Newbie Q: Extreme lowering - how to do?

[Silo]

Hello folks,

we are building a show car (ICE) Explorer for Rockford Fosgate Europe and we want to lower it extremly. Unfortunately over here in Germany no info could be obtained and I also had no luck googling for this topic.

Please give me some pointers where to look. We need at least 3" drop. The car is probably build 1998 (one before the current model). It has twin shocks and leaf springs at the rear, at the front I am not sure what it's called in english. Hope this helps.

Any advice is highly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[the_tool_man]

Hi Silo:

Welcome to the site. There is a lot of information here. The searching tools in this forum can be a big help. However, I will give you an overview to get you started.

The front suspension on a 1998 Explorer uses torsion bars. The ride height can be lowered by as much as 2" by adjusting the bars. Some have removed the torsion bars and flipped them over to get about 4" of drop, but ride quality really suffers. Also, if you are lowering, you will need to install camber adjusters on the upper A-arm.

The rear leaf spring suspension can be most easily lowered by installing blocks between the axle and springs. A 3" drop is about the maximum with blocks. Below that, you need to have the springs de-arched.

Do some searching on these topics, and you will find a lot of information, including step-by-step instructions and pictures. Many have done this (including me). Be sure to post pictures of your vehicle when you get it done.

Regards,
John.

 

[Silo]

Thank you for the feedback. In deed I used the search function before I posted but I might be using the wrong search terms so I did not get any direct hits.

Regarding lowering and ride comfort - of course we are aware that an extreme drop will compromise comfort (and even safety) but as mentioned this is a show car for in car entertainment parts and the focus is on "show".

It would be great if you could give me one or two links to specific threads.

Thank you!

 

[the_tool_man]

Hi Silo:

Here are a few. This one has a picture and some instructions for a torsion twist lift, but just turn the bolts the other way to lower it.

Dead Link Removed

This one is for lowering the rear with blocks - lots of pictures:

Dead Link Removed

This one references a torsion flip tutorial:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112570&highlight=torsion+flip

Some keywords to try in your searches:

torsion twist
camber
lowering
torsion flip
bags

I hope this helps.

Regards,
John.

 

[Silo]

John, thank you for the pointers. We have turned it down but didn't get more then 3" drop. It doesn't appear that the torsion bar adjuster can be flipped though or I don't get what "flipping" realy means.

 

[liv2surf34]

Taking it out and turning it upside down

 

[Silo]

Update... we have choosen to install an Air Ride suspension finaly as the drop just wasn't enough for the purpose. Show will be April, 7-10th. I'll make sure to post some pics of the finished car!

 

[TTG]

Would you take the same steps for a '96 Sport? If I don't have to replace all my springs and whatnot to drop my truck that would make things much easier, not to mention cheaper.

 

[99SportX]

Would you take the same steps for a '96 Sport? If I don't have to replace all my springs and whatnot to drop my truck that would make things much easier, not to mention cheaper.

Yes, on a 96, those procedures are the same.

 

[draft]

While you're now going for air suspension, for the record, you can still flip your torsion adjuster. Here's the link to the active tutorial that I made some time ago: http://www.explorer x.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=36 (just put the word together... stupid filter)

 

[Silo]

OK, a little late but as promised... here are some pics of the finished car!

http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3793.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3794.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3795.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3796.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3797.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3798.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3799.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3800.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3801.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3802.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3803.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3804.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3805.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3806.JPG
http://www.quantumautosport.com/images/RF_Explorer/IMG_3807.JPG

 

[boominXplorer]

not too much of a fan with the body kit but DAMN thats some nice interior and crazy designs!

 

[racinjason68]

yeah same here not much on the body kit.... like the wheels...

 

[caveman1]

What planet did the aliens come from that helped you build such an awsome truck.

 

[ions]

Just AMAZING! very nice work.

 

[jimbo74]

for a bodykit though, i think that looks cool... dont see that around here often....

 

[Silo]

Thank you guys. The body kit we actualy imported from the USA. It is available from extremedimensions.com.

The car was build for Rockford Fosgate under our new label PROJECT CARS, a joint venture of ICE specialists of X-treme Car Audio and us (Quantum Auto Sport).

 

[jimbo74]

that bumper actually looks liek a mustang bumper

 

[the_tool_man]

Wow. Interesting.

Your paint guy needs to be fired. It isn't very shiny.

To me, the front bumper looks like one from a Ford Focus (at least that's what they're called in the U.S.). Not bad for a body kit.

Regards,
John.

 

[Silo]

It is matt black by purpose.