I am assuming that you have already acquired this sag because you may do some lite hauling. Unfortunately the leafs on Explorers were simply designed for comfort, and thus, over time sag causing the back end to bottom out easily (There goes the idea of comfort)! It is hard to find add-a-leafs for Explorers, but I managed to find one after send an e-mail to Explorer Pro Comp:
"I was wondering if you made an add-a-leaf for the 1995- present Ford
Explorer that would increase ride height by about 1.5-2 inches."
I received a response stating:
"Try our part # 13120. That should be exactly what you are looking for."
The disadvantage to shackles is that they do not increase load capacity, body roll, or correct the problem of the sag. Add-a-leaf's on the other hand increase load and tow capacity, decrease body roll making the vehicle more stable on the road, and correct the sag as well, so the add-a-leaf is probably the safer alternative. From what I have read, the Explorer Pro Comp add-a-leafs do not radically change your stock suspension, other than the fact that they increase ride height 1.5-2 inches, which is exactly what shackles would do. Except with shackles, you are increasing the vehicle's center of gravity, but not making it more stable with a slightly stiffer suspension. And as far as price, they are not that expensive: I have seen them advertised for $25.00 at Summit (www.summitracing.com). That's not expensive at all. You may need to tweek your torsion bars a little bit, which you would have to do whether you go with shackles or add-a-leaf's. Just put the add-a-leafs on and just adjust the bars until the truck sits level. I am planning on going the add-a-leaf route (If it's not too obvious). Another thing that people have been unhappy about with the shackles is the fact that they hang out of the back end and create a visual eye soar. The reason that shackles are so heavily mentioned and used as an option is because they were the first item found to lift the rear for the torsion lift. Not many people knew where or how to find add-a-leaf's. I looked for months without being able to find add-a-leaf's until I contacted Explorer Pro Comp. I haven't used them myself, nor do I know anyone who has, but add-a-leafs have been used for a long time to lift and/or strenghten rear suspension. I hope this information has helped!
P.S. I apologize to anyone I offended with my criticism of shackle because I know a lot of you have gone this route! Dead Link Removed
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Tim Y.
1996 Ford Explorer
