Good first upgrades?

[AndrewUGA00]

:exp:

Hey guys my names Andrew. After totaling my 98 mustang I decided I would get a 2002 4x4 explorer. I've had a 99 explorer sport but the transmission went out on it and the 2002 had the same problem but I just had a new trans put in it. I want to start upgrading it but would like some adivce on which upgrades to start with. Thanks!

 

[OffTrac]

Welcome to the forum! Fellow Dawg I assume. I graduated from UGA in '08. Go Dawgs!

I'd start with refreshing the suspension. What direction do you have in mind for your Ex? Street or offroad?

 

[AndrewUGA00]

OffTrac:

Yeah I am a big Dawgs fan! If tuition wasn't so high I would be there instead of KSU.

My Ex will be a daily driver and I just put 700 into the BF tires and 1,100 into the trainsmission. I would really like to raise the suspension because everytime I have taken it off road I get caugh on inclines. Is there a specific suspension I should consider? And what are some less costly upgrades I could consider?

Thanks and GO DAWGS!

 

[Ronin8002]

For suspension lifting, try here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279667

If you go that route, I would also highly recommend installing some of these at the same time to avoid having issues with your stock upper ball joints:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=312771

As well as installing a set of these:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353043

After installing the spacers and new arms, make sure to get a 4 wheel alignment.

Also, when you install a strut spacer type lift, you will get less body roll if you make some extended sway bar end links. I used this method and it worked really well:

http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194211

For the lift spacers, the clearance you gain is not a 1:1 ratio with the spacers. Due to the way the independent suspension geometry works, you get about 1.5" of lift for every 1" of spacer. So you can get a really decent amount of lift from even a 2.25" spacer in the front a 1.75" in the rear. I would recommend going smaller though...you'll lose less suspension downtravel that way.

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site