Got this for free..looking for answers

[clwnshu99]

Quick Background:
The name's Alex. This isn't my first rodeo on a forum. I've been building Hot Rods with my dad since I was fresh outta the womb. Not quite, but for about 11 years. I personally have owned about 15 cars and trucks, anything from a '72 Chevelle to my '99 BMW Z3 Hardtop Coupe (Non Convertible 1 of 2180). Last week I picked up this '98 XL. 125k miles, very well maintained, interior is more or less spotless under the floor mats, no rips tears or stains anywhere. Owned by an old lady who had it resprayed some electric blue. Being a painter, id rate it about a 7/10 paintjob. Needs wetsanding and buffed smooth, but at least they did the jambs and all.

Anyway, this is my first explorer and I don't know too much about them. I know to use the search button for questions and what not, and I have been doing a little homework on them, but I'm still hung up on a few things. I'm looking for basically a daily driver through winter, and something to tug around a set of jetskis in the summer. I'd like to fit 33s, as I already have a set, but I can settle for 32s. Ive read that I will need a minimum of a 3 inch body lift for 33s, and maybe get away with a torsion twist and add a leafs or shackles for 32s..is that correct? I cant seem to find a 3 inch body lift anywhere but i see everyone has them installed. I did see people using a 3in Ranger kit, but with complaints of needing heavy modification to the kit and steering shafts. Any help is appreciated.

Also, just for ***** and giggles, here's my other two cars:

 

[sport97]

Nice rides!

As far as fitting 33's yea you probably need the body lift and will need to adjust the torsion bars and throw shackles or an add a leaf on the back. I believe you need the ranger kit for the same year as your explorer, and the only issue with the kit is one of the bumper brackets if I recall. No issues with steering extension installs.

Only issue with 32's in a 15" rim are the lack of options. You may fit 32/11.50/15s with just TT and shackles but you may need to trim. I have the metric version (265/75/16) which is 32" tall but only 10-10.5 or so wide so I have no fitment issues with those.

 

[clwnshu99]

Ah okay..as far as shackles and leafs go, should I do both as opposed to doing one or the other? Also, I'm seeing a lot on warrior 152(?) shackles, whats better about them as opposed to an off brand? I know you get what you pay for with aftermarket, but I'm not looking to go thrash through the woods and up the mountains, simply have an aggressive looking low budget 4x4 for snow and whatnot.

 

[sport97]

Ah okay..as far as shackles and leafs go, should I do both as opposed to doing one or the other? Also, I'm seeing a lot on warrior 152(?) shackles, whats better about them as opposed to an off brand? I know you get what you pay for with aftermarket, but I'm not looking to go thrash through the woods and up the mountains, simply have an aggressive looking low budget 4x4 for snow and whatnot.

Warrior 153 shackles are basically the only lift shackle besides custom made ones. They sell really cheap but flimsy ones at autozone at work but they have no cross support.

The AAL kit is about 35-40 bucks, it would provide a slight amount of lift but also firm up your ride. Some like it (I personally think the ride is 100 times better) and others say it is to stiff. The down side to the shackles is they wear out the leaf springs faster. I personally run both on my explorer. Both are common options used. The shackles run about 75 bucks or so I believe.

 

[1Aauto]

welcome to the site

 

[clwnshu99]

Awesome, thanks for the input and compliments!

 

[explorer-aus]

Nice rides!

As far as fitting 33's yea you probably need the body lift and will need to adjust the torsion bars and throw shackles or an add a leaf on the back. I believe you need the ranger kit for the same year as your explorer, and the only issue with the kit is one of the bumper brackets if I recall. No issues with steering extension installs.

Only issue with 32's in a 15" rim are the lack of options. You may fit 32/11.50/15s with just TT and shackles but you may need to trim. I have the metric version (265/75/16) which is 32" tall but only 10-10.5 or so wide so I have no fitment issues with those.

Not completely true, the steering extension in the 853 kit does need to be modified, (not sure about the 883 which you need) but the only mod was filing down a small notch that does not slip into the new extension.

Also, YOU CAN fit 33" tyres without a body lift, i have seen it many times before. You do however need atleast a 2" suspension lift and a bit of fender trimming, do not expect it not to rub when turning tight corners.

Here is an explorer with 33" only suspension lifted
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349509&page=4

 

[clwnshu99]

Not completely true, the steering extension in the 853 kit does need to be modified, (not sure about the 883 which you need) but the only mod was filing down a small notch that does not slip into the new extension.

Also, YOU CAN fit 33" tyres without a body lift, i have seen it many times before. You do however need atleast a 2" suspension lift and a bit of fender trimming, do not expect it not to rub when turning tight corners.

Here is an explorer with 33" only suspension lifted
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349509&page=4

What are the sites you guys use for stuff such as lifts? Like I said previously, I'm not looking for the best of the best, just something that wont break while I'm driving to work.