Need some input

[Grunt27]

Hey everyone. My name is Lukas and I've got a blue 01 ex 4.0 sohc 4 wheel drivewith roughly 195,x.. miles on her. It's my daily driver, and I am wanting to do major upgrades to it, i.e. (lift, bigger tires, better suspension). the works basically , I want to make it like a prerunner. . And another thing. I noticed that my front end is squeaking , and I've narrowed it down to somewhere around my tie rods/ends. I'm just not 100% sure on what it is. Anything helps. Thanks everyone.

 

[Glacier Explorer]

Take the tires off and check your ball joints. I had to replace the cheap Chinese ones that a bad shop installed because they were clunking and squeaking constantly. If it is your ball joints making the noise, take the opportunity to replace the cam bolts on the UCAs so you can do a t-twist up front and get a proper alignment afterwards.

 

[Grunt27]

Thanks. I'll def take a look at that. But, the weather here in good ole east TN has doesn't want to cooperate , so I may have to wait a few more days after it quits raining and snowing. now to find decent shocks and 31s for my ex and shocks for my wife's 98. .
Again thanks alot for the help.

 

[swshawaii]

Tons of useful info in the Offroad and 1995-01 (Gen 2) Stock and Modified sub forums. Enjoy, and welcome to EF.

Explorer - Ranger Shocks, Suspensions, Lift Kits | Ford Explorer and Ford Rang

List of Useful Threads - MountaineerGreen's "How To" Writeup List | Ford Exp
Modified 1995-2001 Explorers | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Seriou

 

[Grunt27]

@ swshawaii. thanks for that. I am still learning how to find certain forums on here. So far not to bad. I am really starting to like EF. it's Def saved me some time and money for sure and has already been a tremendous help. what's everyone's opinion on rancho shocks? so far it seems like those are the ones to go with

 

[swshawaii]

Regarding rear shocks, many options, and shock mounting points remain the same as stock, only the axle height changes.

Rancho RS5374 Front Shock Review | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

 

[jpr175]

Hey everyone. My name is Lukas and I've got a blue 01 ex 4.0 sohc 4 wheel drivewith roughly 195,x.. miles on her. It's my daily driver, and I am wanting to do major upgrades to it, i.e. (lift, bigger tires, better suspension). the works basically , I want to make it like a prerunner. . And another thing. I noticed that my front end is squeaking , and I've narrowed it down to somewhere around my tie rods/ends. I'm just not 100% sure on what it is. Anything helps. Thanks everyone.

yea like glacier explorer said check the ball joints it stop my squeaking