the_tool_man
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- June 6, 2002
- Messages
- 309
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Spartanburg, SC
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '01 Sport 4x4
Hi all:
Last night, we got the camber adjusters put on, and did a 2" TT drop on the front. I'm getting new tires next week, and wanted to get this done before the alignment. We did attempt to get the camber close, but couldn't really check caster or toe. I did not trim the bump stops.
The reason I'm posting this is that many have complained that their ride quality was bad after the drop. I've already driven about 50 miles on it, and I would have to say that for 99% of any bumps I've encountered, I could feel no difference in ride quality. I managed to bottom it out going over a railroad track, but that was a rough one before the drop, too. I do notice more bump-steer, but an alignment may help that some. I guess every Explorer is different, but I'm really glad I dropped mine. BTW, I didn't touch the rear, because it was already sagging, even on the stock non-monoleaf springs. Now, it looks level.
I may get the EE bumpstops, just to eliminate that 1%. But I don't see how to replace them without taking apart the ball joints and dropping the lower A-arm. Or, I guess I could just cut the factory bumpstops. Any recommendations on how much to cut, or how to get the stops off without taking everything apart again?
Several have also said that the suspension will settle some after the drop. I'll keep an eye on that, but I don't think mine will. We loosened the lower A-arm bushings and jounced the suspension after every adjustment. My mechanic/buddy said if you don't, they can tear because changing the static ride height twists them. We'll see.
As an aside, I needed new front brake pads, so we pulled everything apart, cleaned, lubed, cross-drilled the rotors, and put it all back. I have to say that the braking performance improved very noticably. I was a bit skeptical, but the proof is in the performance. Oh, and the annoying brake squeal I've been living with for the past year is gone! I'll do the rears soon.
Installing camber adjusters - 1 hour.
Disassembly of brakes - 1/2 hour.
Cross-drilling brakes - 3 hours.
Cleaning, lube & reassembly of brakes - 1 hour.
Lowering via TT - 1 hour.
Realignment - 1/2 hour.
I'm liking it!
Regards,
John.
Last night, we got the camber adjusters put on, and did a 2" TT drop on the front. I'm getting new tires next week, and wanted to get this done before the alignment. We did attempt to get the camber close, but couldn't really check caster or toe. I did not trim the bump stops.
The reason I'm posting this is that many have complained that their ride quality was bad after the drop. I've already driven about 50 miles on it, and I would have to say that for 99% of any bumps I've encountered, I could feel no difference in ride quality. I managed to bottom it out going over a railroad track, but that was a rough one before the drop, too. I do notice more bump-steer, but an alignment may help that some. I guess every Explorer is different, but I'm really glad I dropped mine. BTW, I didn't touch the rear, because it was already sagging, even on the stock non-monoleaf springs. Now, it looks level.
I may get the EE bumpstops, just to eliminate that 1%. But I don't see how to replace them without taking apart the ball joints and dropping the lower A-arm. Or, I guess I could just cut the factory bumpstops. Any recommendations on how much to cut, or how to get the stops off without taking everything apart again?
Several have also said that the suspension will settle some after the drop. I'll keep an eye on that, but I don't think mine will. We loosened the lower A-arm bushings and jounced the suspension after every adjustment. My mechanic/buddy said if you don't, they can tear because changing the static ride height twists them. We'll see.
As an aside, I needed new front brake pads, so we pulled everything apart, cleaned, lubed, cross-drilled the rotors, and put it all back. I have to say that the braking performance improved very noticably. I was a bit skeptical, but the proof is in the performance. Oh, and the annoying brake squeal I've been living with for the past year is gone! I'll do the rears soon.
Installing camber adjusters - 1 hour.
Disassembly of brakes - 1/2 hour.
Cross-drilling brakes - 3 hours.
Cleaning, lube & reassembly of brakes - 1 hour.
Lowering via TT - 1 hour.
Realignment - 1/2 hour.
I'm liking it!
Regards,
John.