Body Lifts, lots of searching, now more confused

[thecause17]

I've finally gotten serious about body lifting my '97 Sport, mostly because I am now running a tire big enough I would like some more clearance...

I have been searching a lot here on the board for info on the lifts, since there isn't anything made specifically it seems for the Sport...

Anyways, what I want is 2 inches, don't need anymore than that, I onlyrub now on full suspension travel, daily driving is fine, even with the 32's.

In my searches, 3 numbers have come up...the #792 which I understand is the 2" kit for '90-'94. Does this kit work on the '95+ Sports? I could not find definate answers in the searches. The #853 which I'm not concerned with, being 3", and the #883, which I need the bumper brackets from?

I've got a headache from reading all these difference posts on this, and I can't quite sort it all out to see what I want to do.

I want a 2" body lift and the bumpers moved along with it...what exactly do I need. I understand I don't need a steering extension either for the 2"?

I appreciate any help, I've searched a lot, but it seems there so much jumbled info now that it's really tough to sort it all out among 2 and 4 doors, 2 and 3 inch, etc...thanks..

This is how she sits right now...

 

[bmxking5]

Not sure of the p/n, but I don't think your supposed to use the BL for the 91-94. I think it was ??-?? for the Rangers. Also, the BLs are the same for 2dr and 4dr

 

[thecause17]

See that's what's confusing.. Then what is the 2" number for gen 2's?

 

[96limitedX]

yes..you can use the 91-94 2" kit..thats what i plan to use..i also dont want 3". from what i have read you do not need a steering extension with the 2" kit.

i do have one ? of my own..with the 2" kit do you need to relocate the radiator?

 

[section525]

I have a 3" and I didn't relocate the radiator. It's over-rated anyways.

 

[Doug]

For your truck you're going to want to use PA kit #853 which will give you most of the right bolts, and the proper steering extenstion. You'll have to either make or buy your own bumper brackets. A BL isn't to hard to do if you can turn a wrench. If you're not confident working on your own vehicle them you may not want to attempt it as it can get pretty frustating. And yes the front bumper brackets from the 883 kit are the ones you will need.

 

[thecause17]

I want to go 2 inches, not 3 inches, so I am not goingto use the 853, that's 3"....


So I can use the '91-'94 2" kit then...that's what I was looking to find out. That would be the #792. So those who have done this, what modification needs to be done for that, other than getting the bumper brackets from the other kit, bolt lengths and things like that should be ok?

 

[TarHeel085]

yeah, you can use the 90-94 kit, thats what i used on my '99

 

[thecause17]

cool, were there any other modifications that you had to make to the kit to make it work? How about the bumper brackets, etc...thanks

 

[Bronco638]

I just did my 2" BL this past weekend. I used PA 792 (1991-94 Explorer). I did not need the steering shaft extension (it now comes with the kit - it didn't used to before). I did have to buy four M12 x 120mm 8.8 (= Grade 5) bolts. I used the four M12 x 160 mm bolts (in the kit) for the front-most and rear-most body mounts. The four M12 x 120mm bolts are used behind the front & rear seats and the old rear-most bolts are used in the front footwells. I did use the fan shroud relocation brakets (supplied in the kit) to lower the shroud (you have to cut off the lower tabs on the shroud as well as the upper tab on the passenger side [interfers with the radiator hose]). Now I need to install some hardware to hold the shroud to the bottom of the radiator and block off the 2" opening at the bottom of the shroud. Be sure to remove the brake line clip (it holds three lines) from the shock tower on the driver's side. I did this job by myself, it took me about 9 hours. It's not hard, there's just a lot to do. Use PB Blaster penetrating fluid on any rusty hardware (apply it the night before you start to work). As mentioned, the bumper brackets will not work, you'll need to fab your own. There are isometeric drawings on this site (search?). I had a problem hooking up my airbox (the circular one). I had to remove the fastener that held the filter element container to the inner fender. This allowed enough rotation to allow the halves to meet (and be secured by the cinch ring). Search for a post by Forum member Adam Berger. He did a nice write up on his 2" BL install. Just remember, he's from "down under" and his truck is right-hand drive.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions - Dave.

 

[thecause17]

Sweet, thanks, I'll keep that all in mind. How have most of you been lifting the body off the frame? I always wondered how people without hydraulic lifts are doing this, as most jacks aren't high enough to reach the body.

 

[96limitedX]

mine is a 3 1/2 ton and it will reach the body. but i hear you should use some wood to spread the weight out.

 

[Bronco638]

To lift the body off the frame, I used three stacked 2x8 (x 24" long) on the ground and three stacked 2x4 (x 24" long) under the body (just inside the rocker box). I screwed the 2x4s together using long drywall screws (for peace of mind). For a jack, I used the stock Explorer unit. I positioned everything under the post where the back door hinges are. Since you have a two door, I would jack just in front of the rear wheel well opening. I felt a little strange sticking my hands between the body and frame (since I was working by myself). So, have someone keep an eye on you (just in case). Obviously, a level surface is a major plus.

 

[97XEB]

Explorer Specific Body Lift Kit

Check this out: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128902&highlight=4crawler

Based upon the recommendation of another member of this board, I'm working with Roger Brown of 4Crawler on an Explorer Specific Body Lift Kit. He is totally willing to put one together, we're just waitin' on the necessary specs... like overall diameter for the pucks - though I'm guessing 2.5" is fine, hardware bolt length, size, relocation brackets, etc.

Hope this helps!

 

[Bronco638]

Jim,

I wish I knew about Roger/4Crawler before I did my lift, I would have been happy to contribute. Let me see if I can answer your questions:

1. How many body mounts? Yes it's 10.
2. Body mount diameter - 2 15/16"
3. Mounting hardware size:
Front = M12 x 160 mm (although, I think 150mm would be better)
Foot Well = M12 x ?? (used the old rear-most body mount bolts)
Behind Front Seats = M12 x 120mm
Behind Rear Bench Seat = M12 x 120mm
Rear = M12 x 160mm
4. Relocating bumpers & fan shroud - I could use the front and rear bumper brackets from the PA853 kit (I plan to make my own). There's images of each bracket (with dimensions) on this site but I do not know the Site URL. I downloaded the images a while ago and will use them as a template. I'm willing to email them to you (or Roger), if you'd like. I lowered my fan shroud with the supplied PA792 kit brackets. However, I need to fab a block off plate (for the 2" opening at the bottom of the shroud). Also, I will use existing holes in the lower radiator core support to secure the bottom of the shroud.

I'd be happy to supply pictures of what I had to modify to install my lift. Let me know if you/Roger are interested.

Dave.