How high to go

[bwhited]

I recently acquired a 93 Explorer XLT 4 dr. 4 wd with all the options including factory 3.73's with traction lock.
Was thinking of going with a 2" suspension lift and 31's.
My Bro-in-law says I need to go with 4" lift and 33's.
Vehicle is mostly a daily driver but when I get off road it will be used hard (in past years I raced off road motorcycles).
I had a 95 Ranger 2 wd (totaled) that I did not want to raise because it was tippy enough as it was. The Explorer feels more stable and I believe even with 4" of lift would be ok.
Another concern is gear ratio's. 3.73's with 31's seem to me would be of but not sure with 33's, but could be wrong on both.
What do you all think?

For the lift, who makes a good kit?

 

[UNCLESLiK]

31's will fit stock with no major problems...just a hair of inner rear fender rubs when you bind the rearend. i got 4" with 35's(considering a 2" body soon). but if 33's is the biggest you wanna go the 4'' susp. with 33's is not a bad choice. just keep your A4LD in mind when you start getting down and hard on it. it'll only take so much...which isnt much b4 it winds up on a bench with a builder going through it. heres where i got my kit from and will probably get the bod lift from.

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/248504.html

 

[FROADER]

This is mine with 4" and 33s before I put the 35s on it. If you get 33s you're going to want to regear or the tranny will crap out on you faster than normal. Your X will be a capable off-roader with 4" and 33s. Regear to 4:10 or 4:56 and get a locker in the rear.