(!) lift this ??????

[modswap]

With a lift question:

I do a little "off-road" driving mainly for getting to hard to reach hunting locations. (I am not a redneck because I hunt, I am a redneck because I was born that way)

Anyway: I have a 1998 Limited explorer 4.0 with some mods done for more power and speed:
K&N intake gen II - gibson catback - zex 50 shot Nitrous - and I also have a jet chip installed -

The limited 98 has the air-ride suspension or something, and I want to get a little more ground clearance and get some bigger tires for off-road - I go over creek-beds - large semi-sharp rocks - lots of soft ground, mud, logs, timber, up steep hills and more - I do all this right now but It is not easy and I bust tires and messed up my running boards already and also got a hole in my exhaust -=

so I need more groud clearance and bigger tires and wheels.

I know nothing about lifting - remember the air ride stuff - WHAT DO I GET money is not a big deal-

L-O-N-G W-I-N-D-ED

 

[section525]

You'd have to ditch the air-ride suspension if you want to do anything serious. You could always to a body lift and run 32's. If you want to get rid of your air-ride you could get the Superlift 4" kit and run 33's (which would probably look sweet on your Ltd). Have you thought about removing your runningboards?

 

[modswap]

Originally posted by section525
You'd have to ditch the air-ride suspension if you want to do anything serious. You could always to a body lift and run 32's. If you want to get rid of your air-ride you could get the Superlift 4" kit and run 33's (which would probably look sweet on your Ltd). Have you thought about removing your runningboards?

I landed on a large rock and bent my left running board so I took them both off and I like it but there are a lot of holes under the boards - any idea how to fill or cover them somehow?

ALso - what option would allow me to keep the air ride suspension? Or what is easiest?

Thanks

 

[section525]

I've had my boards off for three years or so and my holes are still not covered. But what you can do is get the tupperware that comes on X's without runningboards. Some people have found plugs that fit in the holes too.

You could do a body lift on your X and that wouldnt affect the air-ride. Body lifts are also cheap and easy to do yourself. They're about $170. If you search for "body lift" you'll find tons of info. You can click in my signature below and go to my web site where I have a little info on the kit I used and what I had to go through.

 

[modswap]

what size tires and wheels could I upgrade or should I upgrade to?

Thanks

 

[section525]

I'd get 15X8 wheels and probably 32x11.50s. I'm not sure if you can do the torsion bar lift for the front if you have air-ride. But I think you can. So if you can, I'd do this:

3" Body lift $170

FRONT
Torsion Twist $0 (But you'll need an alignment)

REAR
Warrior Shackles (Part # WAR 153) $50
ProComp Add-A-Leafs $40

So you can get 5" for under $300. Then get some 15x8 wheels and 33x12.50 BFG Muds!

That would be a sweet setup.

 

[modswap]

That is what I will do - I will do it over the next couple of weeks and post a pic for ya to check out.

Hey - Thanks a lot for your time - it is good to see people helping people out here without expecting much in return - But if you need anything let me know -

Thanks for the advice!

Modswap Of VA

 

[jonny 5]

Damn!!! Gets all his information in one day and off to the store the next!!!! I like how this man thinks! Now, I've just got to win the lottery...

 

[becker69]

Modswap.... Section525 is right on the money, depending on what you want. If $$ is not an option (within reason anyway ) You may want to look at some quality shocks to help you out. I could not believe what a difference a quality pair of shocks made in the on and off road characteristics of my truck. Plus an added benefit of the Torsion Twist to your front suspension, adds a bit of stiffness and it will corner better, even with bigger tires and more height. Good luck, and make sure you post picks when you are done. Depending on what your are looking for (if shocks are in the forecast, that is); but there are plenty of threads to search on Bilsteins, Ranchos, OME's, and others. Again, Good luck.

 

[modswap]

Thanks for everyones input - You know I am glad we have this forum, I have learned a lot over the past few months here.

Thanks again!

 

[Mbrooks420]

Your truck should look real sweet when it's done. As for the holes, like Section525 said, you could get the Tupperware that comes on the X's w/o running boards. It's common to take them off, so you could prob. find a set in your color. Just put a post in the For sale, wanted to buy section. I've rubbed, banged mine a lot and all I have done is broke a few clips.

 

[JDraper]

One comment (seems like this has been the day for air suspension stuff ). If you do lift the truck with a Torsion Twist and Shackles, and want to keep your air suspension, you will probably have to re-position the air ride sensors. They measure the distance between the frame and the suspension, so with a lift, they will be confused. Easiest thing to do is extend the sensor brackets and move the sensors the same distance you lift the truck. Note: This won't apply if you only do a body lift. Just a suspension lift.