Misc lowering questions

[Camarofan]

So, i've gotten to the point where i'm going all out, and i'll fix whatever i break over the winter. I've gotten the torsion bar off the little catch bar the bolts go into(I can't think of the name right now) The other problem is, the bar doesn't droop at all, How would i remove the torsion key to flip it?

Next, has anyone used the 3inch drop leafs that Airbagit has? I'm already running a 3.5inch block on a 225/70/R15 tire, and i plan on another 1 inch drop for it.

Also, http://www.airbagit.com/product-p/key-fr-07.htm
Would these keys be the same as the drop keys they offered awhile ago? Or, even fit for that matter.

Finally, do they make swaybar end-links for these truck? front and rear preferably. I read something about using F150 links for the rear.
And does anyone know if there is a dual shock mount available for the rear? I have a set of air shocks on it now that work pretty good, but i'd like a bit more stiffness.

 

[swshawaii]

Identical #7 drop keys at almost half the price. Airbagit, Chassis Tech, and AIM Industries are the same company.
Why they are $69 buying direct is puzzling. I've also seen a recent post where they do not have stock except Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/95-06-Ford-...672046?hash=item4175873f2e&vxp=mtr&rmvSB=true

Should you do the torsion key flip instead, here's the procedure.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142973

Seriously Lowered Explorer - Ranger Suspension Tech
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=46

Shorter rear end link post for my ST's 3" rear drop. I'm sure the 4.5" drop on your '97 Explorer will require shorter end links
to get the sway bar close to level. As you probably know it should be close to parallel with the ground for maximum efficiency.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3015693&postcount=29

 

[Camarofan]

Identical #7 drop keys at almost half the price. Airbagit, Chassis Tech, and AIM Industries are the same company.
Why they are $69 buying direct is puzzling. I've also seen a recent post where they do not have stock except Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/95-06-Ford-...672046?hash=item4175873f2e&vxp=mtr&rmvSB=true

Should you do the torsion key flip instead, here's the procedure.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142973

Seriously Lowered Explorer - Ranger Suspension Tech
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=46

Shorter rear end link post for my ST's 3" rear drop. I'm sure the 4.5" drop on your '97 Explorer will require shorter end links
to get the sway bar close to level. As you probably know it should be close to parallel with the ground for maximum efficiency.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3015693&postcount=29

Thanks! I've been curious about the end links for a while, I've been trying to get it more planted for awhile.

I knew, or knew of the procedure for the key flip, i've been trying to get time to do it. But how would i remove the key? I'd problem end up doing it the safer/quicker way and spending the money for the drop keys, but i can't seem to remove the factory keys. Is there a tool i need? or just spray it and beat it with a hammer?

 

[swshawaii]

Can't see any other method of removing frozen keys other than a BFH and lot's of penetrant. Maybe heat? Forgot to mention what I did for front sway bar end links. Ideally you want the sway bar eyelets parallel to the ground but for some reason Explorer front sway bar eyelets are angled down so I left the center sleeves stock length. These custom front sway bar end links are bulletproof. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2791778&postcount=10

I'm assuming you plan on upgrading sway bars if your goal is to achieve the best possible handling. The Explorer Express ZD5621 X-Spec kit is the most highly regarded but comes with a $410 price that includes a solid front bar to upgrade 1997 and earlier front bars that are hollow. Another option is the 1" chromoly Hellwig 7648 rear and retrofitting a 98-01 solid bar and mounts to your '97.
http://explorerexpress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=9

My biggest concern with your planned 4.5" drop is front and rear clearance. How are you getting travel? No bump stops? Seems like constant rear bottoming would be inevitable unless you are c-notching the frame. As for the front, I doubt you can get the front close to level with the rear without major custom work not to mention serious camber issues. Once you get that sorted out Doetsch Tech makes reasonably priced custom shocks specifically for lowered trucks known as Nitro Slammer's. They are reported to be quite firm.
http://www.doetsch-shocks.com/3.asp

 

[Camarofan]

Thanks! I was trying that, but it seemed to move the bar out, but i can try again.

Alright, i'll look into those links. I haven't upgraded any of the bars yet, But EE can't be the only one with a solid front bar upgrade. And aren't the rears hollow too? I was looking at the Hellwig rear bars because of the price, and i don't see how .125 of an inch is going to make a noticeable difference.

And as of right now, i have no bump stops, a little sliver of metal left over from cutting the rears off, but that's about it. I can easily run another inch block in there on top of my 3.5 inch block. I don't hit the frame very often, and the air shocks help a little bit.
The front is a complete drop, whatever i can get i'm doing. Whether its the flip, or the drop keys(are those at least 5 inch?) I know this low isn't going to handle the greatest, and i know about the camber. I've been running a good amount since i dropped it the first time, I'm trying to get the funds for camber bolts and lower ball joints right now so i can fix the front end.

And those are a better deal than the Chassisworks/Airbagit shocks. Anythings better than what i have right now, i'm sure its still factory shocks up front, i know the rear was.

 

[swshawaii]

I'm actuall using the Addco 633 rear sway bar only because EE wouldn't budge on their crazy expensive shipping to Hawaii. After speaking with a MyST member that compared both on his vehicle, he said he could NOT feel a perceivable difference. I imagine the chromoly steel Hellwig 7648 being an improvement over the Addco 633 that's only heat treated steel. I'd be inclined to upgrade the rear first, you may find it may be perfectly adequate with your existing hollow front bar. Interesting that looking at the pics of the EE front and the Addco 737, they appear identical.
http://www.zabteck.com/swaybar.htm

Regarding drop shocks, can't say I've heard anything good about the Chassis Tech shocks, in fact the little feedback I've read says they're horrible. Edelbrock used to make shocks specifically for lowered Explorer's but were discontinued long ago. I worked with one individual on the ST site with flattened rear leafs that solved rear bottoming by using the Monroe 58617 spring assisted shocks, however they will lift the rear a minimum of one inch. Interesting because they are so highly regarded by the off road crowd. LOL
http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1341046

 

[Camarofan]

Awesome, How hard is it to put a '98+ sway bar on the front of my '97? There's plenty of them at my local scrap yard if i can just grab hardware to make it a direct fit.

And i was debating those shocks, But i also wanted the air shocks.. I'll have to look into a dual shock mount type of deal at some point.

And the lift isn't a major deal. I have well over 2 inches of extra threads on the u-bolts i can get form a local shop. If anything i'll like it raked, or i'll add a bigger block.

 

[swshawaii]

Look at the pics in the link below. I believe the frame brackets are mounted differently depending on year. Retapping with perfect bracket and end link alignment would be critical to prevent binding. To be sure, take precise measurements at the salvage yard.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285772