How to lift my 97 xlt explorer

[explorer_rush]

So i got some ideas i kind of want to do to my new explorer. im new to the form by the way lol this site is amazing. but any way i want to lift my

• 
  explorer a bit and all the research i have done has lead me down to
  
  torsion twist
  
  shackles on the back
  
  and add a leaf
  
  then i want to put some 32's any other ideas would help out a ton since im kind of new to the explorer world thanks a bunch guys
  
  oh where can i find a roof rack too having a hard time finding one also lol thanks again guys

 

[gavin]

Sticky: Lifting your explorer to clear larger tires-

at the top of the page.

 

[Paraphoe]

Gonna have a hard time fitting 32''s with just a TT/S. Might need a small BL, too.

As for the roof rack, any major auto supply site can help you with that. JCWhitney is a good start. I got mine on Amazon.

 

[explorer_rush]

Hey thanks guys and ya i forgot to post that im going to do a body lift also. Do you think i could get away with a 2 inch lift without having to do links.

Have you guys ever tried hocky pucks to make a body lift? my cousin was telling me the idea and how to kind of do it and im liking the idea. Its cheap and doesnt take much work.

 

[gavin]

Hey thanks guys and ya i forgot to post that im going to do a body lift also. Do you think i could get away with a 2 inch lift without having to do links.

links? links for what?

Have you guys ever tried hocky pucks to make a body lift? my cousin was telling me the idea and how to kind of do it and im liking the idea. Its cheap and doesnt take much work.

DO NOT DO IT!
it is un-safe. Hockey pucks can deteriorate, rot, fall apart, etc.

 

[explorer_rush]

links for steering and will i need to getting lowering mounts for my my fan sorry im kind of new to this body lift idea.

Thanks again for the heads up on the hockey pucks i can see that it wouldnt be that safe now

 

[gavin]

the kit will come with everything you need.

I believe a 2" body lift does not require the use of a steering extension. Although, I could be wrong.

But a Perfomance Accessories (or even the Summit Racing branded kit, which is just a re-labeled PA part) will come with all the parts and pieces you need; except for bumper brackets. It will come with brackets, but not all the correct ones.

 

[explorer_rush]

k and the bumper brackets i could probably buy seprate and summit also. thanks again for all the help i got a good idea on what i want to do now and in my mind its turning out pretty sweet i will try and post some pix of me going threw the process and before and afters it should look pretty good

 

[explorer_rush]

So its saying on alot of the body lifts im looking at is its only for 90-94. do i have to make any modifications since i have a 97 or should i be good just my bumper brackets wont work?

 

[gavin]

if you would read the sticky, at the top of the Modified 1995-2001 Explorers sub-forum, or the many, many, many threads around here on body lifts, you would find your answers.

 

[explorer_rush]

k thanks for all the help

 

[Paraphoe]

the kit will come with everything you need.

I believe a 2" body lift does not require the use of a steering extension. Although, I could be wrong.

You are correct. Won't need the extension with the 2'' kit, as your steering column should telescope enough to make it a non-issue.

 

[explorer_rush]

sweet thanks guys and when i get a little time when my little project is done i will throw it up on hear and see what you guys think

 

[weh87]

im only running a TT and shackles on my 96 and im running 265/75/16 with very little rubbin up front which is easily fixable with taking off the bottom plastic on the front bumper or trimming it.

 

[AccordRanger]

Gonna have a hard time fitting 32''s with just a TT/S. Might need a small BL, too.

As for the roof rack, any major auto supply site can help you with that. JCWhitney is a good start. I got mine on Amazon.

I have a 2.5" TT on mine and only rub when fully stuffed in the front. Had to trim the bumper but other wise they fit great.

 

[Paraphoe]

I have a 2.5" TT on mine and only rub when fully stuffed in the front. Had to trim the bumper but other wise they fit great.

Shouldn't really go over 2'' with a TT...puts your CVs at a terrible angle prone to binding, etc. But to each his own, I suppose.

 

[AccordRanger]

Shouldn't really go over 2'' with a TT...puts your CVs at a terrible angle prone to binding, etc. But to each his own, I suppose.

I needed a little extra clearence since my tires are bigger than most 265's, they came out at about 32.3".
Haven't had any problems so far, and I have beat this thing pretty hard since.

 

[corkey]

wanna see the best way?
look my top link, i have lots lift and now run a 35 inch tire with some trimming,

but beware it aint cheap,,

 

[BSlusser]

Gonna have a hard time fitting 32''s with just a TT/S. Might need a small BL, too.

This. You will rub 31's at lock with only a TT

 

[BSlusser]

the kit will come with everything you need.

I believe a 2" body lift does not require the use of a steering extension. Although, I could be wrong.

But a Perfomance Accessories (or even the Summit Racing branded kit, which is just a re-labeled PA part) will come with all the parts and pieces you need; except for bumper brackets. It will come with brackets, but not all the correct ones.

The PA 792 does not come with the right length bolts (for a second gen). You'll be able to use the bolts provided for the front body mounts, the factory (5) bolts for the (2) position bolts after lifting, and one of the not-as-long bolts that come with the kit for the (5) position. You'll need to buy extra bolts, but I couldn't tell you which size will fit where. I'll be doing this lift (again) in one month from today and I've bought M12x130 and M12x120 bolts from the hardware store just as extras.

You don't need to extend the steering column but I advise unbolting before lifting and re installing after lifting.

If you have side skirts/moldings leave them on until after you're done to decide if you still want them or not (they help hide the "hanging frame" look)