Lift Questions

[hatZim]

Hello All,

This site is a treasure trove of information.

I've been browsing around extensively, and have searched and read most of the lift related threads.

I'm convinced about the Warrior Shackles, and TT bit. I have only a couple of questions that I haven't yet found an answer to.

1. What's the difference between a body lift and a suspension lift?
2. I've already bought the shackles, should I also buy the Pro Comp AAL kit?

Haven't installed the shackles, will get them on the 28th of April! Long wait I know, but that's how it is. I need to pick up the Pro Comp kit in a day or two so my friend can bring it along with him. Should I? Or the shackles should be enough?

I'm planning to go in for a 275/70R16 tire. I'm currently on 255/70R16, and it's stock. At least that's what it says on the side of the door. Also, with the change in diameter, will I have to change the gearing or anything else?

It's a 1995 XLT. I'll take a few pictures and post them, there's some rear sag on the driver side, no discernible sag on the right side. Everything else is in top shape.

Thank you for your time.

 

[2000Xplorer]

1. Body lift uses lift pucks to only lift the body. doesnt gain you any suspension travel. only point is to get more height and/or fit bigger tires.

Suspension lift uses new suspension components to lift the body and frame. much more expensive for a 2nd gen explorer than a body lift. depending on type of suspension lift, more travel and flex can be gained.

2. If you install the shackles and do a Torsion Twist you will gain about 1.5 - 2 inches. (remember not to twist tortion bars over 2 inches). but if your rear is sagging, add-a-leafs will give you a few more inches. with the tt and shackles you should be able to fit 32's,with possible/minor trimming.

take a look at this thread to decide on tire size...http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=153710

 

[hatZim]

Thanks!

Thanks for the reply 2000Xplorer.

I did realise over the course of my extended searches that most of my questions were dealt with hundreds, possibly thousands of times!

In any case, I've decided to go in for the Bridgestone Dueler A/T D694 (Revo), 275/70R16. Although I really like the way the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO look.

Decided to skip the AAL, because of the rough ride, stiff ride, that most seemed to have complained of. I like the way my explorer rides, although it does get a bit bouncy at times, but that's to be expected. So I think the shackles and the TT lift should do for now.

Thanks, great site this. I've literally spent hours browsing through search results...lots to learn!!!

 

[hatZim]

Will the transmission suffer?

My lift and tire sizes are fairly minor increases over stock. Do you think the tranny will shift OK, and will be alright?

Sorry if this isn't the right place to post this question.

Thanks.

 

[mynameisaric]

tranny will be fine. i ran with 33 and 3.55 gears for a few months. the 4.0 sohc motor and 5r55e tranny did just fine. i regeared and locked and definietly felt more torquey, but highway kinda sucks with 4.56 and 33's. i have the aal's because my rear sagged even with the shackles. it rides good for a lifted truck. i even have people tell me they are surprised how smoothe the ride is.

if you plan to go off road at all with your explorer, get a good a/t... and get 32's or 33's(will fit with a body lift) if you dont want to do a body lift i'm sure you can still fit 31's which might be what your 255's are equivalent to.

if you plan to offroad your explorer alot, definitely get at least a/t tires .. maybe m/t's depending on your region of the world. throw in a body lift and get 33's