Minor (2") lift on 01 sport ex ideas?

[Blk01Sprt]

Minor (2") lift/towing help on 01 sport ex ideas?

Alright guys, I've been searching around and havn't got the information I need so I'll pose the question.

Currently, on my 01 sport, I have the AmTech rollgard springs out back. These lifted the truck about 1.5 inches or so. I need these because I tow a 4000lbs boat and need the back end to not sag. I like how the springs help out in cornering too (less tippy), and how it lifted the truck a bit, and the increased load capability.

the problem: they are squeaking and moaning and rattling and driving me nuts.
It seemed to be ok for a year or so, but they make all sorts of noises and i'm really annoyed by them.

the question: I would like to replace them, however I don't know what to replace them with. I want 1) to provide better cornering/handling/less wobbly action, 2) 1.5 - 2" lift, 3) increased spring tention to keep up back end when the trailer is on and 4) to fit 32s on it.

I Don't like the idea of the TT and shackles (they seem that they would be very noisy too. plus, they are cheap (nothing good can come from a $50 part holding up 4000lbs of truck.
Basically, money is not a problem, so I would like some decent springs/helpers to hold up the rear, and lift it, and for the front would be interested in longer springs/spring spacer type. Plus, I'm gonna get Rancharo 5000s too.
Any ideas? thanks.

 

[Critical_Level2]

I Don't like the idea of the TT and shackles (they seem that they would be very noisy too. plus, they are cheap (nothing good can come from a $50 part holding up 4000lbs of truck.

I have to disagree with the shackles being cheap crap. I have the $13 autopzone shackles and they are holding up fine with no squeaking, mine is also a four door (heavier) and I am a very agressive driver. I also have the torsion twist and no noises, and my truck has been lifted like this for a little over a year.
If you still do not want to trust shackles, then a few alternatives are leaf packs from a 4-door, an add-a-leaf kit, or custom spring pack. For the front the only options are torsion twist or spindles (2wd). Another cheap way to get some height for 32s is to do a body lift.

 

[osker75]

i have done TT, shackles and an add-a-leaf to my 01 sport and i have no noises at all .... and yes i do tow around my 21ft boat and my quads just about every weekend.....i'd have to say that shackles and TT is prob. the best mod to start off with if your lifting

 

[Blk01Sprt]

osker75, what did the shackels and AAL raise it up to? And how far did you go with the Tortion twisting? What size tires u running? Last does the AAL add any in the rear as far as holding up the trailer?

Without the Rollgard, the rear sags way too much. so I really need this.
Plus, I like how the oposing spring force helps with side to side moving. Would an EE anti sway bar have the same effect? Has anybody tried this?

Basically, I want to balance my towing ability, and sporty driving habbits and the more aggressive look (sick of seeing little girls driving ex'es just like mine). NO rock crawling or extreeme 4x4ing for me. snow is most it sees.

thanks guys

 

[Critical_Level2]

You can go up to 2" with the torsion twist before having problems. Add-a-leaf basically adds another leaf to the spring pack, so it will help for towing plus stiffen up the rear end.

 

[birdman]

blk01, the AAL in rear is going to give you .5-1.5 inches in the rear and stiffen it up for towing, shackles will just give you lift (1 - 2 inches), not stiffen.

If you don't want to do either of these, you need to look into OME (Old Man Emu) leaf springs. They were specifically designed for explorers to gain 2 inches to match the front 2 inch lift that comes from the torsions. They cost $400.

As far as your front end goes, you do not have springs, which means spacers/longer springs are not an option. The only way to lift front is torsions, they can be lifted a maximum of 2 inches. After 2 inches you put too much stress on front.

One of these combinations will definitely allow you to run 31's, maybe 32's with minor trimming. Hope this helps.

 

[osker75]

If you do what i do you'll easly be able to clear 31's without a problem....and can run 32's for sure also....my back end also sits up a little higher than my front...i also just added to more pictures to my cardomain site that show a little more....i dont know how to use my moms scanner or camera or i would have tons to show you.....

 

[Blk01Sprt]

Cool guys. I'm getting a better idea now.. Did some searchin for OME springs. It seems to be a total spring replacement package. Somehow I have more confidence in this as they apparently are made to lift the ride height up, plus allow for better load handling in back. Thats what the rollgaurd does. The OME seem to be well built and won't squeak like if I were to bolt up a bunch of parts (like the rollgard and stuff). I'm, really looking for something that I don't have to keep maintaining. I have to lube the rollgards.
I'm wodering if I go with the EE anti swaybar if it will complete my handling improvement requirements too? (LIke I said, its not a 4-wheeling machine, just want it to look and feel mean )

I checked out the pics.. actually saw ur pics earlier, not sure which pics are new though.


Still thinking.. have some time before I make the decision yet.

 

[Blk01Sprt]

Does anyone here have the OME springs on thier Ex? Any comments good/bad about them?

thanks!

 

[osker75]

i havent heard of anyone using them in a LONG time.....i guess try searching because someone obviously has before.

 

[birdman]

I'm with him, I know no one that uses them probably just because of the price. Like you said though, they look like a really well built spring.

 

[Critical_Level2]

PAexplorer had ome springs on his old ex.