Cheap lift!

[flyguy]

Haha... do you really want to be shaking around a drunk guy in the back of your car though? hehe

nick

 

[2001ExpSport]

Ya, no puke! Puke baaad!


Anyways, I am going to get some Warrior shackles($40) and front coil spacers(need to look for $) for a lift. All you need is the cash for the shackles, spacers, $50 for a froont end alignment and you get 2".

 

[flyguy]

Cool. I can do this stuff myself right? Do i need a jack? Im sure i do. I dont have one! just ramps. sigh. Where should i get it?

nick

 

[2001ExpSport]

I bought two jack stands and a 10 ton jack at pep boys(any auto parts outlet will do) and they were cheap. I bought them last year so I don't remember how much they were. I do know they were less than $40 together. Make sure you get at least two jack stands. Ramps won't work because you will have to remove the wheels to get to the shackles/spacers.

The shackles are easy, just jack the vehicle and put the stands under a good frame point(BOTH SIDES). Remove both rear wheels and position the jack on the inside of the leaf spring under the axle. Jack it up until it's just touching the bottom of the axle(this will hold your axle while you remove the shackles from the frame). Remove the shackles and replace with the new ones. Lower the axle if necessary to accomidate the longer shackles. Repeat this step for the other side. Install rear wheels.

The springs are a little harder, but you can do it. I have to take a look at mine to see what needs to be done and I will get back here.

Here's a tip, don't do this type of work on asphalt. The jack stands will sink into the asphalt and could cause the vehicle to fall. Try to do this on a flat concrete surface(your garage). It's makes for safe conditions. If you have to do it on asphalt, put some 1/2" or greater plywood under the jack and stands.

 

[flyguy]

Alright.. cost comparison time! What would it cost for me to have a shop do this? Also.. kinda off the subject... but how much should I expect to pay to have new gears installed on my 4wd?

nick

 

[2001ExpSport]

Well, I would buy a rear end from a local auto parts place, like NAPA. Call them to get a price. Changing the axle is relatively easy, but does take some mechanical knowedge. I would suggest having a shop change your rear end. Shops charge on average $60 hr for labor. I know my Ford shop charges $72 hr. So, add that to parts and you get the total. The lift is really easy Nick, you should do it just to learn how and it gives you a great feeling of accomplishment. I lifted my 99 Ranger myself(4x2) and all I had to get was an alignment. I did it in about 4 hrs, but if you have never done it before then you should take the whole day off. A body lift on the other hand is tough and time consuming. I think I will do mine and take photos to post here. What do you think?

 

[2001ExpSport]

On second thought, where do you live. I would be happy to help you out. No reason to pay a shop to do the lift.

 

[flyguy]

I doubt we live near. I am in Bakersfield, CA. Soon to be moving to Fullerton, CA. Bakersfield is kinda a hole. hehe. My main thing is that I dont have jacks. and Ive seen good ones hit well over 100 bucks. So you say a body lift is harder? also.. how does that work for under the hood clearance? do you gain more? Hmmm

nick

 

[2001ExpSport]

I have seen what it takes to do a body lift. In some cases you have to change the brake lines, radiator lines and steering shaft to longer ones. Most kits include these parts. The body lift will give you more underhood clearance. A good body lift with all the parts will run less than $100 and I think it is about 2".

 

[2001ExpSport]

LOL, I looked into a body lift some more and it has gotten my interest and seems very challenging. I wonder how hard a body lift really is?

 

[flyguy]

I WANT!!! I just bought some stuff from my local hardware store to make a 3" cool air induction thingamajig for my explorer... cept i dont know if it will fit... might need that body lift!

nick

 

[2001ExpSport]

LOL...what the heck did you buy...dryer duct?
hahahahaha......

 

[2001ExpSport]

Man, that was really funny, I dunno why but I am still laughing.......

 

[2001ExpSport]

Check it out, I found this cool site. It has a Dick Cepek body lift kit on it.

Dead Link Removed

Dick Cepek Race Series Body Lift Kits are designed to increase fender clearance for oversize tires and wheels while maintaining the vehicles factory ride characteristics. These premium quality Body Lift Kits come complete with sound absorbing composite spacer blocks, heavy duty bracketry, Grade 5 hardware and complete instructions for a clean professional installation. Race Series Body Lift Kits do not require a shock, spring, driveshaft or front end alignment change. Available in 2" or 3" lift for all popular 2 & 4 wheel drive vehicles. All Dick Cepek Race Series Body Lift Kits come with a limited lifetime warranty. Be sure and mention the monthly internet special when calling 800-992-3735 to order.

Dead Link Removed

 

[flyguy]

Nope... PVC! It will be neat! Im replacing the intake hose with 3" PVC, and then moving the batter further back... and putting the air filter up front behind the headlight...

nick

 

[flyguy]

Hmm..i just took a look... 3" lift too huh? so whatcha think... 2" or 3"?

nick

 

[2001ExpSport]

Got lift!

Well, I just ordered an Add-a-leaf(1.5"-2.5") for the rear from Summit Racing.($34.00 total)

http://store.summitracing.com/part....2RX&part=2D25BDEC-3630-11D3-949D-080009FC5B5F

I will be doing the torsion lift(free 1.5"-1.75" front) when I get the leafs. If I remember correctly you will have to get the OME springs or spacers for a 2" lift on your 94.

http://www.4x4central.com/torsionbars.html

I also ordered a KKM True Rev intake which should be here in a few days. This IS fun!!!

I might even look into a body lift, they are cheap too. Still too much of a novice to mess with it now though.

I would take the 3" Nick

I will let you know how it all turns out, with pics too.

[Edited by 2001ExpSport on 08-01-2000 at 10:15 PM]

 

[SCEXPLORER]

Ok now i'm confused! I have a 1997 Explorer Sport and i've been reading that the torsion twist and warrior shackles decreases body roll. I want to raise my car about two inches to have tire clearance and remain handling on the street. No offroading for now. Which is the best way to go body lift whoch costs $100 or the torsion twist and warrior shackles for about $50.

 

[2001ExpSport]

Either one will do what you want although the the shackles and twist is much easier than the body lift.