Explorer Express X-spec suspension

[01limited]

I am curious for those of you who have purchased it, if there is a difference, I am not wild about lowering it but don't want to have to worry about rolling over. If anyone has this and can post pictures of before and after and what their thoughts are about it. I read the site and they are selling it so they only show the pros any cons?
Thanks
Dylan

 

[Ritsui]

I am not wild about lowering it but don't want to have to worry about rolling over.

Then don't lower it. Just drive it like a truck, not a sports car and you won't roll it.

 

[aldive]

I had the complete kit; key word HAD.

The ride sucked so bad, I finally had to remove all of the kit except the rear sway bar.

I noticed virtually no difference in handeling with the truck at stock height as compared to lowered; te key component is that sway bar.

Also, I dumped the Edelbrock shocks in favor of the Rancho 9000x. This netted a vast improvement in ride quality.

Good luck.....

 

[Hartman]

Lowering will make the ride worse but to say it doesn't handle better is a bold face lie. Lowering it will increase the handling exponentially. It's a trade off, depending on how you want your truck to perform.

 

[Oversquare]

Al

Quick question - did the shorter bumpstops make any difference in wheel travel? Did you feel that they were necessary for the lowered suspension?

Thanks!

-Brad

 

[aldive]

The short bump stops did not help; I even removed the stops altogether and it didn't help with the bottoming out.

I could not stand the ride anymore and raised it to stock height; it was like getting a new truck.

 

[STSJayDub]

So what would be better, lowering it with airbags or with the X-Spec?

 

[draft]

You'll find that everyone's opinion differs on the issue of ride quality, and to base your decision soley on the views expressed in this thread would be nothing more than foolish of you. Of course you'll face a slight downfall in ride quality when you lower, but the handling is purely awesome.

I did the adjuster flip, so I'm about 2" away each time from bottoming out and hitting the fender wells, and I rub constantly, so my situation is a tad different. You could cut the bumpstops yourself, no need to buy new ones. It's all perception and what a "rough" or "smooth" ride means to you. It differs.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

I agree with draft. It like asking is ford better than chevy. It's something you will have to try yourself. I know it's expensive, but it's the only way you will know. I have the kit also. I just installed it. I cannot look at my truck and tell it's lowered. It is so slight, these old eyes just don't see it. As soon as I get my truck out, will put on new ball joints and tie rods and get the front end aligned, I will take it on a nice long journey. That's the only way I can express an opinion on if it is better, worse, or the same. But I lowered it to stop the roll over potential also. Nothing is going to stop it completely, but let's say it may slow it down.

 

[MONMIX]

The quick and easy is to just put on the EE Sway Bar kit.
That will make the most anti-roll differance.
Obviously it does nothing for your ride height.

 

[stretch]

I would just use the EE sway bars with some Rancho 9000X shocks. That should give you the rollover resistance you're looking for. I had the Edlebrock shocks and they are stiff, the Ranchos are adjustable so you can set them to whatever you like best. When you are talking about handling you also need to think about upgraded tires. It doesn't matter how good your suspension set-up is, if your tires can't keep you planted to the road you could be in a world of trouble. And as Ritsui said, remember that it's a truck and drive it accordingly. This is all my own opinion, so take it for what it's worth. Good luck with whatever you decide to do and keep us informed.

 

[Bill Kemp]

I lowered my 96 X and replaced the front sway bar.
On the 98 I replaced the front sway bar bushings and got the rear EE sway bar. I didnt lower the 98. I like the ride and handeling of the 98 better than the 96. That rear sway bar makes a lot of difference. I have Monroe Reflex shocks.

 

[01limited]

Thanks for everyones input, I am new to explorers but I am not new to working on cars and trucks. I don't drive it like a race car, but I have heard stories and want to cut back on rolling it. I will probably get the rear sway bar and all new poly bushings, I will get new shocks and I might try those rancho's, I have had bilsteins on my track car but this is a truck so might be different.
I like my 2001 Explorer limited 2nd Gen. I have already added the K&N system and powerslot rotors and greenstuff pads up front and plan to do the rear and get a Magnaflow exhaust on it.
I will be posting more and more just been looking a bit but when I have questions I will post.
Thanks again to everyone
Dylan