Lift help please

[CountryBoy357]

So i bought a 1998 ford explorer last Saturday, it come with a bunch of stuff for lifting it, but I'm not sure exactly what's what.

first off, it came with a 3" body lift kit, brand new, still in the box. I'm actually selling that because i don't like body lifts.

the parts that it came with that I'm not sure about is Torsion keys, Front shocks, and rear shackles. Is all of that part of the body lift or something separate?

 

[pehlingc]

I can tell you that they are not part of the body lift, but that is about the extent of my knowledge.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

First of all, welcome to the forum.

the parts that it came with that I'm not sure about is Torsion keys, Front shocks, and rear shackles. Is all of that part of the body lift or something separate?

None of those parts are part of the body lift. The other parts like the torsion keys and the shackles are for a suspension lift if the shackles are longer than stock. Like the ones that Warrior makes or the universals you can get at most auto part stores. The front shocks aren't for the lift as shocks themselves won't give you any lift, but they may be longer than stock for a lift. You would have to get the stock measurements and compare them.

 

[CountryBoy357]

Ok, thanks a bunch. They are the cheap universal shackles, basically 4 pieces of flat steel with new bolts. I did read that it is better to use the stock bolts and drill the holes on the shackles out to fit.

Torsion keys, would that be part of the "Torsion Twist" lift? I'm not sure what to think about that, found a lot of both good and bad references for it.

 

[CountryBoy357]

The shocks are the same as yours. The Rancho 5000's

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Ok, thanks a bunch. They are the cheap universal shackles, basically 4 pieces of flat steel with new bolts. I did read that it is better to use the stock bolts and drill the holes on the shackles out to fit.

I would stay away from the cheap universal shackles myself. I you do any off roading they're not strong enough in my opinion.

Torsion keys, would that be part of the "Torsion Twist" lift? I'm not sure what to think about that, found a lot of both good and bad references for it.

They can be. But they can also be used to lower the truck too, depending how they're set up. Most guys don't use new keys in their torsion twist be cause on a 4wd you can only go so far.(about 2" at most) Some of the 2wd guys use them.

The shocks are the same as yours. The Rancho 5000's

The ranchos do come in different lengths, but my guess is that they're stock length. You would have to measure them to be sure.

 

[CountryBoy357]

I do a lot of off roading, almost daily. Sounds to me like i'm better off selling all of it except the shocks if they are the stock size, might as well put them on.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Then I would agree, sell them. Pick yourself up a set of Warrior shackles if you're wanting to do a mild lift. You'll like the ranchos, they ride nice. I've had mine for quite a while now, about ready for a new set.

 

[CountryBoy357]

I got ahold of the previous owner to find out exactly how he lifted it so far, probably should have asked that before buying it, oops lol. He did a 2 inch Torsion. According to my research, the ranchos that i have will fit on it if it has a 1-2.5 inch lift, so those will be goin on within the next couple days. I'm thinking about installing the body lift as well.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

How did he lift the rear? If he did a 2" tt in the front and nothing in the rear it would be sitting nose up, especially since most Ex's sag a bit in the rear anyway. Did he install an add-a-leaf maybe? Also if he did go a full 2" then be aware of and keep an eye out for CV shaft wear. That much puts a fair amount of stress on them.

 

[CountryBoy357]

Well, it does go wub-wub-wub-wub-wub as it goes down the road, starts in at about 15 mph and then fades away at 45. He didn't lift the rear, it's definitely sitting nose up.

 

[corkey]

wub wub wub could be the front tires if he cranked the t bars and never got an alignment after

 

[albi1cnobi1]

When you install the shackles you may find it didn't raise up enough for you. If it doesn't its because the rear may have sagged a bit and the shackles will only give you about 1 1/2" of lift. Even if they say 2" lift shackles, they are actually 2" longer than stock. Because only the rear of the spring is getting raised, and the position of the axle you end up with approximately 1 1/2". If it doesn't level up you may need add-a-leafs as well.

 

[CountryBoy357]

He did mention that it needs a front end alignment. I assumed it was the wheel bearing. It's going into VIP on Wednesday for a complete inspection so I'll know more info then. Is there any modifying needed to put in the body kit on this? I've believe i have the PA 883. Definitely PA.

 

[CountryBoy357]

I'm trying to figure out how to post a couple pictures to his thread.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Nothing major. The front bumper brackets will work, but the rear brackets will need to be modified. Thats about it, everything else is pretty much bolt on. The kit comes with everything you need. A little bit of advice, about a week before you're going to start the lift start spraying the body mount bolts with PB Blaster once or twice a day. You will not regret the minor inconvenience. Also, an impact gun is a life saver.

 

[CountryBoy357]

Alright, definitely will do. For a northern vehicle it is really clean underneath as far as rust goes.

 

[CountryBoy357]

Oh another thing, that wub wub wub also comes with a moderate pull to the right. The front tires need to be replaced. Only about 25% tread. front right is wearing in the middle, he must have ran too much air pressure in it. the front left is the same story but it's also wearing on the inside as well.

 

[CountryBoy357]

Also trying to figure out what submodel this is.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

It's probably an XL. The XLT's and XLS's were branded I think. I think with that noise and the pull to the right you definitely need a front end alignment. Try that and then see if you need a new bearing.