Lowering 1999 Explorer XLT

[RickE46M3]

I have a 1999 XLT 4wd 4dr 4.0 SOHC with soon to be bamachip. I was wondering if just like TT/Shackles for a lift, if I could do the same for lowering... also would this help me much at the track or are the aerodynamic benefits too minimal to fathom?

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

explorer express has a handiling kit that has a 1.5 inch drop(i think it is 1.5) and some big sway bars. To lower it you can TT lower just go the oppisite way as a TT lift. For the rear you can use a block to drop it. But they do make lowering shackels but i am not sure whetehr they are made for explorers.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

and explorers have the aero dynamics of a brick....so

 

[conig]

from most of what ive been reading the benefit from a handling prospective is from better tires and the explorer express sway bars. The lowering aspect of it is more for looks(and looks good in my opinion).

 

[BShow]

In general, Tires are the biggest part of the handling equation. Swaybars will keep body roll in check, which will improve handling some, but make it feel a LOT better in the turns. If you want better handling, get some nice street tires for it.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

if you want fabulous handlilg get a car.....or real nice tires(lo-pro), shocks, sway bars, lower it etc....

 

[RickE46M3]

Well see, I was going to lower it if it wasnt going to cost much, as if I was lifting it... shackles, $100 bucks and thats it. I am not autocrossing this so I don't plan on putting lots of cash into a suspension set up I was just wondering if a drop would help me the slightest bit at the track I will probobly be the only Explorer there but it'd be cool to take out a V6 stang or Camaro which I heard these could do with bamachip, intake and exhaust.

 

[tomw]

I have a 98 Explorer Sport and am in the process of lowering to x-spec specifications. I just ordered the sway bar/shocks/suspension bumpers from EE. I bought the camber kit from Advance Auto for $32. I looked at the pictures and read the article on moving the blocks on the rear spring. The article didn't mention putting a jack under the spring before removing the nuts on the u-bolts. The spring released and I wasn't expecting it to collapse so far. I bent one of the u-bolts out of shape and finally got it back to the original shape and was able to reuse it (as recommended from EE). After getting everything back together, I asked a few people and was told not to reuse the bolts. I then took it apart again and used new heavier, longer bolts (the replacements for 98 Explorer were too short). I had a problem getting the blocks to match up with the axle and couldn't torque the nuts all the way with the first install. When I backed out of the driveway and shifted into drive it snapped into place. I noticed with the second install, I had to torque the nuts when the spring was compressed with the jack, and again when the jack and jack stands were removed. The article said to lower the axle on to the spring but I had to raise the spring with the jack until the block contacted the axle. How hard is it to install the shocks, sway bar, and bumpers? I can get an alignment but he prefers that I install the camber bolts and adjusters myself. How hard is this?

 

[Diddy74]

camber adjusters

Its not hard at all I did mine this last weekend...You dont have too but,removing the wheels make it much easier...There is a thread on here somewhere about installing them with lots of pics. Definetely a easy DIY job save your self some $$ rather than have the shop charge you additional labor with the alignment.