Cutting Fenders to Fit Larger Tires?

[prossett]

Thinking of buying a Sport Trac but I've read here that it can't be lifted... has anyone cut the fenders to allow for larger tires instead of lifting?

Have a look at your ride and does it look like you could neatly cut off an inch or two, perhaps after removing the flares?

 

[davesexplorer]

They should be able to be lifted via body and/or suspension if they are similar to the IRS explorers depending on how much work you want to do.

 

[prossett]

Thanks bud - the guys here http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211646&highlight=lift say they can't be lifted because of the way the frame rail is set up.

Are there lift kits either suspension or body for Sport Trac 2008+?

 

[John_Rock]

Check with RoadBully to see if his 3rd Gen Explorer lift kit would work with the 2nd Gen Sport Tracs.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223741

 

[97awdx]

Check the 3rd Gen forum, you can do whatever we can do with ours, it's basically the same suspension setup. You could go with a 3" body, 3" spacers and 285/75R16's.

 

[prossett]

Can anyone confirm that the Sport Trac 09 has the same suspension set-up as 3rd generation Explorer?

I'm not doubting you 97awdx, just making double-sure as my purchase is based on this and I sure aren't going to shell out 30k just like that!

I also need to follow up with Ford directly - the dealer sales guys here are useless (living in UAE).

So, who's 100% sure the Sport Trac 09 carries the same suspension as Explorer?

 

[97awdx]

From what I can figure the suspension is the exact same.

2007 Sport Trac

2007 Explorer

I know the pictures aren't the best. But if you go to Autozone.com every part such as springs, bearings, brake pads, CV axles are the same for both vehicles.

 

[prossett]

Sweet - thanks guys: you rock!

Now for the hard bargaining LOL

 

[97awdx]

 

[eppd00]

I have an 08 Adrenalin and originally tried a set of 33" Michelin 275/60R20 tires.I was able to reshape the plastic wheel wells with a heat gun for turning clearance on the front.The problem I ran into was it needed an extra inch of upward travel for clearance when hitting certain holes ,dips in the road etc.
On the rear, a portion of the plastic bed on the forward end had to be removed and then a reshape of the plastic wheel well liner.
As there were no lift kits available,I went down one tire size to a 275/55R20 which has a 31.9" diameter.The 1.1" difference was perfect and it filled up those huge wheel wells.

 

[JohnnyO]

See if Bushwhacker has fender flares. I know they do for the Gen 1.

 

[JoeCool6972]

Roadbully and I have checked into this already. His spacers would work on the 07 up Sport Trac. It uses the EXACT SAME suspension as the 02-up Explorer. (I am a Ford dealer tech BTW) I will be the guinea pig in a few months.

 

[GreenMando]

Sweet - thanks guys: you rock!

Now for the hard bargaining LOL

I used my CostCo membership, got it for $2000 under invoice. With the extended warranty thrown in free. If you are not a member it seems like it would pay for itself. I understand costco still gives you a $500 gift card after you complete the sale.

I was in and out within a hour when we purchased, took care of most of it by a 10 minute phone call.

 

[wvkarmatoburn]

Hi all,first post here...........

I totaled an '08 Nissan Fronty on Dec 31st.

On Jan 10th, I drove away with a new 08 Sport Trac XLT V8.
I got the Employee pricing and the rebate and the dealership paid the taxes.
It came out to nearly $7k under original sticker.
I think I got a heck of a deal, so if any of you know different, don't spoil it for me!

Looking into raising it up a bit in the near future. I added spacers to my Fronty and had to buy the camber bolts and have the front re-aligned.
I'm assumming the same would be necessary after installing the RoadBully kit on the ST too, right?
Any help, advice, pictures would be much appreciated!!!

 

[JoeCool6972]

Yep, same would apply.