Help with my '04 Explorer

[Jager]

I completely new to the scene. I've done some minor things to my explorer:

-Ansa exhaust system
-waag brush guard
-smoked lights

What I would like to know is, what is the easiest/cheapest way to get a lift. I've searched countlesss times and the results are overwhelming, and I'd like to get the straight facts for my model if possible. I heard about shackles but idk where to get more information on them. I've attached pictures so you guys know what I'm dealing with, and hopefully help me out!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jager]

Sorry for the own reply, but anyone have any suggestions?

 

[loneinventor]

want to lift mine soon. only couple options.
body lift
springs
spring/strut spacers
possibly cut fenders out and wheel spacers, and then retrofit pocket flairs...

 

[Jager]

No, I mean what specific products can I use to lift my car?

 

[loneinventor]

sorry there really isn't any....
what i mean is you must adapt almost everything.
the 3" body lift is for a 98'-00' ford ranger PA 883
the coil/strut spacers by RB are probably not available anymore. truxx makes them for 06' and up. the guys in here say the front ones work but not sure about the rear ones. there is a guy on the west coast developing new spacers for struts.. don't think they are available yet..
rancho makes a quicklift srtut but expensive and stiff..
you can get new strut springs but they settle in and don't lift much , plus are really stiff

 

[Jager]

So.. thats why I haven't see many lifted 04-05 explorers

 

[loneinventor]

suspension lifts are tricky because the rear axle shafts go through the frame, so 1.5" is probably max for the rear end, especailly if you want to do any 4 wheelin.
2.5" for the front unless you change control arms , then 3" is max. only thing with that it really throws a mean angle on your half shafts and cv joints. they tend not to hold up if you beet on it.
3" body lift is max unless you want to do some serious alterations.
so in all you can do about a descent 5.5" total lift and run 33" tall tires about a p285 metric. 35" is pushing your luck without mods..

 

[loneinventor]

maybe you can help me out how the H did atatch your pics to your post????

 

[Jager]

Use imageshack.us

Back to my question...

..Anyone have experience with this model explorer?

 

[zkushbball24]

is there a 3 inch body lift for a 3rd gen?

 

[MillerTimeX17]

No one sells a kit specifically for the 3rd gen Explorers. You need to retrofit a body lift from a '98-'00 Ranger, Performance Accessories pt.#883. As far as suspension, your only options are springs or strut spacers. You can get spacer from RB or you can get the Truxxx kit for a '06-'10 Explorer. Only modification on the Truxxx kit is opening the mounting holes wider for the rear spacers.

 

[Jager]

OK, since roadbully doesn't offer the spacers (edit: i emailed him, he does, but $300 for 4 week ship fabrication time), and no one else fabricates them, what would you personally suggest I use? Those above options sound great, but I'm overwhelmed as to which one to choose as I am really new to this all. Also, I am doing this all to be able to get bigger tires. What is the largest I can go without a lift, and whats the largest i will be able to go, with say a 3" lift.

Thanks in advnace!

 

[43]

Jager, i would say go with the 3" body lift, and if you want to go even higher, take a look at Truxxx spacers for the 4th gen. I saw in another thread that someone had them and said that they fit fine.

 

[zerodevil]

i say do the body lift and the RB spacers, those 06+ ones arnt worth the gamble to me. you should have no trouble running 31's, or 33's with some minor trimming.

 

[zpaperboyz]

Here's a how to on the body lift
http://zpaperboyz.posterous.com/how-to-install-body-lift-on-2004-explorer-3rd
I just bought and installed the RB lift. no problems and recommend it or similar. Truxx makes spacers as well.