Few help answers needed!

[bkmc24]

So I have recently gotten ChrisWells' 96 5.0 4X4 Explorer.
There a few things here and there it needs but so far im in love with DD'ing it.

Before the hate, im new to anything Non-Honda and 4X4 but and learning as quickly as possible. Have been browsing FAQ and Stickies before posting incase i find answers(which i did to some).


1) Does anyone else have any troubles with an exhaust leak where the header and flange meet on Torque Monster headers? Any fixes? The gasket was replaced and it didnt leak for about 15 minutes and slowly came back.

2) I am probably going to go with a 3inch BL on top of the AAL&TT already done to fit some 33's. I was told by my brother that body lifts put more stress on the axles and will cause me to break them a lot. The axles are expedition axles as of now. True? Should i upgrade again? Issues and advice?

3) Are all Explorer headlights garbage? I can drive around with hi-beams on all night and still have trouble seeing. Any Retro-fits available or something to do to fix this?

Ill update when i remember more questions because i know i have more.

TIA


Ben

 

[bkmc24]

No help?
Really?

 

[stangman82]

dude give it some time! lol

as far as exhaust leak goes, possibly the egr tube is giving you the trouble.

A body lift will not put more stress on axles by itself (bigger tires will tho) your problem will be driveshafts and brake lines etc.

Try aiming the headlights before replacing. if you do upgrade, HID kits are cheap and effective.

 

[bkmc24]

dude give it some time! lol

as far as exhaust leak goes, possibly the egr tube is giving you the trouble.

A body lift will not put more stress on axles by itself (bigger tires will tho) your problem will be driveshafts and brake lines etc.

Try aiming the headlights before replacing. if you do upgrade, HID kits are cheap and effective.

I gave it a day lol
seems like a large enough forum to get some help within a day haha.

What should i do about the DS's and brake lines? I want bigger tires for sure.

 

[Turdle]

Yeah, the passenger side header flange was a bummer for me, I found it best by loosening the exhaust hangers, and, leaving the collector bolts loose, while attaching the headers to the heads, then, wiggle the connection on the collector to seat it well, then tighten down tight. I tighten the inboard bolt until I see a little angle on the flange, then torque down the outer collector bolt to get a good seal. You might even wipe a film of ultra copper gasket sealer to the inner collector lip on the exhaust down tube first.
be sure to tighten the exhaust hangers once you get it sealed.

I didn't know Chris was even selling his truck. How did I miss this?

 

[stangman82]

I gave it a day lol
seems like a large enough forum to get some help within a day haha.

What should i do about the DS's and brake lines? I want bigger tires for sure.

I'd google lift companies for our trucks and search their sites for extended brake hoses. (may not need them, haven't lifted my x so not sure if it's totally necesary)

 

[stangman82]

I gave it a day lol
seems like a large enough forum to get some help within a day haha.

My mistake I looked quick and it looked like you had waited 13 mins

What should i do about the DS's and brake lines? I want bigger tires for sure.

I'd google lift companies for our trucks and search their sites for extended brake hoses. (may not need them, haven't lifted my x so not sure if it's totally necessary)

 

[bkmc24]

Yeah, the passenger side header flange was a bummer for me, I found it best by loosening the exhaust hangers, and, leaving the collector bolts loose, while attaching the headers to the heads, then, wiggle the connection on the collector to seat it well, then tighten down tight. I tighten the inboard bolt until I see a little angle on the flange, then torque down the outer collector bolt to get a good seal. You might even wipe a film of ultra copper gasket sealer to the inner collector lip on the exhaust down tube first.
be sure to tighten the exhaust hangers once you get it sealed.

I didn't know Chris was even selling his truck. How did I miss this?

He was getting out of wheeling and stuff. It wasnt really a HEY BUY MY CAR. My brother asked him how much to sell it and he was like this much. The rest is history.

The side that is leaking for me is the drivers side which is super annoying.

 

[Turdle]

So, on the passenger side the #5 tube is 2 piece to clear the steering. Is it this connection which is leaking? or is it at the collector flange to the down pipe?

 

[bkmc24]

Passenger side does not leak.
I will mess with the drivers side and see whats up here this weekend.

Anyone have the 3"BL with the TT&AAL and have issues? Thats my main concern. The rest ill figure out. Im used to going 3 inches lower, not lifting lol

 

[Turdle]

ooops, I meant to say , on the driver side, is the #5 tube.

You may have issues with the steering shaft wanting to be in the same place as a header tube, when doing a body lift. 410fortunes thread " making one explorer from 2" has this covered with pictures I think.

 

[bkmc24]

Ill have to look at that flange when i can.
Also i cannot seem to find anywhere but what do SAS and SOA mean?

 

[71cutty455]

SAS = Solid Axle Swap, swapping independent front suspension for a solid axle and leaf or coil springs for more lift, strength, and off-roading capability

SOA = Spring Over Axle, Explorers have the rear axle sitting on top of the rear leaf springs, SOA puts the axle underneath the springs for more lift

 

[bkmc24]

SAS = Solid Axle Swap, swapping independent front suspension for a solid axle and leaf or coil springs for more lift, strength, and off-roading capability

SOA = Spring Over Axle, Explorers have the rear axle sitting on top of the rear leaf springs, SOA puts the axle underneath the springs for more lift

Word.

What are lift options of getting rid of the torsion bars? I really just want something about 4inches and 33's for just a little more fun offroad. I am not looking for something insane.