Lowering vs Rolling

[TTG]

Is lowering the Explorer effective at all against rolling the truck? I figured it would be, and so planned on lowering mine via a torsion twist and blocks around 2-3 inches. However, my father has been very insistent that it will not help at all, and will cause more problems than its worth by changing the suspension geometry. So what are you guy's opinions?

And as a sidenote, I'm relatively sure my truck WANTS to roll. Any quick movements or even hitting the gas a tiny bit too much and it feels like it wasnts to go upside down.

 

[Doug]

Even with your truck lowered you still have the chance of rolling. I know of atleast one member here who rolled thier lowered truck. Explorer's are not that prone to rolling over... I've had my explorer for a few years not and I haven't rolled it and the center of gravity on mine is alot higher than yours. I'm also not running sway bars, it's all about your driving style. If you don't drive like a 17yr old kid hopped up on testosterone trying to run every one off the road you'll be fine.

 

[TTG]

It's not me I'm worried about, as much as all the other people here. Driving down I-95 is pretty much kinda like trying to dodge everyone trying to hit you. At 70 mph+ no less.

As far as the U-turn issue goes, I'm starting to think I might have a suspension issue. I don't have to hit the gas very hard at all and it feels like the thing is gonna roll. Not sure what, maybe my shocks are bad. The guy who had it before me was an old man who didn't really use a lot of things, but kept with the regular maintenence.

 

[Doug]

My truck was my daily driver for over 2 years and it's lifted 8 inches and it has never rolled... one of your front sway bar links may be broken, that's a common problem.

 

[Silver X]

I raised mine a little and stiffened up the suspension quite a bit with the TT, F150 springs, new shocks, and EE rear stabilizer bar. It handles much better now and has very little nose dive or rise when stopping or starting. I drove my friend's stock Sport recently and realized how much of a difference there was. His truck felt really soggy and was tossed around by potholes in the road. I did mine in several steps over about a year, so I didn't notice as much of a difference before. I let him drive mine when I drove his and now he wants me to upgrade his suspension.

 

[Hartman]

When mine was lowered, I don't think I could roll it if I tried. Now that its back to stock height, it still doesn't feel shaky at all, pretty stable actually. All you have to do is to remember that its a truck, not a sportscar, so drive it accordingly.

 

[Doug]

When mine was lowered, I don't think I could roll it if I tried.

Don't tell that to BBQ_Hotdogs or Rocket 5979

 

[CDW6212R]

My 93 feels horrible turning, at any speed, angle, whatever. The shocks are shot, and I bet your's are also.
My 98 is lowered to level the front with the back, and it handles extremely well compared to my 93.

Bigger anti-sway bars are your most needed items, as well as new shock absorbers. The 15" 75 series tires are a big cause of the tipsy feel of most Explorers. The later Explorers come with lower profile tires, and are less likely to roll over.

Talk to your father about changes of these parts. Don't suggest massive changes, like 20" tires instead of your 15's. Think about 16" tires, or 17's in a reasonable size(255/60/17-stock diameter). Invest in a set of high quality shocks, and consider hard the anti-sway bars from Explorer Express. They suggest lowering no more than 1.375", the real issue is that rear suspension travel is hurt drastically if lowering more than about an inch. I'd choose one inch blocks for the rear if I did it again, instead of my 1.375" EE blocks.

If you have a 2WD, you can lower the front a lot, but if over 1-2 inches, you will need camber washers to get an alignment. If you have 4WD, then you should watch the front axle angles closely. More than 1.5" of lowering will begin to shorten the life of the CV axles. I'd hope for evening the front with the back. Good luck,
Don

 

[etc]

I just got 255/60/17 wheel/rim combo, and it helps alot on body roll(even after the EE bars). The very first thing you should change out is your shocks. EE sway bars are a very good investment as well.

 

[Saleen_SR71]

I want to lower my X a little more too... but cant do much with 22's! first thing I'd have to do is get stiffer shocks and then I could lower it, but even after the shocks I still wouldnt be able to lower it much (probably another inch max in the front unless I cut out the wells), but the rear I got a good 2-3 inches of lowering without anything major.

Get new shocks if you lower your X, maybe something adjustable so you could adjust it to your liking (I like stiff cars, not bouncy ones like my moms '02 TownCar and dads '05 F150 which ride horrible IMO)

 

[boominXplorer]

never rolled mine and I put it in some sticky situations. http://www.section525.com/xpage/boomin4.asf

Hotdog had a tie rod problem causing him to rollover

Rocket had a blowout at 70 mph in a turn

 

[Saleen_SR71]

^^^ i love that vid

 

[JDraper]

I'm lifted 2" and on 31's, and I've had the truck sideways to avoid a deer...no rollover..just left some black marks on the pavement (and brown marks on the seat ).

Lowering the truck will make it less prone to rollover. Anytime you lower the center of gravity on a vehicle while keeping the same track width and suspension characteristics (shock, spring and sway bar rates), you will lower the chance of rollover.

 

[Katmandu]

never rolled mine and I put it in some sticky situations. http://www.section525.com/xpage/boomin4.asf

I see somebody HATES tires as much as I do!! :fire: