K&N Filter and Air Shocks?

[jimiday]

'96 Explorer Sport 4.0L OHV w/auto, 4.10 gears, I'm trying to improve gas mileage (currently 15.3 combined) and performance. Would a K&N filter be an economical way to start?

Also, I measured the wheel well height front and back; front 34" rear 33" with stock 255/70 16 Firestones. I don't want the rear to sag when pulling my 1100 lb boat. Should I install air shocks or add-a-leafs? I don't want to compromise the ride too much and I want to be economical.

 

[Robert Gardner]

Hey Jimiday: I had the same problem with the
rearend sagging on my 2000 Sport when I
hooked my boat up. (1800lbs.) My Sport has a
single 3" wide leaf spring on each side,
instead of a "stack". I looked at alot of
stuff: Add-a-leaf, load-levelers, factory
spring stacks and air bags. I decided on
Gabriel Air Shocks. They were cheap (60 bucks
for 2 shocks and air tubing. They installed
in 30 minutes. I really like them. They work
with as little as 25 PSI up to 200 PSI. They
actually improved the smoothness of the ride
at about 90 PSI and 150 PSI keeps the rearend
plenty high with the boat attached.

Robert
2000 Sport 4.0L SOHC
K&N, Modiied airbox
Magnaflow catback
Superchip
Gabriel Air shocks