Questions on lifting a '92 Explorer

[pgrey]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice. I've spent a couple of hours searching this site but I'm a novice 4x4 guy so forgive my ignorance. I have a '92 Explorer (4.0 XLT, 3.73 gears w/ LS, trans cooler, HD cooling, Tokiko shocks, Sus. Tech. Bars) that I'm looking to upgrade for use off road. I'm planning on rebuilding the engine and tranny and refreshing the rest of the car (bushings, U-joints, etc…).

I'd like to get a LS diff for the front. I'm concerned about drivability in the snow. What do you guys recommend?

Is the stock rear LS a decent unit? I'm assuming it's got a clutch pack in it and if so, it'll need to be rebuilt on general principals, but should I consider swapping it out for something better?

I'm planning on swapping out the hubs for manual locking units and fabbing or buying some swaybar disconnects. Should I be considering skid plates? Do you have any other drivetain suggestions?

I'd like to get some more ground clearance. My thoughts are that I need taller tires and that in order to do so I'll need to lift the truck some. I don't want to put tires on it that'll mandate that I change the gearing and I'd like to keep them narrow both for snow use and because it looks like that'll minimize any requirements to lift the truck. I'm thinking 32" or 33" tires. If I lift the truck I'd like to do so without having alignment problems and without having to throw a bunch of parts at it. From what I've read, it looks like a 2" lift with 32x10.5" tires (or maybe 33" tires) is doable. I'd like to use the stock rims and I don't mind trimming fender bits in order to make it work. Does this make sense or am I thinking too big on the tires/and or too low on the lift? Will I be able to do a 2" lift with just springs and shocks?

Any good Explorer oriented aftermarket supply place I should be dealing with? Any recommendations regarding lift kits?

Thanks for your time.

Regards,

Peter

 

[ahhjaws]

With a 3" Performance Products Body Lift kit, you should be able to fit 32's, but that's all. You would have to get a bigger lift with new rims for 33's or higher.

 

[ahhjaws]

I guess you other questions too.

If you get some good tires, snow shouldn't be a problem. The only time I got stuck in snow, it was 1.5' deep. The rear LS is pretty good, but it does wear down sometimes. You might need to rebuild it. Search for rebuilding limited slip for info on that. If you want to do some major wheel'n then you would probably want a rear locker, maybe a front.

Definately do the swapbars and manual hubs. It makes it soo much better.

 

[pgrey]

I'm concerned about drivability in the snow with a locker on the back. My street car in a high HP car with a very tight LS and can be a handfull when it's slick out. I'd like to be able to hand my wife the keys and not worry about her. My only experience with full lockers has been on the track. Am I worried about something that isn't a problem?

Peter

 

[ahhjaws]

Yeah, I probably wouldn't have a locker on in the snow. You kind of want your tires to move freely a little. The LS would be a lot better for that.

But I am just one person, wait for some others to reply. I don't know eveything.