Lets make it higher now

[Whitfield]

What is the least expensive way to get my 2000 explorer XLT to sit about 3 inches higher? I can't go much more than 3 inches because my son is handicapped and won't be able to get in my truck. My shocks are shot, so just ordered new Pro Comp ES1000 shocks for it and this should help, (I hope). Have to keep the cost down because all the new toys I have put on this truck in the past few weeks are starting to hurt a little, but it's a kewl looking truck. I love being single, don't have to ask permission anymore LOL Tks

 

[RangerX]

The new shocks will give you zero lift.
You can do a body lift for not too much money, but those new shocks will then be too short. You can do a torsion twist and rear shackles for less than a body lift, but you won't get 3".
Best bet is return the shocks and do some research here on the two options I mentioned.

 

[Turdle]

Question.
How does body lift affect shock tabs? They are all on the frame.

 

[koda2000]

Question.
How does body lift affect shock tabs? They are all on the frame.

It doesn't, but it will effect things like your brake lines, fuel lines, steering shaft length (which will usually be okay) and wiring. A TT and shackles constitute a suspension lift and will effect shock length as the stock shocks would be a little bit to short.

 

[RangerX]

Ahaha, youre right, Jon! Apologies to all, I posted this morning before drinking my coffee.
Body lift won't affect shock length.

 

[J_C]

Taking what you wrote literally, you just need a TT and 2" shackles then put 31" tires on to get 3".

My point is, why raise it if not going to larger tires and if you are, 3" lift plus (over 2" more than stock) tires is no longer only 3" higher for the purposes of a child trying to get in.

 

[Whitfield]

Taking what you wrote literally, you just need a TT and 2" shackles then put 31" tires on to get 3".

My point is, why raise it if not going to larger tires and if you are, 3" lift plus (over 2" more than stock) tires is no longer only 3" higher for the purposes of a child trying to get in.

I have already priced tires for it, but the truck needed shocks badly. Feels like you are on a carnival ride when on a bumpy road side to side, plus the new shocks I purchased are for 0-3 inch lift stock explorers. I didn't figure they would lift it much if any. As long as I don't go extreme with lifting it, my son can get in. He is my size but has MD. As long as he can get a leg up and in with help he is good and getting out is even easier because he can just slide down and out. There's a means to my madness.

Tks guys

 

[J_C]

Side to side may be mitigated with replacement poly sway bar and link bushings front and back.

 

[Whitfield]

Side to side may be mitigated with replacement poly sway bar and link bushings front and back.

Hmmm something else to look at. Not sure but it feels like the body of the truck is going up and down and side to side. Make your head go from side to side. Anyway, I want to go over this whole truck top to bottom and get it where it needs to be. Got an awesome price on it so I don't mind putting a little money into it to make it mine.

 

[UtahX]

If you go at least 33", you will have to re-gear as well.

 

[J_C]

Hmmm something else to look at. Not sure but it feels like the body of the truck is going up and down and side to side. Make your head go from side to side. Anyway, I want to go over this whole truck top to bottom and get it where it needs to be. Got an awesome price on it so I don't mind putting a little money into it to make it mine.

All else being equal, putting a lift on it will only make that worse because you're raising the center of gravity. Even so, worn out shocks should be replaced. There's also a rear sway bar replacement with one of larger diameter that some people like, mentioned in a few topics on this forum.

You can add a leaf to your springs, put a new spring pack on, put coil-over shocks on the rear, though the latter trades harsher ride for more control, really all do and are best done if the rear is sagging.

 

[Whitfield]

All else being equal, putting a lift on it will only make that worse because you're raising the center of gravity. Even so, worn out shocks should be replaced. There's also a rear sway bar replacement with one of larger diameter that some people like, mentioned in a few topics on this forum.

You can add a leaf to your springs, put a new spring pack on, put coil-over shocks on the rear, though the latter trades harsher ride for more control, really all do and are best done if the rear is sagging.

Actually the rear seems better than the front. The truck sits higher in the rear even though I added the trailer hitch to it. Doesn't have a spare tire under it though and the extra weight from that might even it out some. Off work tomorrow so going to look into it more tomorrow when I have more time. Taking my son fishing in the morning though so will be afternoon before I get a chance to look into it. Tks