Self levelling help

[CDW6212R]

Most Explorers look like the front is higher when stock. I'd bet you'll notice quickly. Hunt around here and see if the rear can be raised separately like lowering with blocks. I know that you can make a big change by moving the leaf springs to the top. Maybe you can buy some basic shackles that will lift the back a small amount like inches.

 

[Ian5700]

I know that you can get shackles for the rear for pretty cheap, that would give 2 inchs and then the TT would give you up to 2 inchs. When measuring the height at the front on each side, should it be the same on each side or different? And if it should be different should you retain the difference when raising it?

 

[CDW6212R]

Bingo, you have the idea I believe. The front fenders will likely never measure the same(to ground) for any truck. The suspension should be squared(level) with the ground, and the front lower control arms are easy to check and set. I've argued with members who care more about the looks than the handling(suspension).

My 98 Mountaineer is dead level in the front suspension, about 8.5" from the ground(center of bolts). My fenders are about 3/4" different in height, and no one ever notices, I don't look. One side looks slightly lower than the other, but no one notices it.

Raise the front with the tires lifted, little weight on them. Crank the adjuster bolts up a long way, and remove the jack. You can lower the truck with the bolts without the jack, so try to guess higher than needed to start, crank the bolts in a lot. Roll it back and forth, then loosen those bolts to settle the truck to where you want it, then level the control arm bolt heights with the adjuster bolts.

Remember to have an appointment for an alignment before turning those adjustment bolts.

 

[Ian5700]

Don,

What do you mean by leveling the control arm (wishbone?) bolts heights with the adjuster bolt heights?

 

[CDW6212R]

The torsion bar adjuster bolts change the heights of each side in front. The suspension will not settle immediately when you set it back down, the truck needs to be moved a bit.

Don't go driving for many miles before the alignment, but test the height by going a block away or so, and coming back to look at the height again. I just mean that you should be sure of the height that you end up with before the alignment. As you make any change of the adjuster bolts, try to do it on a level surface, and keep an eye on the two front lower control arm bolts. Adjust the higher side down to match by backing out that adjuster bolt.

When you are done and head for an alignment, that's when you want those control arm bolts really close to level, and you can ask the shop to make them level if their table shows any further need.

You may want to do the rear first though, because of how hard the ARC is to adjust. It will be easier to decide on where you want the front if the rear is done. Regards,