Height Adjutable Shocks in a 5.0 AWD? Sense or Nonsense?

[homerbundy]

I'm getting a 98 5.0 AWD tomorrow and have no experience in lifting the 2nd gen. Explorers (had only 91-94's yet). I don't want a serious lift since it's going to be my daily workhorse. But from time to time I'd like to take her to the desert and around 1.5 or 2" more clearance plus a set of oversized tires would already do.

Now I'm considering to install Monroe's height adjustable shocks to both the front and the rear axle. So far I only used them on my 94's rear axle. (the MA776 non-automatic ones). They're good for up to 2" and even more than around 3" to 4" or so (I wouldn't recommend driving onroad and/or longer distances with shocks pumped up more than 2")

Monroe also offers height adjustable shocks for the front. They're also non automatic. So I guess they also come with airpressure lines and a valve like the MA776's for the rear.

My question is, has anyone already tried a set up like this and how came it out? Are there any other ways or products that help lifting a '98 5.0 AWD about 2", beside adjusting tension bars and add-a-leafs?

Thanks for any help!

 

[410Fortune]

Listen air shocks that increase ride height are going to suck IMO ride quality wise

Why are you shying away from a torsion bar twist and shackles for the rear?
Its not expensive, it will get youthe 2" of lift you are looking for and it is not a ride hght band aid but an adjustment to the actual suspension (springs) to gain height.

Its not expensive or hard to do.

 

[homerbundy]

I'm not really shying away from torsion bar twists and shackles or add-a-leafs. It's just that I've never dealed with torsion bars and because I figured it might by nice to have the opportunity of easily lowering to the normal height once a longer highway-trip is on schedule.

 

[410Fortune]

understood, the 2" in suspension is not that much
Maxed out torsion bars can ride like crap
Air shocks did come factory on some Gen II explorer's
AWD does not do all that great in the sand
What size tires do you want to clear?

 

[homerbundy]

I'd like to put on 265/75/16 (I have them on my 94 and they fit perfectly) if I find a set of reasonably priced 16' rims. If not, I'd take 15" tires and put them on the original teardrop rims.

Without a 4x4 low I wouldn't even consider going into deep sand or try some of the trails I used to do with a better equipped car. The AWD is ok on snow and some easy offroading, but not much more than that. That's just another reason why I don't want to invest a lot. I just want to have the oppotrunity to make it through some easier portions of Fish Creek (for example) without tearing of the running boards immediately...

 

[MountaineerGreen]

265's will fit with a TT and shackles with minor trimming of the bumper and inner fender plastic. Not good for flex or serious off roading, but work for normal driving. Im not sure how air shocks would work on the front.... A mild TT should get you enough room for the tires