Lifting a '95-01 IFS Article

[ExplorerDMB]

That's not always true. Just because there aren't a lot of girls in the field doesnt mean the ones that are don't know as much. But I understand what your saying. Glad to help - thats why we are here.

-Drew

EDIT: Your in VA? Where exactly are you?

 

[sThRnGrL]

can u send me the website for the body lift... Thanks

 

[ExplorerDMB]

http://www.4wheelparts.com/4wp/products/productLine.asp?cat=SUS&prodline=301&catName=Suspension&man=PA&parentProdline=SusFordPA&expand=sub1

Second one on the list: PER883 $159.99

Or here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Body-Lift-3-in-Ford-Ranger-Kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33585QQitemZ8012457252QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

-Drew

 

[Bills98Explorer]

The 883 has everything I need except for the correct bumper brackets???

 

[jobunn]

Hey ExplorerDMB, how much torsion twist do you have along with the Superlift? Any noticeable ride issues? From your pics it looks like you have them cranked a bit.

I have the superlift and cranked mine an inch to get some space under the drop brackets and crossmember. But I want to twist another inch and put some limiting straps on.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

The 883 has everything I need except for the correct bumper brackets???

The front will bolt up - but the rear brackets will not. there is a diagram somewhere on here that'll give you the exact dimensions.

Hey ExplorerDMB, how much torsion twist do you have along with the Superlift? Any noticeable ride issues? From your pics it looks like you have them cranked a bit.

Man, I don't know where you are getting your information from, but all of what you said was wrong. I don't have a torsion twist at all, I don't like torsion twists. I don't have a superlift, I have a ranger Trailmaster 4" kit. But anyways, good luck with your torsion twist.

-Drew

 

[jobunn]

Ooops, I was looking at pics of another members truck I thought was yours.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

haha it's ok - simple mistakes

 

[sThRnGrL]

Drew...did you put your lift on yourself or did you pay to have it put on? Bc i dont really trust any of my friends with almost a 2000$ lift.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Yeah, I put it on but i'm a technician. So basically...yeah I had a professional put it in. I had to use a lot of special tools and make adjustments here and there to make it fight right. Now, your going to be kind of hit hard when shops around here will charge from anywhere from 850-1200 bucks just to install the lift. 4wheeldrive specialty on west broad quoted like 3K for the kit installed. that's a lot of money -- all i paid was a co-worker of mine to help me and that was like 100 bucks. But anyway, I'm not saying it couldn't be done by your friends -- but you might run into some things where you aren't equiped to fix it. Shop around!

-Drew

EDIT: Oh, and it took us about 17-18 hrs to do the lift, tires and wheels, and alignment. My shop charges $70 an hour...so that's $1190 on labor. Good luck

 

[sThRnGrL]

Good god ... that is a lot of money, well how far is the shop you work at from Colonial Heights its not far from where you live??

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Duffy's Repair Service

The site is defilently old school -- but we know our stuff. There are directions on there I believe, or atleast the address so you can map quest it.

-Drew

 

[sThRnGrL]

alright thanks

 

[ExplorerDMB]

if you come up weds afternoons or anytime thurs and fri my truck should be there if you want to look at it. Other days I'm in school getting my degree. I'm sure though if you come in there when I'm not there and ask about lifting an Explorer - I will hear about it when I get in. Take care.

-Drew

 

[SkidMarkSteve]

Drew, great write up! Lots of excellent information that will help out with my lift. In your opinion, do you think the install would be to difficult for a knowledgeable person to accomplish with all tools but a car lift? The only thing I am really debating myself on is dropping the extra $1K to have a shop do the install. I dont have that kinda money to blow, but since you've had the experience, maybe you could advise me on the best way to go.

Thanks again for the good information!

 

[ExplorerDMB]

In your opinion, do you think the install would be to difficult for a knowledgeable person to accomplish with all tools but a car lift? The only thing I am really debating myself on is dropping the extra $1K to have a shop do the install. I dont have that kinda money to blow, but since you've had the experience, maybe you could advise me on the best way to go.

Now when you say Car lift that is mighty general? Now, what kind of lift? A 4-post (drive on) or a 2 post (2 arms on each side)? Or the ones that you drive over and then lift it and the lift covers like all of the underside? Anyhow, the 2 post is best, the 4 post could be done and the other type is pretty much worthless.

I think it could be done if you had all the tools and knew what had to be done -- but if you want to feel comfortable and have somewhat of a warranty, then take it to a shop. Let me know if I can help you out with anymore information!

-Drew

 

[vinnie45]

Looking at the picture of the front of the truck, the drivers side seems to sag a little. Is this true or is this just the way I'm looking at it? I ask because I seem to have the same problem.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

What picture are you talking about? A sagging problem on the driver side front is usually caused by a weak or warn components of the torsion bars.

-Drew

 

[wired_af]

Does anyone know if Superlift or Trialmaster sells the lift for the front only?

 

[ExplorerDMB]

No they do not - but you may call them and be able to work something out. Possibly

-Drew