"Custom" 1.5" to 2" susp. lift for a '94

[BigDave]

I just got back from attica and found that I desperately need a lift of somesort. I know a guy by me that has a '93 that he lifted the suspension about 2" by installing a helper spring and air susp. in the rear and putting about 10" thick (2" or greater diam) washers under the front springs. Everything else stayed the same. He did intall a 6" (I think) or maybe 4" boady lift to fit the 33's that he had on. I was wondering if any of you think this would be a possibility for a college kid on a ver tight budget. Do those of you who are experienced four wheelers think this would work on the trail? I really want some lift for my truck, but until I graduate and get a job, I can't afford the 5.5" lift that will be installed (along with 33's and at least a rear tracloc) once I make some real money.

Just need some opinions, good or bad (but that is all relative right? )

thanks,

Dave

 

[rock883]

Skyjacker makes a 2" suspension lift that consists of add-a-leafs, and new coils for the front. I don't think a 4" body is even made, much less a 6" body!! I have never seen anyhting like that. Can you imagine the kind of gap you would have?? I am going to put my 3" body and then get the 2" suspension and put 33" pro comp's on some rock crawler wheels (the cheap ones at 4wheelparts.com). They are having a buy 3 get one free deal on all their procomp tires. I will only get the 33" if I can get a deal on a gear change. But the 2" suspension is only $150 or so, but you have to get some caster/camber bushings to get it aligned properly, not sure what those cost though.

 

[mattadams]

he probably meant 4-6" suspension lift but if not... can you imagine how easy it would be to change your spark plugs? Oh man I'd change em with every oil change just cause it'd be so dang easy . Just kidding of course. Depending on the level you want to jack up the vehicle a 2" suspension lift might work, though his version of one seems a little poorly designed (just from my perspective of course), and 10" thick washers? Never even seen such a thing, not saying it doesn't exist of course. I say go with a 3" body lift and/or 4" suspension lift or go huge, 5.5" lift .

 

[BigDave]

Sorry, not 10" thick washers, but 10 thick washers. This guy has a lot of frame showing. He eventually put on the 5.5 in Superlift though, I haven't seen the truck since he has done that though.

Anyway, I think that I will proably wait until I can afford to build up the truck correctly. I will want to have everything done in one weekend if I can to suprise the neighbors. I'll get the install instructions when I get the kit. I can't wait to lift my truck. After that I will do lockers or air lockers or a traclock, an maybe mattracks? That would be cool...

Anymore opinions would be appreciated...

Thanks,

Dave

 

[MW4HD]

94 XLT Explorer 4WD

Hey BigDave, good decision. Lifting with 'cheaper' kits and alternatives to kits is NOT the way to go. Save up and do it right. There are kits other than the 5.5" Superlift that will actually clear the 33's better AND ride better. I've played with coils and kits for about 10 years on Rangers and Explorers. I've had 7 Rangers and 3 Explorers. There's only one kit and one coil I'll run now. Skyjacker's front box kit with rear springs and Fabtech's coils. The ride is just a little firmer than Skyjacker's coils, but, they hold up better than ANY other coil. If you run the Skyjacker 6" front kit and rear springs with Fabtech's coils you'll have the most clearance, the best ride and the best handling over ANY others. I don't know if they've got it on the site yet, but, check out http://www.offroadwarehouse.com - they carry Skyjacker and Fabtech's products. As far as the rear end goes, lookin for a Traclok, you could go a little further with the new Powertrax No-Slip, I think ORW carries 'em also...

 

[Dre]

2" lift

Dave, I did some checking after our latest off roading experiance and it looks like the best way to go about it is to get either SkyJacker or the Duff 2" suspension lift. Skyjacker didn't get good reviews but I haven't heard anything about the Duff one yet. Anyway you go it's about $500.00 - $600.00.
Also check Performace Accesories, I think that's what it's called. They have some cheap ways of raising your explorer by simply replacing front shocks and coils and installing add-a-leaf and new shocks in a back. I think this would run you around $400.00 anyway and would give you around 1.5" to 2" of lift. Not much but this plus some 31X10.5 tires combined with additional 2" body lift should give you just enough lift.

I'll check the Performance stuff later on and will let you know about the costs.

Just my two cents.

Later,

 

[Dre]

4" and 5.5"

Dave and others..... it might not be wise for you to run around looking for cheap ways of lifting your truck when you can get a Trailmaster 4" lift for $599.00 or better yet, go 5.5" Superlift for same price and that includes shocks. Whether everything you need is included in the kit or not I don't know since I haven't called anybody yet. Think about it. Is it really worth getting 1 to 2 inches for $300.00, 400.00??

I'd prefer a 4". It would be enough for me without scaring my wife too much and should perform well with my 31X10.5 tires.

Just thinking out loud.