lifting '93 Explorer XLT

[canadianatver]

Hi, just found this web site and am very impressed! I need some advice on lifting my wifes '93 Explorer 4dr XLT. It's bone stock. She uses it as a daily driver and drives 40 miles every day to and from work. We don't use it for extreme offroading (that's what the atv is for!), but want a small lift to accommodate larger tires. I was thinking of 32 X 11.50's. What size suspension lift will I need to clear body parts and have some space between top of tire and fender (more concerned with how it will look versus flex)? Am not interested in body lifts because of bumper brackets, fan shroud, and shift linkage concerns (stock A4LD). I will also need better gears as it has 3.23's (uggh!). Was thinking of 3.73 or 4.10. Thanx for any advice.
Kevin

 

[leebo]

First off I would like to welcome you to the site. I too was in your place awhile ago and was also VERY impressed with the layout and the people on here.

Now a quick note, 32's on a early explorer is a nice size lift. There are several people here who use that size for off-roading. I say this due to the fact of your truck is a everyday driver and prone to flipping....so keep that in mind. Now on to the question. Some early explorers can run 31's without a problem...some can't. It seems to be a design thing. If you're willing to run this size you may be able to do so without a lift at all. If you do need a lift both rancho and james duff makes a 2.5" lift that you can use for the explorer. Both run about $500-$700 or so. Good luck.......hope to see you around.

 

[Goober]

I run 32x11.5 with a 4" superlift and have 3.73 gears. it runs good, looks good and suits my needs. Click on the 'Jeff's Truck' in the signature to give you an idea of what it looks like. Also, if you have a 4x4, remember you have two sets of gears to change and the front is a little more expensive.

 

[DOGMAN]

WELCOME!

Your wife is pretty cool to let you put a lift on HER truck. My wife just looks at me real funny when I mention that her Grand Cherokee would look great with a 6" lift and 33's. Has your wife ever driven a lifted truck with large tires? Since this truck is HER daily driver, does she know what she is getting herself into? If so, that's great. I just know that my wife would rather drive her stock Jeep than my lifted Explorer.

In my opinion, if you want to run 32's, go with the 4" suspension lift like Goober's. Any shorter and it will look like there is too much tire stuffed into the wheel well. I think the 2.5" lifts look great with 31's. Of course you could go with the 5.5" and run 33's like many of us have. Do as much research as you can to find what suits you best. That will save you money in the long run.

Speaking of money, what is your budget for this project? Most of the time these things end up costing more than first realized, I know that for sure.

Advice: If you think you might like 5.5" and 33's, look into it. It's less expensive to go ahead and get what you really want instead of doing it in stages. Of course it all comes down to personal preference.

Good luck and keep asking questions.

 

[kvo]

I agree with Dogman, if this is her daily driver, consider just an upgrade to new and better tires and new shocks. It could make a world of difference with just these two upgrades. You can certainly run 30" instead of the 235's and still use the same gears. Also consider the gas mileage you will get with the lift kit, larger tires, and lower gear. I run 32's, 4.10, with the Rancho 2.5" and I get about 14-15 in the City and about 17-18 on the freeway. Plus you're looking at about $2500 - $3000 in investment to do all that for a daily driver.

My wife never drive the truck now because it is much harsher, bouncier, and higher then stock.

 

[canadianatver]

Thanx for everyone's replies! You've given me a lot more to think about. I'll definitely do a lot more research on ride quality and handling. I am a Technician at a Toyota dealer and worked for a Ford dealer for seven years prior. So, I know the risks of 'rollover'. I will also perform any installs on her XLT, so we can keep the costs down somewhat. The main idea to lifting and bigger tires was for the 'looks'. I know, sounds pretty wussy of me, but like I said before, we have a quad and my old GMC 4X4 for any off road abuse! I'll look into the 2.5" with 31X10.50's or 4" lift with 32 X 11.50's to get the appearance of more room in the wheel wells. Once again, thanx, and I'll keep checking back here often as I've put this site in my favourites!!
Kevin