I have a 94 explorer XL and I want to find the cheapest way to get at least 33s under it. I've been told I can put 2 inch coil springs on the front and 2 inch blocks on the back but with how flimsy the suspension is I need another way that is in the $300-$500 range and will improve my handling....I am definately a novice mechanic and I'm of a younger generation so ignorance is for sure there lol.
First off, welcome to the forum.
Second, in future please search first before asking questions that have been asked many times before. Just a friendly tip
Cheapest lift I know of to run 31" and maybe 32" tires is to use F-150 coil spacers in the front (junkyard, ~$10) and Warrior lift shackles in the rear (~$80). I have this particular setup on one of my Explorers and it is driven daily. No other parts will need to be changed as long as you don't go higher, though you might have to change the camber/caster alignment eccentrics. Most alignment shops have them in stock and will swap them out for a nominal fee. You WILL have to get an alignment after any lift. Otherwise you will either crash and burn and die in pain, or you'll wear out your new tires real fast.
Also, the stock Explorer suspension is NOT flimsy. It is tough as nails actually, as long as the bushings and shocks and ball joints are maintained (like any vehicle). If you have handling problems due to worn out bushings, worn out shocks, or worn ball joints, adding a lift will only make it handle WORSE. Additionally, the lift will put extra stress on your worn out old components and cause them to fail catastrophically (see
crash, burn, die above).
If you want handling improvements, replace all the worn out parts on your front suspension, and replace the tired old front coil springs (new Moog springs are ~$80/pair). Replace the saggy rear left spring with a junkyard rear right, or at least swap the ones you have left to right. Install a set of good quality shocks. Not Gabriels or similar cheapos, which are poop even when new, but something like a full set of Monroe Reflex shocks for example. Don't forget steering components too, like tie rod ends. Don't even worry about lifting your truck yet if you want IMPROVEMENTS in your handling.
Hope this helps.
Again, welcome to the forum. We have nothing against the younger generation (I could be considered one of them) as long as you are willing to learn, take suggestions with the right attitude, read what other people take the time out of their lives to write, and most importantly, don't half-ass anything
You only get one life, don't waste it.
