Advice on lowering a 2002 4WD Sport Trac

[JimInRadfordVA]

I am a pretty spry paraplegic, but am experiencing some rapid deterioration. It's getting increasingly more difficult to climb in. I'd like to lower the truck in hopes that it'll be easier to get in and out.


Can anyone give me an idea how low I can go? I understand that the limiting factor will be the amount of drop I'll get by unloading the torsion bars. What size blocks should I get for the rear springs? Any suggestions on replacement shocks? How about trimming the bump stops?


Any and all hints and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[swshawaii]

2" may be the maximum front drop because of your CV's. The rear axle travel on the 2001-02 ST is less than the later models, you may be limited to under 2". Browse through the lowered sub forum, much info there. Glad to help if you have any other questions.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=46

http://www.explorerexpress.com/-c-24_54.html

http://www.mysporttrac.com/mysporttrac/projects/HowtoLowerYourST.PDF
http://www.mysporttrac.com/mysporttrac/projects/lowered/lowproj.htm

 

[ncranchero]

Two inch blocks is what I used on the rear of my 2002 4x4 and a one and one half to two inch drop in the front. Removing the running boards would probably help you as well.

 

[boominXplorer]

Not sure what seats you have but if you swapped some in from a base model 01+ Explorer Sport or 99+ 4dr XLS they will sit about an inch lower. Not sure if that would help though.

 

[JimInRadfordVA]

Seats would not be a help at this point. I still need the running boards, but will be replacing them with a set of flat aluminum boards. My current OEM boards are rusting through.

Looks like 2" blocks in the back and an adjustment of the torsion bar preload to match is going to be my approach, pending further advice.

 

[boominXplorer]

Looks like 2" blocks in the back and an adjustment of the torsion bar preload to match is going to be my approach, pending further advice.

Its really your only choice to lower it. You will also need upper control arm camber adjusters to bring the camber back into spec. I would also suggest Rancho 9000 shocks in the front to help adjust for the ride quality

 

[JimInRadfordVA]

Its really your only choice to lower it. You will also need upper control arm camber adjusters to bring the camber back into spec. I would also suggest Rancho 9000 shocks in the front to help adjust for the ride quality

Just up front or all around?

 

[boominXplorer]

Just camber adjusters up front. You need (2) Moog K80065. I also suggest quality gas charged shocks front and rear.

Make sure you get 3.5" wide U bolts with the blocks also. They commonly come with the 3" with the blocks and will not work. After everything is installed you will want to trim your rear bump stops also to avoid bottoming out.

 

[JimInRadfordVA]

Thanks for all the advice. I used to do all this kind of work myself, but since the spinal cord disaster in late 2012, I've been kinda limited.

I think I'll buy the parts and get my son to do the work under my direction.