My proposed suspension setup

[KBoomBoxx]

So from all of the posts that I've read through using the search function, heres what I believe I have narrowed down to...
1) going to Autozone and buying universal shackles but welding some additional steel in the middle to make them more sturdy = should give 1.5" to 2" of lift

2) lift springs for the front = about 2 inches of lift

3) shocks for the front and back that will work with a 2 inch lift

I need help in determining the correct shocks to get and what everyones opinion is?

I am not looking for anything radical and probably not more than 2 inches... its my daily driver and my wife will be driving it sometimes :thumbdwn: ...

 

[Jason94sport]

That's fine. You could get the shackles from warrior. No need to weld anything for support. I forgot what the part number is but a search will tell you.
For shocks anything decent will do. And you don't need lifted ones. Stock height should be fine. I was the acception for that on the rear, but my rear springs had zero sag.
Don't forget the new alignment bushings for the front. You likely will not be able to align it with the stock ones.

 

[shadowex]

the warrior products number is 153 for silver and 353 for gold i just replaced my auto zone cheapies with these and they are great

 

[KBoomBoxx]

Are the Warrior shackles that much better? My friend is a decent welder, so I was thinking to make the $14 shackles a bit stronger, he could take some scrap steel and just weld a piece in the middle...
Also, if I am raising the vehicle 2 inches, why would I not need shocks with 2 more inches of travel?
Last, whats an alignment bushing? and where do I get them from?

 

[Jason94sport]

Cause shocks for an Explorer are long enough to go about 2.5 inches of lift with them. Just how it's made. Search on the alignment bushings, or alignment cams. There are well detailed posts with pics.

 

[CodePoet]

I wouldn't worry about the new camber adjusters (alignement bushing) as they will have them at the alignment shop you take the truck to. Your stock shocks are fine but if you really wanted you could do the lift, leave off the old shocks, measure the travel and get a new set..may be a good option if you need new ones anyway .

 

[Byrd91]

I agree the rear shocks will be fine, they are plenty long. You might want to check so see if they are limiting droop on the front once everything is tightened up...chances are with stock RAs they'll be fine too. You can also but adapters for the threaded end that will lengthen them a couple inches, those would be perfect if your shocks are still good.

 

[tgertz77]

you'll need a 2 3/4" camber/caster bushing.

getting longer shocks isnt completely necessary because your sway bars will prevent you from flexing out the shick anyway, so unless you plan on discoing your sway bars, longer shocks really arent needed.