Lift dilemma/issues

[mlovett]

OK guys here is my dilemma and I am hoping that some of you pros here can help me make the right decision. I have a 2004 ex and currently have BTF uca, 1.5/1.0 spacers, and rancho quick lifts installed on all four corners. I am running Fuel 17x9 rims with nitro Terra grappler 265/70/17s. I like the ride height of the ex but am not satisfied with thenflex on the suspension. Very stiff. I just had new hub assemblies installed on the front end and now inam hearing a pulsating roar while driving. Mechanic seems to think in is coming front the tire on the drivers side which makes sense since when I turn right through a curve the roar stops. I plan to take the truck in to my tire shop this week but before I do I am thinking about removing the quicklifts and going with a stock style strut/shock. Obviously this will lower the ex some but I am wondering how much and if it will help with the stiffness of the suspension. I am also having alignment issues due to my current setup and qm wondering if going with a stock strut/shock will clear that up and also clear up the tire noise. What are halls opinions and also what strut/shock do you recommend as a good replacement while running spacers. Also if I have to replace my tires then what size and brand my tire would you recommend. I am on a budget so please give me good budget friendly options. I am basically trying to fix current and future problems all while keeping my truck lifted. Also I am hearing squeaking at low speeds from drivers front while wheel is in motion. When brake applied it stops. Any ideas there? Thanks in advance for help.

 

[Mr Dubya]

To correct the alignment you will need to invest in an alignment kit. Search for the brand that Moog makes, and install on all four corners.

To correct the pulsating, ensure the rotors are not warped, the tie rods are in good condition, the ball joints are up to par, and the wheel bearings are not going out.

To correct the stiff suspension, buy a new vehicle, remove the lift, or engineer a coil-over style suspension. Unfortunately, putting lifts on these explorers will compromise ride quality because of the way thir suspension geometry was designed originally. There are ways to mitigate this (different suspension size combinations, etc), but no way to eliminate it.


-Dubya

 

[mlovett]

Thanks for the reply. Couple of follow up questions. What would cause a rotor to warp? All of the other things you mentioned are in good shape. Just had them inspected and new hubs/bearing assembles installed on both front wheels. Rear hubs/bearings are good.

Also I understand that lifting the explorer will cause some ride quality issues. However I was hoping that if I remove either the spacers or the quicklifts that the ride quality and the alignment issues would improve. Is that a possibility? I would prefer to keep the spacers since the quicklifts may settle and there is a little rake in the front with them alone. Just wondering what kink of ride quality others are experiencing with spacers and OEM shocks/struts.

With regards to shocks/struts I was looking at the FCS brand and wondering if they were any good. Again thanks for the help.

 

[Mr Dubya]

Rotors can warp due to stress over time and slowly being misshapen, but more traditionally due to unresolved misalignment. The misalignment puts uneven pressure on the rotor, and with time and heat it can slowly change it's geometry, and then pulsate the caliper piston as the difference in shape rotates constantly during driving.

I have 2.75" front coil spacers with BTF arms and I don't experience any detrimental ride quality. It is a stiffer ride than before, and bumps do feel like bumps, however it is nothing like a shopping cart on bad pavement would be described as.

I would say if you were to look for a component to keep for ride quality improvement, the Ranchos would be the best bet. However their net lift may not be as much as the spacers (check on that for me though).

As for what struts to use, I believe there is a certain ceiling you're going to hit if you use coil spacers. As nice as the struts may be, using the coil spacer will push the geometry past the threshold by which it can deliver it's originally intended quality by. By this I mean that a high-end strut may be better than a typical strut normally, but once the coil spacers come into play it may not make much different other than price - that's just a personal theory.


-Dubya

 

[mlovett]

ok so I pulled the coil spacers out today or rather my shop did. Rides like a dream however the pulsating roar has been diagnosed as two bad wheel bearing hub assemblies. The two that I just replaced are no good almost to the point that the alignment in the front is not 100%. So I am heading back to the shop that installed them on Friday for some warranty replacement work and hopefully I will be all set. I wish I new some one that could do the body lift locally but the quick lifts will do just fine for my uses. Thanks for the assistance. Also wanted to ask what every ones opinion on a good MT is. I like the Nitto Trail grappler especially or the toyo mt. Any one had any luck with these and how bad is the road noise?

 

[Mr Dubya]

I have Nitto Terra Grapplers and think they're great.

 

[fr0st m0nkey]

I'm a Toyo Open Country M/T fan. Had them on my jeep and they looked awesome without being too loud on the highway.

 

[mlovett]

I presently have terra grapplers and they will do for now. I am just thinking down the road. I do have a set of BTF spacers for sale now if anyone is interested. 1.5 fronts and 1.0 rears.

 

[seankaufman67]

How much for the spacers

 

[wbrudi28]

Unless you go Mudding, don't get MTs. You get worse mileage, worse on road traction (they're meant for MUD), more road noise and generally they are heavier so they prematurely wear out the hubs. On top of the fact you will get ripped on for using mudders on your pavement princess!

if you want the aggressive look, go with the Nittos or General Grabber AT2s.

 

[fr0st m0nkey]

Unless you go Mudding, don't get MTs. You get worse mileage, worse on road traction (they're meant for MUD), more road noise and generally they are heavier so they prematurely wear out the hubs. On top of the fact you will get ripped on for using mudders on your pavement princess!

if you want the aggressive look, go with the Nittos or General Grabber AT2s.

^^ I went with the Grabber AT2's and they look awesome.

 

[mlovett]

I have PMed the people that have asked about the spacers. I am negotiable!