Help

[falconace]

I have a 97 2wd 4door w/ the 4.0 sohc engine. I have recently started offroading/mudding w/ my friends and now i want to play along too. I want to greatly increase my ground clearance. I want to fit atleast 35's. Any suggestions as to what lift kits to use, etc. would be helpful. Also estimated prices and anything else i would need to do such as changing gear would be helpful. Originally (still not out of the question) I was going to convert to 4wd being that there is an explorer graveyard in my city, so any thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

[Alec]

I didn't know there's an X yard in Katy, hmmm I might have to visit

The thing that will most help you is a locker/posi in the rear and gearing. For lift, you have a few options.

First, get 2" out of your torsion bars for the front. Then, either get 3 more " in the front with lift spindles, or go with a body lift. For 5" of lift in the rear, do an SOA. For 2", do shackles or OME springs. You can also go with a body lift AND the SOA/spindle/TT. Then you could easily fit 35's.

Use the search engine to look for posts on the various lifts.

 

[falconace]

thanks

thanks for the quick reply, the x yard is actually by intercontinental airport in houston, will search about the lifts right now. I also heard that superlift came out w/ a suspension lift for the explorer, has anyone heard anything about it?

 

[Alec]

I think I've seen that yard, by the North start of the Hardy Toll, right?

The lifts I mentioned will be cheaper. Don't think you really need the superlift to lift a 2wd.

 

[Texplorer]

Superlift came out with a 4" lift for 95-97 Explorers but in your case it will probably be better and cheaper to go with the spindles, shackles, body lift, or SOA.

 

[Char]

Here is a link to a 2wd to 4wd conversion that was done by Kris Guilbeaux.

http://www.explorer4x4.com/2wdto4wd.html

 

[falconace]

The link for the 2wd to 4wd conversion is about converting a manual tranny explorer, i have an automatic, do you know if anyone has used a 5 speed automatic for a conversion? About how much for the spindles, shackles, body lift, or soa and exactly which combinations of the 4 could i use? also what is a soa? also, i have heard about 2wd low, has anyone heard anything about this? also, would you guys suggest even considering the 2 to 4 conversion? sorry if im asking too many questions.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Alec]

I'm probably eventually gonna convert to 4x4, but it's harder to do on the 95+ than 91-94 due to the suspension. 2wd lo is accomplished by having a transfer case just like 4wd, but no front drivetrain. Some tcases have an actual 2lo mode, and some you'd have to fool the system into 4lo mode.

SOA is spring over axle. This mod flips your axle to go under the rear leaf springs. Usually about 5" of lift. It can be free if you can mod the shock and swaybar mounts yourself. The shackles are $50, spindles around $500, and body lift $150-300 I believe. I think it's always better to do suspension lifts over body. If you do TT/spindles/SOA, you'll get about 5" overall. That's enough for 33's with some trimming, possibly 33x10.5 without trimming. A 3" body lift might let you fit 35s with trimming.

 

[TwoToneX]

DO you think I could get the directions/phone number for the X yard? My Dad is a pilot living in Austin based outta Houston, so both him and I are there quite a bit, I'd like to give 'em a call and possibly get some stuff. While on the topic, Alec, know of any good ones around Austin?

 

[Alec]

I saw a decent junkyard off 183 a bit south of Austin, but haven't had a chance to poke around yet. I don't have much need for a junkyard, and probably would spend way too much time there if there was one close to me

Maybe Falconace can give you the info 'bout the Houston one.

 

[falconace]

I havent been to the x yard yet, but my friends all have. Tonight, we are going mudding since it rained all day and ill ask them for you.

 

[ok89]

I'd like to know more about this x-yard as well or any decent yards in the houston area.