Lift on a 91xlt advice needed

[newbz]

Whats up...well today I seen my first really lifted explorer here in town and it was awesome! So now I really want to get a lift so i'm contemplating selling my laptop and other toys....but I was wondering what lift I should go with....I want atleast 5 inches and I want to run 33's or 35's........so will you please tell me your suggestions and exactly the breakdown of a lift including how much i am going to spend....on the lift....on the install....also how long does something like this take to be put together? Oh well.....please get back to me thanks.

 

[leebo]

Give me a yell on the laptop.....I want one.

As for the lift...if it's an everyday driver go with 33's tops. I'd even say drop down to 32's. You're going to run into a cost issue on the lift I'm sure. For the Superlift kit for the explorer you're looking at about $1500 in itself. Add about another 400 for an install and about another 800 for wheels and tires. You'll also want to regear it. For the gears you'll look at about 400 plus install. The install will vary from place to place. I would also suggest adding something to lock up your rear while your at it and save on the install. Most places will put in a locker free of install while they're doing the gears.

All of the prices are about what I got quoted to me from http://www.4wheelparts.com They will vary from place to place. Don't quote me on any of this.

 

[Goober]

Just from my standpoint and where I was in your shoes when I was contemplating the same thing. I got the 4" Superlift mainly for the fact that you don't need anything welded or fabricated for it to work. Me and one other guy did the lift in one full day with nothing but hand tools. This was not including the superunner steering or extender radius arm which I just priced today and will order shortly. I run 32's and had just a slight bit of rubbing. If you want to run 33 or higher, you'd want to go no less than 5.5 - 6". Also take into account that the larger tires will affect the gear ratios and that will need to be addressed. I had 3.73's in mine and the 32" tires didn't really hurt that much. Going any higher you might want to go to 4.10/11 - 4.56. I believe you can get the 5.5" Superlift with Extended radius arms, extended brake lines and superunner steering around $1500-1800. If you do the work, you'll save about $800( judging the prices around here).

Carefully plan out what you want and save up if you don't have it all now. I was lead to believe I didn't need the radius arms and steering, but now I know I do. I really don't NEED it, but in order for it to drive right, I do. So, tearing the front end apart again to do it doesn't make me very happy.

Last,...take your time. Good luck and hope this helped.

 

[Glenn Biggs]

Some questions on your lift.

Hello goober. I have a 92 EB and I'm planning on adding a lift. Been reading this site for a very long time. I think I'm finally going to go with a 4" lift (superlift maybe). I will be installing it myself, since I have a good deal of tools and welding equipment. I wanted to ask you how much the basic lift was, and what quote they gave you on the super runner steering w/ext rad arms? Did you have to replace brake lines for longer ones? I also have 3.73 gears. Did you change yours? How much? Any replies are appreciated. I'm trying to get an idea of what I'll be needing and an proximate dollar amount. As you said, It sucks when you have to do a job twice. Thanks.

Glenn

 

[DOGMAN]

I have the Superlift 5.5" kit (about $600) with Superunner steering ($350) and extended radius arms (I really can't remember, but about $200-300, I think). Those cost about $415 to install. I previously had the Superlift 4" kit but didn't like it because the new rear springs sagged too much and the rear sat lower than the front. It also rode much rougher than the 5.5". If you want to fit 33's with a suspension lift, the 5.5" is a good direction. Be aware though that there are many other things to consider instead of just bolting on the lift and installing the new wheels and tires (M/T Wheels - $380, Swamper SSR 33x12.50 - $640, Mount and Balance - $40).

After lift installation you will have to align the front end ($140).

I had to trim my front fenders ($250) to alleviate tire contact at the bottom rear of each fender. So there is some custom body work.

Install 4.56 gears ($200 for each ring and pinion set. Install was $300 front/$150 rear) and Detroit locker rear ($500)/ TracLok front ($200). Good system, but not cheap. If you try to run 33's or larger with stock gears you won't like it, very underpowered.

Lengthened rear driveshaft ($250). Stock one was too short, creating vibration.

Adjust pinion angle to match transfer case output shaft angle. Superlift supplied spring perches did not match angle properly, causing vibration.

Weld Superlift sping perches to axle ($100. Included setting proper angle). Much safer than relying entirely on u-bolt clamping to locate rear axle.

New longer shocks to complement lift. I use Rancho 9000's ($265).

Extended brake lines ($42).

Drop down pittman arm ($64).

That's a total of $5286. About $1000 of that is labor. You can definitely get less expensive wheels and tires, shocks, go without traction devices, etc., but it still isn't going to be "cheap". Something to think about.


I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you want to do things right, there is more than meets the eye at first glance. Keep researching and asking questions and find out what YOU really want, not what someone else wants. If a smaller lift and smaller tires suits you, great, plus you'll save a lot of money. If you want to go BIG, be prepared to spend some money. Personally, it's worth it for me. Good luck!

 

[newbz]

Well....thanks for giving me some ideas....there is no way possible I could get this set up any time soon, when I was thinking about it I seen the lift advertised for 700 bucks, and I figured like 700 bucks max for an install of it, and like 1000 for new tires and rims, I didn't even think about all the other little things, oh well, eventually it will be!

 

[aggiebryan]

Hey you could still use a body lift. They are pretty cheap and easy to put on yourself if you have the time. Should run you anywhere from $70-$100. If you're on a tight budget and still want a lift, this is the way to go.

 

[leggo]

Just to give you more to think about. I installed the 4" Rough Country by Heckethorn kit on my 91' sport. I spent about $710. for the kit shipped, that includes NEW rear drop springs, which I chose over the add a leafs or an axle under(Longer spring=more bend=more travel), and includes a good set of shocks, and a drop pitman arm(which i'm sure any good kit includes). I had no trouble installing it, and I didnt have to do any welding or fabrication. I am very happy with the R.C. kit and have had no further problems within a year. I very comfortably fit 31's and would probably not have a prob. w/32's. If you want to check out a picture its in the registry. One thing I would advise purchasing seperately from this kit is the front spring clamps, and double check your brake lines if your doing any serious off roading. Good Luck!