Help!!! Could you suggest a list of parts for my Off Road Needs?

[PAExplorer]

Help!!!

Hi All,
I need some help. In the past year, I've been taking my 98 Explorer Sport out for some moderate off roading. The only change I've made is the addition
of oversized BF Goodrich A/T ko tires. Although it helps the cause, it's not enough now and since I'm getting more enthusiastic about off roading, I need
to make some more significant changes for some serious digging. What would you recomend I modify? I want to raise her up about 6 inches, but after that
I haven't got the slightest idea of what to do. I don't know much about truck mechanics. Could you suggest a list of parts that I can take to a shop to have installed? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Eric

 

[Alec]

What's your budget and what's your tire size goal? And I assume 4x4?

 

[PAExplorer]

Thanks for the reply. it's a 4x4. I'm looking to go with 35's. I don't want to go crazy, but my budget is about 3 thousand

 

[redShift]

Oh man, with a thread title like that I was expecting something better....

 

[Alec]

To fit 35s you're gonna either want about 7" of lift or about 5" with fiberglass fenders.

I recommend either the Trailmaster or Superlift 4" suspension lift with an additional 2 or 3" body lift to get the extra height you'll need. www.perrysfabnfiber has great fenders.

33x12.50s would be must cheaper and easier to fit: 4" of lift + fenders or about 5.5" of lift. You can do that with a 2" torsion twist and shackles/addaleaf in the rear and a 3" body lift. IMO, this is a much more reliable setup than the 4" lift kits (I've heard of those breaking often) and much cheaper.

Or, you can go all-out and do a solid axle swap: put a solid axle in place of your independent suspension in front, quite a few members have done this already. You'd even up the rear with an SOA, spring over axle, swap and maybe shackles in addition.

 

[JDraper]

I'm with Alec. I'd go the TT/Shackles route, or the TT/SOA route with a body lift. Take a look at Doug's and DasFrem's trucks. They are stuffing 35's under their trucks with those mods and getting good results.

I put a Superlift 4" suspension system in ExplorerEB96's truck, and she's fitting 34's with no body lift. The Superlift kit is built pretty well, and not too bad to install, but IMHO you'll get more bang for the buck doing the other route. My big complaint with the superlift kit is that the ground clearance under the truck is not significantly improved because of the drop crossmembers that go in.

 

[PAExplorer]

Alec,
Seeing as I have very limited automotive knowlege, where would I get these items? and who should I have install them? Also, I'm a little confused about my options. It's either a suspension lift and a body lift or a torsion twist/shackles addaleaf and a body lift? Can you explain the differences between the two and the advantages of each? Thanks for your time. It's a big help!
-Eric

 

[PAExplorer]

Anyone know of a reliable shop near philadelphia to perform the mods on my x-sport? Or maybe a place where I can go and get advise on what exacly I need to get the look and performance I want?
Thanks,
-Eric

 

[Alec]

1) TT/shackles + body lift (4-5")
or
2) 4" suspension lift kit + body lift (6-7")

1) is easily done in a weekend with hand tools and patience
2) is probably better done professionally

Have you tried using the search feature?

 

[JDraper]

If I were a little closer (I'm about 2.5 hours from ya), I'd say come out to my place and take a look at the 2 trucks currently at my house. One has a TT/Shackle lift on it (My truck) and the other has the Superlift kit on it (ExplorerEB96's truck), so you can see the differences....

 

[PAExplorer]

Thanks for the offer. I would come out if you were a little closer. I'm too damn busy these days. I'm going to continue with the research and hopefully you'll see my truck up here before too long.
-Eric

 

[JDraper]

If ya wanna see what's involved with doing the Superlift liftkit check out Karol's truck under the knife . That's the thread detailing the lift kit I installed on her truck.

 

[PAExplorer]

Damn, you do great work. Are you for hire? I'd much rather you do my work than someone who may not know what the heck they're doing. Two and a half hours dosen't sound that far anymore. Let me know if you're up to it.
Thanks,
-Eric

 

[ExplorerEB96]

heh heh told ya so Jeff

can't wait to get it back!! just waiting on a few more parts and the Powertrax!

Karol

 

[JDraper]

Thanks... Yeah, I can help ya out. As Karol (and a few others here) can tell ya, my garage is always open, and It's well stocked with tools and beer . I've been working on/modifying vehicles for the last 30 years or so.

The worst part is finding my place. Drive until you think you've gone waaayy to far, and then drive a couple more miles!

 

[PAExplorer]

Drop me an e-mail and let me know how this will work out. E.Halpern@att.net
Thanks,
-Eric

 

[ExplorerEB96]

LOL

Jeff is NOT kidding! Make a right at the pasture with 2 cows in it.... then keep going until you see the big oak...etc... lol after about 45 mins of driving what seems to be in the middle of nowhere...and you think you just couldn't possibly get any more in the middle of nowhere....you drive about 2o more mins and you arrive...but it's so nice out there you actually start looking into finding real estate. Ok Jeff,, Kevin got all of the parts except for the LH joint assy. He is now yelling at the parts manager to order it pronto... the rest I will be getting tomorrow morning and possibly shipping to you by Fri... now should I wait for the LH assy to ship to you or should I ship that seperate? It must be some inate attribute or some requirement of being a Ford Parts Manager that you have to be a total a**hole to do that job.... lol

Karol

 

[MrShorty]

Since the title of this thread is about off-road equipment, I'm going to suggest something, even though the topic has focused on lifts. Another thing you'll want is recovery equipment (Winches, tow straps, tow hooks, etc.). As you "expand your range" into deeper mudholes, bigger rocks, steeper hills, deeper snow, etc. you'll likely find yourself stuck sometime. It's sure nice when that mudhole swallows you to have an alternative means of getting your truck out.

 

[PAExplorer]

you read my mind!! I'm looking into it, thanks.

 

[sk1er17]

So you got a 98 sport huh??

If you want you can check mine out in person. Im not too far (depending where in philly you are). I live in Hamilton township NJ.. right over the bridge like 5 minutes past trenton.

Anyways...I have 2" BL, TT/Shackles, Double AAL, 4 Door leaf springs (you need those!). and im fitting 32's and dont need gears or anything (which is a good idea when you go 33 and larger).

Those suspension lift parts are fairly simple to install.. if you have all the parts it can be done in a few hours. But the BL is a PITA. I couldve went with a 3" BL and 33's but im extremely happy i went with the 2" and 32's... Its hard, especially with out trucks.

Feel free to drop me an email sk1er18@aol.com .

BTW. I havent found the 4" front suspension lift for less than $1500. and then you need the BL and other suspension parts (for the rear)/ tires/ gears. For my mods i believe tires included was well under 2K.