no lifts for sport trac

[TacosSportTrac]

Since every website and company I can find has nothing specifically for Sport Tracs...is the suspension setup for the 4.0 4wd Rangers similar enough to the ST to use those kits? And should I do a conversion to get rid of the torsion bar? Any thoughts? Im new to lifting, but its time to start having fun with my 4wd. My first intention was to level the front (without ruining my cv joints) to put 31 or 32 in. tires, now Im looking at all my options.

 

[Gregg XLS]

Search these things...
Torsion twist
Shackles
Aal or add a leaf
Lift spindles
Superlift
Performance accessories body lift

 

[John_Rock]

Search is your friend....

Did you see this thread yet???
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231158

 

[TacosSportTrac]

From what Im reading, if I do the TT, I should get new cv axes, maybe lower control arms, and shocks to retain the ride and durability. Would that make sense? Right now Im not looking for anything too aggressive, just a start to the project.

 

[John_Rock]

From what Im reading, if I do the TT, I should get new cv axes, maybe lower control arms, and shocks to retain the ride and durability. Would that make sense? Right now Im not looking for anything too aggressive, just a start to the project.

TT is way overrated. With hindsight, I would not have done it. Go big or go home.

Just kidding. You can get some slightly larger tires for a slightly more aggressive look. But, don't ask me how much larger, because I went from stock tires to extra large.

 

[TacosSportTrac]

Thanks for the info on the TT, Im just a little concerned with all the different threads I've read stating that I'll ruin my CV joints if I do it, as well as stiffening the ride. Im sure the same goes with the torsion keys, although it looks like they'll save wear on the torsion bars.

 

[John_Rock]

Thanks for the info on the TT, Im just a little concerned with all the different threads I've read stating that I'll ruin my CV joints if I do it, as well as stiffening the ride. Im sure the same goes with the torsion keys, although it looks like they'll save wear on the torsion bars.

I never broke a CV axle until I installed a front locker. Well technically it was the failure of a tie rod that broke the first CV axle. But, the rest are all due to the wear and tear of having a front locker. Ask Premier.

Here's my history...

Aug. 11, 2001 - Did TT and installed Warrior shackles in the rear. I still had the stock tires and wheels.
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/010811/INDEX.HTM

Jan. 19 & 20, 2002 - Offroaded at Explorer Truckhaven Run.
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020119/INDEX.HTM
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020120/INDEX.HTM

Feb. 8 - 10, 2002 - Installed 3" body lift.
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020208/INDEX.HTM
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020210/INDEX.HTM

Feb. 28, 2002 - Installed 35" Goodyear MTR tires.
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020228/INDEX.HTM

March 16 & 17, 2002 - Offroaded at Explorer Arizona Run.
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020316/INDEX.HTM
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020317/INDEX.HTM

April 28, 2002 - Offroaded at Spring Creek, TX.
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020428/INDEX.HTM

May 30 - June 4, 2002 - Offroaded at Explorer Moab Run
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020530/INDEX.HTM
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020531/INDEX.HTM
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020601/INDEX.HTM
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/020602/INDEX.HTM

Oct. 5, 2002 - Installed Powertrax LockRight locker in the front differential.
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/021005/INDEX.HTM

Oct. 12, 2002 - Offroaded with Las Cruces 4wd club at Broad Canyon, NM. This is where I bent a tie rod and broke my first CV axle.
http://pictures.sporttrac4x4.com/ploader/ImageLib/021012/INDEX.HTM

 

[JohnnyO]

From what Im reading, if I do the TT, I should get new cv axes, maybe lower control arms, and shocks to retain the ride and durability. Would that make sense?

Nah, not for just a TT. I did it on my '02 Ranger and my '05 Trac, put about 50,000 miles on each (I lease), no problems. Just turn it up an inch-and-a-half, get it realigned, and forget about it.
Get new shocks regardless though.

Coil-overs to eliminate the torsion bars, that sort of depends on what you're going to do with it. Off-roading in rocks, it would be a good idea. Otherwise, it's probably not worth the money. To get rid of the t-bars, you're either looking at a custom coil-over setup, the RCD kit (about $2700) or the Dixon Bros. kit (about $3000). Sorta makes the Superlift at $1800 or so sound like a bargain.

 

[John_Rock]

Thanks to Diesel_Scout we can put two more on the list from Brenthel Industries...
http://www.brenthelindustries.com/bajakits.asp?WPID=41

 

[TacosSportTrac]

Thanks for all the info guys, that really helps. Got one more question, though...whats the deal with disconnecting the sway bar? Is it to give the wheels more play when off roading?

 

[JohnnyO]

Got one more question, though...whats the deal with disconnecting the sway bar? Is it to give the wheels more play when off roading?

More travel, yes. But I think it could result in a front halfshaft pulling out of the differential though from being over-extended. Wouldn't hurt the rear though.

 

[John_Rock]

More travel, yes. But I think it could result in a front halfshaft pulling out of the differential though from being over-extended. Wouldn't hurt the rear though.

I've never had that problem. My anti-sway bars have been removed from my truck for a few years. I don't mind the sways on cornering.

 

[TacosSportTrac]

Might be kind of obvious...but would I need an alignment job after a tt?

 

[John_Rock]

Might be kind of obvious...but would I need an alignment job after a tt?

You are correct.