advice needed

[21robbie21]

ok im new to this site, i have a 2001 (new body style) explorer sport and i want to make it off road compatible, lift, big new tires etc. i want some suggestions on about how much body lift, how much suspension lift what size, kind tires, can i keep the factory rims i have and just put biggers tires on them, how much do all these things cost? any other suggestions are welcomed. Thanks a lot!!!!!

 

[dreamr]

was 2oo1 Independent rear suspension? Seems like that came with the new body style

 

[JDraper]

I would say the best way to lift your truck is to go with the Torsion Twist/Shackles and a 3" body lift. Several members here have done that and it works quite well, and they are running 35" tires with just a little fender trimming. You should be able to run 32" or 33" tires without trimming if you do the TT/Shackles and a body lift. I have also installed a Superlift 5.5" suspension lift system on a Gen II Explorer, but it doesn't give as much ground and tire clearance as the TT/Shackle + body lift does.

You can keep the factory rims (if they're 15" rims) and put larger tires on. 32 x 11.5-15's will fit quite nicely on the factory rims.

Cost is dependent upon what you want to do. The TT/Shackle route will give you approximately 1.5-2" of lift and will cost $50 plus an alignment. The body lift will cost under $200. A 5.5" Superlift kit will cost you roughly $1000 (if I remember correctly).

Search around the site a bit. There's a LOT of information on what you want to do.

BTW, the 2001 is still the Gen II with a solid rear axle, not IFS.

 

[21robbie21]

thanks a ton! all that info is great.

(The TT/Shackle route will give you approximately 1.5-2" of lift and will cost $50 plus an alignment. The body lift will cost under $200. A 5.5" )

are these prices with an instalation or just kit for me to do myself?

and what exterior accessories do you suggest?

 

[JDraper]

Those prices are if you do it yourself. The shackles/tt is dead simple to do if you can turn a wrench. Takes very little skill and time. Body lift is more involved and it helps if you have air tools. If you wanna get into serious offroading, I'd suggest a set of skid plates and a set of rock sliders (Heavy duty step bars) to protect your truck.

 

[21robbie21]

thanks again, are the rims on your eplorer 15" or 16"?and how much do those skid plates and rocker panels cost?do you have any specific store or website suggestions as to where to get the best deals on these parts? sorry to bug you, but thanks a lot for your help