lifts for 98 explorer gave up on trailmaster

[major]

are there any other ways to lift a 98 explorer other than the torson twist and shackles. i was thinking about the trailmaster 4" lift but they still dont have it out. i dont really want to start modifying other lift kits but is there any one that is better than other for about a 4" lift. thanks for any help

 

[GJarrett]

Major, here is what I have done and what I am about to do.

I currently have installed a 2" body lift, and I have the torsion/shackle about 1.5". I also have 33" tires which provide another 1.5" lift from the larger radius of the tires. I sit between four and five inches higher than a stock Explorer.

I am also going to install a leaf helper on my back springs to get another 1"-1.5". Then I am removing and rotating my left torsion bar to get more adjustment, and am going to crank it up over the 2" that everyone says not to go beyond. A CV joint can withstand a 22 degree angle and my theory is that since it is nowhere near 22 degress until it is at full droop, running it higher than a 2" lift may not hurt it. I must admit this may be an expensive experiment though. I am doing this within the month and will post on this board if I fry my CVs. The other downside will be I will loose droop articulation doing this.

I am then installing 305/75r16s, a 34" tire that gives me another half inch of radius clearance.

My final setup will be 2" body lift + 2.5"-2.75" torsion lift + 2" tire radius for a total of over 6.5"+ clearance and height over stock. I'll have to be satisfied with that. I've done pretty well already on the trail.

Hope that helped.

 

[sansell]

GJarrett, Who makes the 2" body lift?

thanks,
-sansell

Originally posted by GJarrett
Major, here is what I have done and what I am about to do.

I currently have installed a 2" body lift, and I have the torsion/shackle about 1.5". I also have 33" tires which provide another 1.5" lift from the larger radius of the tires. I sit between four and five inches higher than a stock Explorer.
[...]
Hope that helped.

 

[GJarrett]

Originally posted by sansell
GJarrett, Who makes the 2" body lift?

thanks,
-sansell

No one does for new '95+ models.

I used the Performance Accessories kit designed for earlier model Explorers and "made" it work. If you do it you may have to use different length bolts than those supplied and also if you have to utilize the steering extension adaptor it won't work and you will have to modify the one made for '98-'00 Rangers or otherwise figure something out. I just wanted the 2" spacers from the kit and started the mod knowing that I may have to use my imagination to make it work.

If you want a free custom-made set and a week of time to kill, I have heard that you can visit Performance Accessories and they will put you up in a hotel for a week while they use your vehicle to design a kit specifically for new model Explorers for them to release to market. I didn't have a week to kill.

[Edited by GJarrett on 09-24-2000 at 04:57 PM]