repairs, maintenance and lift kit

[Larry_NM]

I recently acquired a 2002 Explorer 4WD, 4.6L 8 cyl, 4-door, 137,000 mi, all stock, that is currently a little bit of a beater but overall seems to be in sound mechanical condition, and I'd like to transform it from beater to just older vehicle. As part of the first round of maintenance I need to replace all 4 struts, upper ball joints and rack & pinion. Because having a lift on my 1995 Explorer 4WD was so great to have, I'd like to do the same to the 2002. And since I need to replace all 4 struts then why not do the lift now instead of later. I've read a couple of threads on this forum about different height lifts and have some specific questions. I don't need to go crazy with the lift and it seems like a 2.25 front, 1.75 rear, 1.5 body lift is a popular option.
If I did that kind of a lift, can I still use the stock struts or do I need to get a different length?
Do I need to get different upper control arms and ball joints or will stock work?
Would I need a steering rod extender?
Would there be any other modifications I'd have to make for this kind of lift on this vehicle?
BTF appears to be a go-to place for lift kits and information. Are there any other kits I can look at?
If there are other threads that are relevant to adding a lift for this specific Explorer, please feel free to point them out.

 

[jw1000]

You can use your stock struts. The way lift kits work on these are just metal spacers that go on top of the strut. You will only need a steering extension with a 3 inch body lift, but 1.5 you'll be fine. Also, BTF upper control arms are recommended but not particularly necessary.