how to lower?

[dean316]

how do i lower a 1994 explorer?

 

[Anime]

You can use drop springs in the front for up to 2" of drop, any more than that and you will need drop I-beams.

For the rear, drop/dearched leaf springs are the proper way to do it, though you can use a block and longer u-bolts for a cheap (and hopefully temporary) method to determine how much drop is needed to match the front.

Thread w/pics on lowering the rear:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97403

 

[Spdrcer34]

Anime, you said: "though you can use a block and longer u-bolts for a cheap (and hopefully temporary)"

What did you mean by that?

Lowering the Explorer with Drop Blocks is THE best way to lower the rear, a modest amount. There are many reasons for this, but the 2 best reasons are: You don't lose any load capabilities with a drop block AND the shock length can remain the exact same...

So why should this only be a temporary solution?

Ryan

 

[RockcrawlerEX]

Anime, you said: "though you can use a block and longer u-bolts for a cheap (and hopefully temporary)"

What did you mean by that?

Lowering the Explorer with Drop Blocks is THE best way to lower the rear, a modest amount. There are many reasons for this, but the 2 best reasons are: You don't lose any load capabilities with a drop block AND the shock length can remain the exact same...

So why should this only be a temporary solution?

Ryan

How'd you lower yours?

 

[Anime]

Anime, you said: "though you can use a block and longer u-bolts for a cheap (and hopefully temporary)"

What did you mean by that?

Lowering the Explorer with Drop Blocks is THE best way to lower the rear, a modest amount. There are many reasons for this, but the 2 best reasons are: You don't lose any load capabilities with a drop block AND the shock length can remain the exact same...

So why should this only be a temporary solution?

Ryan

Blocks are a cheap, down and dirty, quick way to raise or lower a vehicle, but they are not the best way.

The use of blocks is the leading cause of axle wind-up and poor vehicle handling.

A vehicle is most stable when the spring seat at the axle is closest to a line drawn between the front and rear eye of the spring.

As the distance between the spring seat and this line increases, so does axle wind-up.

The more the axle rotates because of axle wind up, the less stable the vehicle will be.

For these reasons we do not recommend the use of blocks to change the ride height of any vehicle.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/blocks.htm


2 inch blocks are fine, though from an "ideal" perspective, I'd still say it's better to lower by getting de-arched leaf springs. On Explorers, especially 4-doors, this is as easy as getting 2 drivers-side leaf packs from a Sport (not the monoleafs though). They are worn out enough they will drop an inch or more, and the lower spring rate will lower a 4 door even more, with a softer ride. The load carrying capacity is reduced, but most lowered rides that tow use airbags anyway.

Much more than 2-3 inches is putting too much distance between the axle and spring...I have seen people stacking blocks to get 4-8 inches of drop. Dangerous to say the least. A single 2-3 inch block is okay, but really, in terms of a daily-driven vehicle, blocks are better left as a temporary measure to either see how the vehicle looks lowered, or get an idea of how much drop you need to get the look you want. But I do agree they are much, much easier for a "budget" drop that lets you use the stock shocks in the rear...but you'd need lowered shocks in the front going down past 2 inches anyway, so you might as well get lowered shocks all around if you go that far.

Overall it's probably fine for rides that are mostly show without a lot of horsepower or big torque that would wind the axle up big time. A torquey motor like the 4.0L or a V8 might lead to handling issues, especially with smaller than stock size tires. Blocks are usually best for mini trucks with 4-bangers, but for a mild 2-inch drop all around on an Explorer, sure, they'd be fine.

How'd you lower yours?

Mine lowered itself naturally. Now it's lifted with shackles and shims.

But if I were to lower it more than just old springs allow, I would do it with 2 inch Eibach drop coils in the front and de-arched leaf springs in the rear. I think the 4WDs look better stock height to slightly lifted though, rather than dropped, and it works better to allow more wheel travel.

 

[Spdrcer34]

I can't say I am in agreement with Anime.

I have a 3" block in the rear of my Explorer, and it rides WAY better than when I had, what Anime would call, the 'proper' lowering (de-arched) springs.

Axle wrap is/was more of a problem with a de-arched spring, over a spring with a moderate block on a stock spring.

Stock Springs, with a 2-3" drop block is perfect for these vehicles.

....That reminds me, anyone wanna buy a set of 3" drop Leaf springs? They have less than 15k miles on them....I'll sell them to you cheap....shipping is going to be killer though....LOL

Ryan

 

[RockcrawlerEX]

Mine lowered itself naturally. Now it's lifted with shackles and shims.

But if I were to lower it more than just old springs allow, I would do it with 2 inch Eibach drop coils in the front and de-arched leaf springs in the rear. I think the 4WDs look better stock height to slightly lifted though, rather than dropped, and it works better to allow more wheel travel.

I appreciate the answer, but I was asking spdrcer. I want mine to sit as low as his does. My truck is a 2wd, and I'm not too big anymore on lifted rigs. Id much rather a nice street truck.

 

[TrendSetter]

ahh yea dearched springs don't ride that nice at all, been there, said EFF that. i have 2" drop blocks and some air shocks, rides like a Caddy!

 

[Spdrcer34]

I currently have 3" Drop I-beams (Aim Industries) with stock springs up front, but the additional weight of the V8 combo I have has lowered it another inch or so. I also have a 3" drop block in the rear on stock springs. I am looking for a good 4" drop block to replace the 3" to even it out.

In the past I have had as much as a 5"/6" drop. I also C-notched the frame 4-1/2" to help the ride.

I had 2" drop coils on my 3" drop beams, and then I had 3" drop leaf springs, and a 3" drop block.

Ryan

 

[NapalmKornFlakes]

Okay, this going to be a really dumb question but here it goes. I am looking at the DJM drop beams and everything including the manufactures website lists it as Ranger. No where does it say they will fit an Explorer. So now to my question after my rambling, are Ranger beams the same as Explorer beams?

 

[Spdrcer34]

No. They are not the same.

The only Explorer specific ones are made by AIM Industries. Like I posted a couple weeks ago.

Ryan

 

[RockcrawlerEX]

Link to Aim industries? I googled it but couldn't find an aim industries that sells automotive parts.

 

[Spdrcer34]

Are you kiddding me? You can't be serious.

Try again.

**Here's a hint....try clicking on the VERY FIRST LINK that comes up....