Rear Suspension Parts Missing?

[umr_engnr]

Hello all, new guy here. I just bought a 2000 Explorer last week and am in the process of figuring out what I got myself into. Maybe one of you on here was the original modifier. Anyways, the owner before the one I bought it from did a torsion twist, new rear springs, and it looks like a 1" body lift. With some really nicely done trimming he was able to fit 33x12.5 R15 tires. Supposedly he articulated the suspension and everything to check for good clearances. Overall the work looks really nicely done which is why I bought it. I was told the goal of his build was trail running in CO.

While I was examining the rear end I noticed several brackets with nothing on them and have come to find out that one was for an axle damper, and the other two were for anti-axlewrap bars.

This will be my daily driver, but I would also like to do some moderate trail running. Hard to know if the previous owner had good reasons for leaving all this off, or just never got finished before he sold it. Any suggestions on whether I should replace any of these components? It does vibrate quite a bit at highway speed so I'm working my way through possible causes. Thanks.

 

[Turdle]

welcome to the forum

I live about an hour and half southwest of you, folks live in Olathe.

There is a debate on both parts. You don't really need them so to speak, however, the axle damper ( steering stabilizer as it is often called) will help prevent rear end walkout on washboard curves, and will dampen some cyclic resonances which may be observed on less then perfect roads.

The control arms will help prevent axle wrap, but limit articulation. It should be easy to lengthen a set, I have a couple here I would donate if you want them. They will need new bushings though.

 

[WormsExplorer]

@umr_engnr Just wondering what color is your Explorer. Also was the former owner a member here?

 

[umr_engnr]

It is a red Eddie Bauer with tan interior and trim. Story I was told is it went from AZ to Columbia, MO where it was kitted out to St. Joseph, MO which is where I purchased it. No idea if the previous owners were members.

 

[WormsExplorer]

Ok Well there is a member here that has a 2000 EB with 33's. Sounds like you got a good find though. What you have lift wise is what I am planning for my Sport.

 

[umr_engnr]

welcome to the forum

I live about an hour and half southwest of you, folks live in Olathe.

There is a debate on both parts. You don't really need them so to speak, however, the axle damper ( steering stabilizer as it is often called) will help prevent rear end walkout on washboard curves, and will dampen some cyclic resonances which may be observed on less then perfect roads.

The control arms will help prevent axle wrap, but limit articulation. It should be easy to lengthen a set, I have a couple here I would donate if you want them. They will need new bushings though.

I think I will do the axle damper as that is a cheap part. I will hold off on the axle wrap bars as they do look like they will ruin the rear end flex. Thanks for the offer though.