Lowering a ‘99, shocks and rear sway bar and split collets install -- aldive

[aldive]

Here is a pic of the lowering blocks and Edelbrock ISAs that I just found.....

 

[jonny 5]

Aldive, I just ordered regular Edelborck ISA shocks, and am now considering getting the lowering kit. Will these shocks still work fine or will I Need the one made for lowered explorers?

 

[aldive]

They will work,howeverm the ISAs for lowered would be better.

Good luck....

 

[4LF]

Is it neccessary to get the camber kit if you lower it less than 2"? I know an alignment is mandatory afterwards (I have a good shop that can do that).
Also, do you have to get a new sway bor, or can you lower with only the blocks and loosening the torsion bar?

 

[aldive]

Sway bar is not required but needed to achieve optimal handeling.

I recommend a camber adjustment cam(s).

Good luck.....

 

[XLT Xtreme]

Al, do you happen to have some pics of it from the side that you can post? I also have a 99 and have been trying to decide in lowering it. Thanks!

 

[platnumized02]

I was thinking about doing the 2" drop and would like to know how to adjust the front torsion bars.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by platnumized02
I was thinking about doing the 2" drop and would like to know how to adjust the front torsion bars.

Its explained in detail in the first post in this thread.

 

[ChuckyD]

Al,
Your need some rims!!!

 

[Slick]

I am looking to do a 3/2 drop with the twist up front and 2" blocks in the rear. Do i need camber adjusters since i am lowering this much?

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by Slick
I am looking to do a 3/2 drop with the twist up front and 2" blocks in the rear. Do i need camber adjusters since i am lowering this much?

I think so.

 

[JOHN V.]

As soon as you start adjusting the torsion bar bolts, the front camber will go out of spec. The camber adjusters are a must. We find that the closer you get to two inches, the closer you are to no ride travel. Sitting on the bump stops makes for a harsh ride. Not to mention the wear and tear on suspension parts. This why our kit is only a 1 3/8" drop. We have custom made 1 3/8" blocks for the rear. The special bump stops for the front are a different shape. The suspension bumpers for the rear are progressive (hollow). Both of these pieces in our bumper kit help make the ride quality more livable when lowered. The other saving grace for the ride quality is the Edelbrock IAS Shocks for the lowered vehicles. The shocks are the same size externally, but are revamped internally to match the lower ride travel. Edelbrock used our vehicle to do the testing on this product. The results are fantastic, especially when the X-Spec Sway Bar(s) are installed. Let me know if you have any questions on the subject.

John V. @ Explorer Express

 

[Slick]

John, I have purchased 2" blocks from autozone for the rear which came with u-bolts. Then I am going to do the torsion bars up front for 3" of drop. So if I do this what else is needed to ensure that my ride quality is not real bad? You mentioned camber adjusters, shocks, and the bumpers? Let me know thanks

 

[hrbib21]

Waaaiiiit a minute... are you saying that you went 468 miles and you still have gas in your tank?

That's not possible. Unless, of course, he has a 40 gallon tank.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by hrbib21
That's not possible. Unless, of course, he has a 40 gallon tank.

Not possible, juh.....

 

[LowdPypes]

468 miles.... lol... I'm happy to break 200 on a tank. In order to get 300, I'd have to be averaging 95mph.

 

[aldive]

468 miles is only 23 MPG

 

[JOHN V.]

Hey Slick

It will be difficult to get a 3" drop out of the front by just adjusting the torsion bars. Anything close to 2" is going to give you a rough ride. There is no other option as far as lowering these vehicles. Some owners are willing to sacrifice ride quality for looks. It is a personal preference. We developed our package for drivers that want improved performance, but also want to drive their Explorer everyday. We have done a lot of experimenting on the subject. Our kit still gives you a lowered appearence, improved handling and a ride you can live with. It is true that you may be able to aquire all of the lowering parts seperately for less, but our kit puts it together in one package with instruction and the custom 1/38" lowering blocks. You can see some of our Explorers on our web site. Go to road tests/press reviews on our home page. Both the blue & green Explorer X vehicles have our lowering kit installed. Also, click on "X-Spec Suspension" for a complete explanation of our handling package. We have sold many of these kits with much success. Let me know if you have any questions.

John V.@ Explorer Express

 

[Slick]

John, do you think suspension bumpers are needed?

 

[aldive]

I totally agree with John on the lowering' I do not regret the use of their kit one bit.

I do not have the bumpers on mine, YET.