Lift steering Problems?

[beavis195]

This may be a dumb question, but I want to make sure I won't negatively effect drivabilty of my explorer. If you lift your explorer, will there be vibrations in the driveline, or in other words will it steer like a$$? I know you can install steering stabilizers and steering kits, but will it ever be as good or close to as good as stock? I'm 16, and I don't need my car to drive like crap because my dad will kill me if I do a mod that messes it up. Also, after lifting, I've heard it is a pain in the a$$ to get the explorer aligned. I've also heard it's really expensive. Is this true? Thanks for your replies.

 

[Ray Hutchinson]

Lift and steering

Well Beavis, It really all depends on how much lift you go, and whose kit you use. I have a 2 1/2" Rancho suspension lift, and a 2" body lift. on my '93 with no alignment problems. You have the TTB suspension system on your '94, but in '95 they changed to a A-arm / tortion bar system. so be sure you get info on the right system! Sometimes, the original set up is a little bit costly, because the alignment shop will have to put new eccentrics adjusters in the Axle to allow for the proper castor/ camber adjustment over stock. I think I paid about $125 for my first set up, subsequent realignments are less, but that varies a lot by area, etc. Here in So Ca, labor charges are pretty high.

I'm sure you'll get other responses from folks that have other lift combos, and they'll comment on their alignment situation.

[Edited by Ray Hutchinson on 11-02-2000 at 08:01 PM]

 

[Goober]

I have a 4" suspension lift on mine (91)and besides the pull to the right and the 65mph shake( which were there before the lift ), there haven't had any problems. I am in the process of ordering the superunner steering system to see if it will help, then a stabilizer and last extended radius arms. I drive about 75 miles daily and have never had to worry about its drivability. Just keep up the maintenance and don't go cheap on a replacement part. You get what you pay for. Enjoy your truck.

 

[beavis195]

Goober, your truck looks sweet! Hey, what do you mean a pull to the right, is it like when the alignment is off and you let go of the wheel and it slowly steers right? Let me know how the steering kits go.
Thanks

 

[beavis195]

Oh yeah, where did you get that brush guard? I haven't been able to find one like yours. Thanks

 

[tONYB]

This bar looks just like that one but im not sure if the brand is good. Anyone have a perference on brands for brush bars? Dead Link Removed

 

[Goober]

The brushguard is a Manik, but there are others out there that look similiar at a lower price. The manik is very sturdy and frame mounted. I have pulled stumps and hit trees and have only light 'scars'. We won't even mention the deer I hit. Too many tree huggers lurking.
I have the dough for the steering stabilizer and absorber, but I'm a little short for the extended radius arms. I'd like to do it all at once so I don't have to tear it apart again! I'll let you know when it's done and how it works.
The steering moves to the right continiously. It isn't just a gradual pull it is a quick 2-3" pull( like the steering wheel jumps) then it heads for the ditch. The funny thing is, there's no wear on the tires yet. If this doesn't help, it will be straight axle time and that will cure it for good!