Owners of X's with 31x10.50 tires with NO LIFTs

[dmasini]

Hey AK how much was your ARC system and where did you get it? If I ever decide to sell my bumper I'll keep you guys in mind.

 

[IAmTodd]

ARC was an option on the Eddies and Limiteds. I think its pretty difficult to install it and to get it to work properly with the 4WD switch and all. I think BIG COUNTRY was doing that swap on his XLS.

 

[dmasini]

I never knew that was an option. Was it all years? And is it still an option?

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

it was standered on limited's 95-98 optional on EB's 95-98 in 99 they droped it for a load leavling system..it's got to be the coolest thiung i have ever seen!

 

[IAmTodd]

Wasn't the "Load Leveling" just ARC but only in the rear?

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

no it was a new system..it only lifted the rear up after was loaded I.E. towing/hauling people around..and it only lifted it back to stock not over stock..

 

[PolarBlueIce]

ARC / Load Leveling

My co-worker has the 1996 same glorious green LTD Xplorer like you Ak... when it is parked it is always VERY low to the ground. I think that when he starts the engine, it raises higher and then if he reaches about 80km/h or up to 100km/h that the suspension automatically lowers again. I wonder if there is a manual control to just lower & raise the suspension? Nice luxury option! Ak, I want to see more pics when you get those 31" mounted! DMASINI leave me your bumper in your will please!

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

well when it's shut off the whole body lower's all the way down..then in 2wd at start up it goes up to stock..then in 4x4 it raises 2" tehn in 4x4low it raises 4"..but i have moved my sesnor's so now in 4x4 it lift's about 3-4" and in 2wd it's about 1-2" over a stock explorer

 

[PolarBlueIce]

99-01 Limited Emblem

Ak LTD... I just noticed it now, actually noticed it before, but "realised" it now, that you have the later year Limited EMBLEM on the 1996 ... a very nice decision. It looks excellent. I also noticed how that "script" style of writing for "Limited" really looks nice. Where did you get the emblems (does your neighbour have a 1999 Limited?? -- just kidding)! Have you also noticed the pinstriping on the 99-01 Limiteds? It curves downward near the rear, a soft curve line that traces the curve of the tail lights...I like it. Are you going to add that to your 1996 as well? It will be cool to see how much you can make this 1996 look like the 1999. Only thing...your tail lights are more square than the 1999 so the "curved" part of the pinstriping might not flow as well. Just another frivolous and trivial idea borne out of idle time. By the way, what a nice green colour you have!

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

i got the emblem's off e-bay, im going to be getting a 1998-2001 rear hatch so i will have to get newer tail light's to make it work..trust me by the time im done..it will look like a 2001 that's painted a green you couldent even get in 2001..lol

 

[dmasini]

I like the Limited script myself. I noticed that the 99-2000? XLT's had the XLT badge on the front and passenger side doors. MY 01 doesn't so I've been thinking of putting them on. If you don't mind me asking AK, how much did you spend on your Limited badges?

 

[PolarBlueIce]

Tire Size Comparison

I was at the mall yesterday. I parked beside an Expedition XLT with P255 70R16 tires. I think it is a 30" tire? Look at the notable difference compared to the 31" x 10.50 R15.
http://members.shaw.ca/tvds06/XX01B.JPG
http://members.shaw.ca/tvds06/XX02B.JPG
http://members.shaw.ca/tvds06/XX03B.JPG
http://members.shaw.ca/tvds06/XX04B.JPG
Compare height of vehicle (the mirrors), then top line of the tires.

 

[dmasini]

Yeah I've compared mine to a stock Expedition as well. Even though the Expedition sits higher stock than mine does with 31's, shackles and the TT. I noticably have more ground clearence from the axle to the ground. That's what you really want. Lifting the body from the frame with a body lift or suspension lift gives you the room for bigger tires but no ground clearence. Bigger tires is what you really want because they are the only way to get true ground clearence. That's why I laugh at these Toyota's running around on just a body lift because they still have no more ground clearence than they did before.

So just with the 31's you have on now Polar you should have more ground clearence even though the Expedition sits higher. So now you need the body lift so you can fit those 33's under your X...

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

i got the limited emblem's off e-bay for $12 each..i had gone to my dealer and they wanted $30 each..with a discount..lol so off to e-bay i went

 

[PolarBlueIce]

Ground Clearance

Dave,
Yes, thanks for "clearing" that up...I was always wondering about lifts & true clearance. From my lay observations, I always thought that only having the larger tires would give true clearance. I also did not want to lift the body because I don't feel entirely safe being too high (centre of gravity). Another reason I like the 31" tires is that they are 10.5" wide whereas the P235 75/R15 are only 8" wide. I feel (or I have the impression at least, I could be wrong) that I have better lateral stability now with more rubber against the pavement (especially in width left to right) although since the 31" tire has bigger diameter, there is probably even slightly more rubber-surface contact from front to back of the tire. LIFT and add 33" tires now? My wife would kill me if I even dreamed of it. Not allowed to spend money on cars, computers...gotta save that money for shoes, clothes, make-up, and all that other nonsense stuff. Anyway, these 31" are big enough, and when I come to a stop, when I'm at very slow speed, it almost feels like I'm on gravel since the tread is such a rough texture...I feel a very low (but quiet) vibration. At high speed, these tires are slightly noisier, but acceptable, so I think going to a 33" tire would definitely be an increase in road noise. What say you? Your BFG's have an even deeper tread than the GY ATS.
Vincent

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

well darn guy's..look's like i might not get my 31's for 3 week's now...

 

[PolarBlueIce]

Ak LTD ...

The console painted looks nice. A nice green even! You have good taste in colour! Too bad about the delay in getting your 31" tires. I'm waiting to see it. Why the delay?

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

$$ is the reson for the delay..

 

[PolarBlueIce]

Colour Resolved: it's GREEN! ("FE")

Ak LTD Xplorer,
Well, here is my door tag & sample touch-up paint ... confirmed: exactly the same colour as your "FE". Anyway, it's the best colour out there...except maybe for the "Spruce" colour!!

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

i don't like that "Spruce" as much..hey i went over my truck with clay bar then waxed the hell out of it..man..it really show's the depth of the paint now..you should do it!!(pic's in the body work forum)

look's like the 31's are gonna be helf off even more..my dad broke his ankle so we now have hospital/ER bill's