I need a 1/2 inch in the back!

[Hartman]

My front end has settled a little more, so my rear end sits about 1/2 an inch higher in the back with 2 inch blocks. I hate the rake, I need to level it out somehow but I don't really want to go with 3 inch blocks.

My question is, if I ditch the overload spring, will I gain that 1/2 an inch?

 

[jimbo74]

most likely.... but that overload leaf is going to hurt you when you put stuff in the back, or try and tow something.... not sure, but it may lower you too much.....

can you get 3" blocks and trim 1/2" off?

 

[IAmTodd]

What about shortening your shackles. You can get extended ones to lift if, why not shorter ones to lower it? If its only a half inch, I really see no problems with it.

 

[Hartman]

Well I never tow because I don't have a hitch or even a bumper to tow with, and I rarely haul stuff in the back. I might look into lowering shackles, I guess I could get lifting shackles and maybe cut them down.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Originally posted by Hartman
Well I never tow because I don't have a hitch or even a bumper to tow with

I had to laugh when I read that... maybe its the same reason your rear end went up 1/2".

 

[Hartman]

I guess it's possible! The stock bumper weights like 75-100 pounds.

 

[Hokie]

If you look at the overload spring, it doesn't offer anything until the other springs sit upon it. Its actually got a negative arch compared to the rest. And since we have a SUA suspension, by removing the leaf, you would theoretically raise the rear by the thickness of the leaf..."oh dear, i've gone crossed eyed"

 

[STANN]

Originally posted by HokieBert
If you look at the overload spring, it doesn't offer anything until the other springs sit upon it. Its actually got a negative arch compared to the rest. And since we have a SUA suspension, by removing the leaf, you would theoretically raise the rear by the thickness of the leaf..."oh dear, i've gone crossed eyed"

heh heh heh

 

[SiLenZe]

you need bigger subs to make up for the lost weight

 

[Hartman]

I have 3 12s, I think that's enough!

 

[Trckmagik]

If you get .5" lifted shackles for a 94 Wrangler they should drop your rear about what you need. They are shorter that the stock explorer shackles. I have a pair that I am not using. I could send them to you and you can try it out. I just have to dig them out of my public storage unit

 

[Hartman]

Trckmagik, that would be awesome. You wouldn't happen to have a part # for those Jeep shackles would you?

 

[JOHN V.]

We have been known to use the Monroe Load Leveling Shocks for lowered Explorers with this same problem. This solves the bottoming out problems for lowered Explorers that carry cargo or passengers. These are coil-over shocks that will give the rear an aprox .5 to .75 raise in ride heght.

Another option is to take the 3" lowering blocks and have them milled (shaved). We carry the 3" blocks custom made for us by Chasis Tech. These are made specificaly for the Explorer/Sport Trac rear suspension.

Yet another option is to install the Air Lift system. We have done this before for owners that carry a load or wish to tow with their lowered Explorer. This allows you to adjust the ride height by way of air bags.

 

[Hartman]

John V, I appreciate the suggestions, but I'm really not looking to go that far with it.

On a side note, are you able to sell u-bolts by themselves?

 

[taxx]

You can buy U-bolts all over. I know Trucks in Action has them over near Speedway.

As for removing the overload.... I see you had to seek another oppinion..... you gain nothing with SUA suspension by removing it. You height will not change at all since it is on the very bottom and the axle sits over the top srping anyways.

 

[Hartman]

Yeah I just need u-bolts that fit the axle the correct way. Trucks In Action is down by the track right? That's almost 32 miles away from my house.

 

[taxx]

Yup they are on Gasoline Ally

I am sure there are places closer. Try anyplace that sells springs.

 

[Hartman]

Well today I just decided to put some 3 inch blocks in. Spur of the moment type thing. I thought it was tough to wrestle those universal u bolts in with 2 inch blocks, it's 10 times more difficult with the 3 inch blocks. I had to use a rachet strap to get the last bolt in. I'm going on Monday to get the correct size u bolts.

Never the less I got them in, and I'm satisfied with the results. The back is just a tad lower than the front, but it doesn't look that bad.

 

[IAmTodd]

you now have the normal butt sag of an Explorer, only 3 inches lower

 

[X~FACTOR]

How much worse is the ride with 1" more drop? And also, why do you need to change the U-bolts if you already got the 3" blocks in there?