yeah, just the shackles and Spacers/larger springs. Your brake lines will be fine. Warrior are the only ones made for the explorer. Check ww.offroadwarehouse.com as for the spacers maybe someone else will know.

 

[Blake D]

I checked their site and couldn't find it. Is there anyplace else? about $50 right, give or take

 

[taxx]

You probably won't find it on the site, but you can call them and ask for WAR153 that is the product number for a Ford Explorer.

 

[Blake D]

do you need longer U bolts or do you just slap on the shackles and you're off!!?

 

[Maniak]

You just slap 'em on.. You take off 4 bolts.. and put on 4 more.. 2 bolts on each shackle.. You don't do anything else to the rear springs..

~Mark

 

[Blake D]

sounds great! now Only if someone could give some info on the front springs for a F150 switch or spacer idea

 

[taxx]

Depending on the areas that truck has been around, like those of us hear in the salt belt, you may need to grind the old bolts off. Just a heads up!

 

[S.Matsushige]

Blake-You might try JC Whitney for the spacers. I'm sorry I don't have their number or the part number since my catalog is at home, but I remember seeing them in there. Don't think it was too expensive either. Hope this helps!

 

[Blake D]

Called JCW talked to a NICE person this time????
they said I have a choice of 2 spring spacers
------2way coil spring adjustment stabalizer raise or lower up to 2 3/4 inches for 5.98 a set and one set for each side or
------Coil spring ring type goes under coil for 2 inches 8.98 each

Both are real reasonable priced but I know nothing of spacers, anyone know which is better/or easier to install?

Sounds like i could get a 2" lift for about $80 not bad at all and my Wife would let me do it!