Hey everyone, new to the forum, have owned my explorer for a couple years, 2nd owner 140k miles, really good shape, was gonna look into buying something new, but seeing how the market is, not much sense. Was gonna keep the explorer regardless. But now I’m thinking I will just put some nice rims tires and maybe a little torsion lift. Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what to do with it, it has a little bit of sag in the back of it, not sure if it’s warn leafs or shackles, or if torsion keys with new shackles in the back would fix that. Any input is appreciated, thanks. The explorer is also white with grey trim, 6cyl
First of all, I would not pour a lot of money into it if it has the 4L SOHC engine. They were fine engines except for a finite lifespan due to timing chain issues, so don't put into it more than you're willing to lose, unless you're really in it for the LONG haul and will rebuild the timing chain/components sooner than later.
Why new rims? I mean i get it on a newer, more valuable vehicle but at this point in the game, considering what I wrote above and how that affects long term costs vs value, if you only want a lift then you can find tires to suit that without replacing rims, IF you need that. Then again, I'm thinking in terms of retail pricing. If you can get the rims you want for low cost, it makes more sense right before the tires need replaced anyway.
Sag in the back, it's what I would address first since at the end of the day it is a truck and needs to have a good rear suspension. It's not shackles, when those go bad and rust through it is a show stopper, rather your leaf springs are weak from the load over time. Torsion keys and new shackles won't fix it, well cosmetically longer shackles will but they don't address the cause or shortcomings from it.
New shackles that are longer than factory, can return the ride height to normal in the rear to get rid of sag, and if you are looking for a smoother ride over flat, straight surfaces then that may be the way to go to return equal ride height between front and rear, but the worn out springs will still compromise handling as well as load capacity.
This is where there is a crossroads. New from the factory, these had very busy rear ends, but as the rear suspension wears they get smoother on good/straight roads, but sloppy on curves, and unable to handle as much load. If you want to return the vehicle to stock load capacity and handling then you'll need coilover rear shocks, (monroe load a just being a popular example) or new or reformed rear leaf packs, even better (with more total expense).
There's more info in this forum than I could begin to, nor is reasonable to, do in a single post.
What I would not do is put much money into a SOHC Explorer, any more than necessary to keep it functional for the required tasks. There are 5L 2nd gens for those who love 2nd gen otherwise, or other options with greater expected long term potential. You may be in a special situation where you have a replacement 4L engine sitting there with new timing components, ready to drop in and then it makes more sense, but the impression I'm getting is that you were already wanting newer but with the market the way it is, should just appreciate cheap cost of ownership for now, bank that money and wait on the market to change instead... because you didn't express a specific purpose where additional investment suits a need.
