Just got done lowering my explorer! I have taken the Plunge!

[96Saleen]

just got done installing the rear blocks to bring it down to match the front. it looks really tight. i can't wait until i get the rims and tires in. once i get them bolted on, i will post some pics.

 

[96Saleen]

for those who have been waiting, i finally got the tracking numbers on my rims today, so they should be in by this weekend. i will post some pics hopefully by saturday.

 

[PUR PONY]

sounds good- cant wait to see-
later

 

[Phat-G]

Marc, I was wondering how did you lower your x, and what size are your rims? Thanx

Garrett

 

[PUR PONY]

Garrett-

I lowered my X with the explorer express lowering kit. I bought it back when it was $120 instead of now, which is what??? $150-160... Its extremely expensive for what you get but it fit! I have read and heard about some people buying the lowering blocks from a parts store but he u-bolts arent big enough or what not...

I have the real ford Chrome Cobra R's
17x9"

 

[98greyxlt]

Pur Pony,

Great looking truck, man. I'm thinking about going with the whole Explorer Express Kit as well. I know the lowering kit is a rip off, but I'm willing to pay for the whole package, (lowering kit, sway bar, edelbrock shocks) for the convenience of it. I'm looking at the Cobra R with the 275/55/17 as well. Guess it's just the popular choice on this board.

I have a couple questions for you. I'm not too mechanically inclined, but my buddy and I are pretty sure we can do the shocks and rear sway bar, no problem. We're not too sure about the lowering kit, though. Did you install it yourself and if so was it tough?

Second question has to do with the wheels. I know Explorer Express recommends 3/8" spacer, and I'd heard some people go with 1" or 1 1/2" with the 275/55/17 and even 285s. What size spacer are you using and have you had any problems with your wheel bearings? I've heard a lot of negative things about spacers and the wear that they cause on the bearings. How many miles have you run with your current set up?

Thanks.

 

[98greyxlt]

Sorry, typo...

Explorer Express recommends spacer of 3/16"

 

[Phat-G]

Thank you very much Mark for answering my questions! That helped a lot.

Garrett

 

[PUR PONY]

98greyxlt-

The lowering kit is not to bad at all... I did EVERYTHING on my truck myself except the dyno and tuning.
To install the lowering kit......
Jack up the back end of the truck and put jack stands up the frame just infront of the rear axle....(right under the back passenger doors)

Im trying to think of how I did it sitting at the computer- lol

you then have to get a jack under the rearend and one under the leaf spring. unbolt the u-bolts....
install the new u-bolts loose. Lower the jack (lowering the leaf) and slide the lowering block in. Jack the leaf back up and tighten u-bolt.

for the front its as easy as jacking the front up and turning 2 bolt heads. just follow the directions- pretty easy!

for my tires/rims spacing.... In the begining I did have any spacers.
My tires rubbed in the rear and front.

For the front I made my own 3/8" spacer at work. for the rear I beat the inner fender in just a little with a hammer and it never rubbed again. I wanted to keep the tires as far under the truck as i can. I Probably have 25-30,000 on my set-up with no problems at all-

good luck

 

[PunkChild]

Did you get your X aligned after you lowered it? If you didn't you should, or else you're going to get some uneven wear and ruin your tires prematurly.

 

[tac0meat]

96saleen-just out of curiosity does your screen name describe your explorer?is it really a saleen x?