Explorer Specific Body Lifts by 4Crawler

[97XEB]

Roger Brown from 4Crawler is willing to custom make complete Explorer specific body lift kits. Roger / 4Crawler is apparently very highly regarded in the Toyota world. (Thanks to Jimabena74 for the reference and contact...)

While I know PA makes 2" & 3" body lifts for the 91 - 94 Explorers and 98+ Rangers that can be modified, it would be really nice to have Explorer specific kits. I'd also like to see a 1" kit - something not currently available.

Roger has been extremely reponsive and is very will to work with our X community on body lift kits. He needs the following information in order to put together Explorer specific kits:

1. How many body mounts the vehicle has. (I think it's 10. Can someone confirm?)
2. A rough idea of what size they body mounts are (i.e. 2" dia, 2.5" dia., etc.)
3. What size the mounting hardware is (diameter and working length for each mount - sometimes there is unused thread on bolts - and these may differ for each mount as some bolts are longer than others, etc.)
4. If items need relocating like bumpers, radiators, etc. - such as for 2" & 3" kits - Roger needs to know details on how they are mounted to the frame, the size of the mounting bolts and the spacing of the holes (e.g. 12mm bolts, 60mm on center - then a bracket can be designed based upon this data).

Anyone interested in such a kit and willing to accurately compile the required information, take pictures, etc?

(Unfortunately, I currently don't have the tools, garage space or time to do the work involved with accurately compiling the necessary info...)

Thanks!
Jim

 

[rhyno]

If they do not have a second gen explorer to work with, I would think that they are going to have a difficult time fabricating new brackets from pics or drawings.

 

[97XEB]

ryhno wrote:
If they do not have a second gen explorer to work with, I would think that they are going to have a difficult time fabricating new brackets from pics or drawings.

Not if someone provides ALL of the information required, not just pics and drawings, but also the measurements and specs I mentioned and requested. You'd be surprised what can be done with good specifications that include both exact measurements and the appropirate, scaled drawings and/or photos...

 

[Doug]

Why? the ranger BL works fine. It's nice to see people offering more parts for explorer's but if this guy is as good as you make him seem I'd like to see some more substancial parts built. Just my 2 cents.

 

[97XEB]

This all started because I want a 1" lift. NOT a 2" or 3" lift, not a kit for some other vehicle, but a 1" body lift made for my truck. (If you haven't already, read the entire thread to find out why before you start telling me that I should just get the 2" kit... )

Another member of this site recommended Roger from 4Crawler (www.4crawler.com) and provided contact info. I reached out to Roger, who responded immediately and is very willing to work with us to develop a complete Explorer specific kit. Again, not a Ranger kit, or a 91-94 Explorer kit, or some other kit that requires you peice together parts and fab brackets, but a kit - in various heights based upon demand, specifically made for our Explores.

Since the aftermarket doesn't exactly worship the Explorer platform and since this dude is both seemingly reputable and willing to work with us, I figured I'd put it out there to see if anyone else was interested.

Even if other people on this board, like yourself, aren't interested, we would all be much better off and it would be easier to get things done if people would be supportive of someone else willing to make aftermarket, off-road specific parts for our Explorers and rally around that person, company, etc. instead of popsting non value-added, negative and almost derogatory remarks.... :thumbdwn:

 

[davidmmm69]

I agree with you there If there was a specific lift for my 1995 I probably would have had it already,Just the thought of making bumber brackets is putting the brakes on my project,,,
also would love one to come out for my 2002 also..

 

[Doug]

1" BL? thats easy, get yourself some 1" body lift pucks and 1" longer bolts. You didn't specify you wanted a 1" BL specifically. But I'm not going to complain I'm all about the aftermarket supporting the explorer.

 

[Jefe]

I'll answer what I can, though I had no problem using the PA 3" ranger lift.

1. How many body mounts the vehicle has. (I think it's 10. Can someone confirm?)

yes, 10 (at least for a 4 dr)

2. A rough idea of what size they body mounts are (i.e. 2" dia, 2.5" dia., etc.)

I'm gonna guess 3"

3. What size the mounting hardware is (diameter and working length for each mount - sometimes there is unused thread on bolts - and these may differ for each mount as some bolts are longer than others, etc.)

12mm Someone in the process of doing a lift would have to measure length since some stock bolts get reused after a BL. I know that the 4 bolts under the seats with a 3" BL need a 110 or 120 mm length.

4. If items need relocating like bumpers, radiators, etc. - such as for 2" & 3" kits - Roger needs to know details on how they are mounted to the frame, the size of the mounting bolts and the spacing of the holes (e.g. 12mm bolts, 60mm on center - then a bracket can be designed based upon this data).

For 2" lift you need:
front & rear bumper
radiator drop
PA lift comes with ground strap drop brackets though I don't think they're necessary
And for 3" add:
steering extension

 

[zhanx]

97XEB
i am getting ready to do my 3" this weekend, i will photographic everything and take all the measurements you need pm me a list and i will fill it in line by line, and supply photos of each spot you need this should help you out

 

[Creager]

When it comes to the bumpers and what not, on these lifts you cant really make brackets that will make it easy. You will have to end up cutting the bumper or the frame unless you make the brackets stick out more, which would look just plain ugly

i would like to see them produce a body kit with a gas tank lift kit included... i like the idea of my gas tank tucked up in the body when i lift it.

 

[Buckshot]

When it comes to the bumpers and what not, on these lifts you cant really make brackets that will make it easy. You will have to end up cutting the bumper or the frame unless you make the brackets stick out more, which would look just plain ugly

i would like to see them produce a body kit with a gas tank lift kit included... i like the idea of my gas tank tucked up in the body when i lift it.

No need to move bumpers with a 1" lift - WAY too much pain to bother.

But lifting the gas tank or anything else underneath is a GREAT idea. Anyone done it yet?

 

[97XEB]

Jefe - Thanks as always! You're definitely one of those guys that always seems to come through and provide good, solid, encouraging information!!

zhanx wrote:
i am getting ready to do my 3" this weekend, i will photographic everything and take all the measurements you need pm me a list and i will fill it in line by line, and supply photos of each spot you need this should help you out

That would be AWESOME and sincerely appreciated!! Hopefully it won't require too much extra work. Would definitely be a win-win as it would give this guy Roger from 4Crawler a chance, and hopefully give us Explorer specific off road parts!!

Those interested in lifting the gas tank... That is outside the scope of this thread. Please start your own thread to pursue that discussion, don't hijack mine....

Thanks!

 

[97XEB]

Some clarification....

This thread started out over here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1156025#post1156025
Check that out to find out why I specifically want a 1" body lift, and only a 1" body lift. (Probably should have restated it here, since it has caused some confusion...)

* This thread was started for two primary reasons:
1. To gauge interest in an Explorer specific body lift kit, and
2. To help obtain and compile the information necessary for 4crawler to make such a kit.

* Although some kits on the market can be adapted, there is definite value in, and a market for a kit made specifically for our vehicles. Just look at this thread alone for an example of soemone who would buy an X specific kit, but who is hesitant to have to modify something that was made for another vehicle. I'm sure davidmmm69 isn't the only one in that situation. More lifted & off roaded Explorers may lead to more aftermarket support. A good thing for all of us.

* Roger from 4Crawler isn't "my buddy." In fact don't know him at all except for the fact that another member of this board recommended I contact him. When I did contact him, Roger was very responsive and willing to work with us, which certainly makes him seem like a solid guy.

* Lifting the gas tank may be related to a body lift kit. I'm still not really convinced that it is, but even if it is, we still need to walk before we can run, as the old adage goes. Let's start small and get basic Explorer specific Body Lift kits... the focus of this post... then we can add requirements. In the meantime, I suggested you start another thread to pursue strictly lifting the gas tank.

* Dude, I'm not offended at all... hopefully you are not either.

 

[zhanx]

Jefe - Thanks as always! You're definitely one of those guys that always seems to come through and provide good, solid, encouraging information!!


That would be AWESOME and sincerely appreciated!!
Thanks!

nope not too much since i was gonna do a super in def pic shoot on it anyways for the pops. (aka the fajhaera). Only thing extra will be micro'in the the bolts and old pucks and givin a write up on it

 

[97XEB]

zhanx - How'd your body lift go? Would love to see your after pics. Are you still planning on posting some pictures and specs?

Thanks!

 

[zhanx]

97eb sorry about the long delay, i had to go back to iraq. i took a tons of pic's of it only one problem i have to wait till the wife sents out the sd card i took them on left it at home.. (sorry about that)

 

[96limitedX]

i think it would be great to have a full kit to do it. so i would be interested.

 

[97XEB]

zhanx wrote:
97eb sorry about the long delay, i had to go back to iraq. i took a tons of pic's of it only one problem i have to wait till the wife sents out the sd card i took them on left it at home.. (sorry about that)

Zhanx - No Worries, and NO need to apologize!! Didn't know you were in the service. What branch?

Be Safe!! God Bless!! ...and SINCERE THANKS for doing what you're doing!

 

[jimbo74]

wow how did i miss this thread yup roger is a good guy, i have bought a couple things from him... everyone knows him in the toyota world, and his stuff is stout, i have seen his work up close and his 4 runner is awesome... he even has it setup where his front shocks cannot bottom out if the main shock runs out of travel some kind of thing goes the oterh way with soem extra shcoks... its pretty cool.....

 

[99stocksport]

I agree with you there If there was a specific lift for my 1995 I probably would have had it already,Just the thought of making bumber brackets is putting the brakes on my project,,,
also would love one to come out for my 2002 also..

i have to agree with davidmmm69, if htere was a specific lift made for my explorer...and better yet a 1in lift i would have bought it by now....those hockey pucks just scare me