New member - 04 Explorer Xls

[G3Xplorer]

Hello, I’m a new member and my name is Ethan. I am rebuilding and modifying a 2004 Explorer. It is the Xls base model with the 4.0L v6 and real wheel drive. My first simple modifications included a sound system upgrade and 22” wheels. The first major repair to it was pulling the engine and replacing the timing chains. I’m currently replacing the suspension all the way around, with oem struts with 2” or 3” strut spacers, upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, brakes and pads etc. I’ll post progress pictures if anyone is interested, I’ve attached the most recent pic. Be safe and God bless

 

[jnunalee85]

Hello, I’m a new member and my name is Ethan. I am rebuilding and modifying a 2004 Explorer. It is the Xls base model with the 4.0L v6 and real wheel drive. My first simple modifications included a sound system upgrade and 22” wheels. The first major repair to it was pulling the engine and replacing the timing chains. I’m currently replacing the suspension all the way around, with oem struts with 2” or 3” strut spacers, upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, brakes and pads etc. I’ll post progress pictures if anyone is interested, I’ve attached the most recent pic. Be safe and God blessView attachment 315368

I've got a quick question for you. Could you tell me how you got your spacers on. I'm having trouble with mine

 

[Mike65]

Welcome Ethan.

 

[intrepidriver]

Hello Ethan, welcome to the forum.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum!

 

[G3Xplorer]

Hello Ethan, welcome to the forum.

Thank you Intrepidriver

 

[G3Xplorer]

Welcome to this forum!

Thank you

 

[G3Xplorer]

I've got a quick question for you. Could you tell me how you got your spacers on. I'm having trouble with mine

To be honest, I am too. It’s not as simple as it sounded, lol. The strut is either angled wrong, where it’s not flush to the top mounting bracket or the bottom of the strut sticks out because it won’t fit inside the lower control arm. If I mount the bottom of the strut to the control arm first, the inward side of the spring is hits the frame before the top will go into place. The spacers I have are for the 4th generation Explorer, rather then the 3rd gen. I’m not positive of the size difference between the two at the moment, but I was told they would fit. At this point I’m not sure if a shorter spacer would even work but maybe a spring that’s not so wide. I’ll let ya know when I figure something out. Here’s a picture of what I’m dealing with:

 

[G3Xplorer]

Welcome Ethan.

Thank you Mike65