Best Mountaineer Mods?

[grizzlyxjim]

So I've been reading through the forum for about a week now different things, just signed up I figure I will just make one post asking a lot of questions. So I've had my mountaineer for a while now had a few of the typical things go wrong with it, IE the flasher, oil pressure sending unit it has about 170k on it I just replaced an intake manifold, any other typical issues I should expect here soon? Now onto the fun part! I used to own a Suzuki Samurai and I get the itch to mod since I sold her and well the Mountaineer will suffice it's 4.0l 4wd. The things I'd like to know about maybe get some links to and such

A lift, I am leaning towards a 2in shackle lift, my Sami came prelifted when I bought it so this would be new to me. Will I need to buy different shocks as well? Can I couple the shackle lift with a body lift or will that negatively effect onroad performance?

A brush guard, I've been looking on ebay and some other places can't find one that is aggressive looking enough for my liking, any suggestions?

A light bar looking for the older style, the round halogen ones with like four on top of the roof.

Just overall maybe share your setup with me, give me some ideas! Thanks guys! look forward to reading your responses.

 

[SWIGIN]

Adding tow hooks is simple and cheap.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...en-tow-hooks-my-solution.453385/#post-3583552

I would do an Add a leaf instead of shackles since the AAL helps old worn out springs feel new or at least ride better. Mine went from feeling like bowl of jelly before the AAL and after it felt like a new solid vehicle.

The shackles will do nothing good for the ride feel and some say thy will flatten out your already old springs so without a doubt I'd go AAL. You could always add shackles later after the AAL .

 

[grizzlyxjim]

Could I use helper springs for a similar effect?

 

[SWIGIN]

There again, do the AAL then you could always add whatever to it.

In this thread is pics of mine before and after the AAL.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...lly-goes-under-the-knife.429627/#post-3606417

 

[grizzlyxjim]

What are the largest tires that I can fit on it stock? I have read 31's but I have also read that 31's can rub too. I'd hate to drop half a grand on tires for them not to fit.

 

[grizzlyxjim]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CIRR8I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER anyone try these

 

[MAS Tequila]

As far as springs go, I replaced the complete leaf set-ups with new springs made for a Ranger.

I bought the heaviest that I could find, and added the Add-A-Leaf and ended up with about 2" of lift.

Then the Warriors went in and now I'm at 3 1/2 to 4" of lift in the back.

New t-bar keys up front to achieve 2" of lift, I had to crank them down a bit.

I ended up with a firm but not harsh ride, which handles better than I ever thought it could.

But you have to run shocks that are designed for the small lift otherwise the stock length shocks will kill your ride quality.

It feels the way Ford should've built these.

I'm running 265/70/18 Coopers on 2014 Mustang wheels.

The only tire rub I get is on a full lock turn into a parking lot or drive if it's uphill, and that's just briefly on the plastic at the fender.

MT