Spring Over

[sheldon]

I have a '92 Explorer that has a 4" Trailmaster suspension and 2" Black Diamond Body. I was wondering what anyone thinks of doing a spring over on it. Also, what is involved in doing this for the front end?
Sorry for the ignorance, not really mechanically inclined.

 

[Axel Fernandez]

After further consideration, I remembered that Superlift offers a 5.5" lift for Explorers. The kit contains everything you need to perform the spring over axle in the rear. It retains your factory spring pack. If your Explorer squats in the rear, as many tend to do, the extra 1.5" may even correct the problem or give you that aggressive stance. You don't need to purchase the entire lift kit. You can just purchase the rearend kit. Just something to think about if you are determined to perform the spring over axle.

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FDEZ
96 Explorer XLT

 

[Paul]

Sheldon -

First of all, I agree with everything Axel has posted.

It is possible to do a spring over in the rear and keep your 4" front end.

For what its worth, I have a spring over for the rear axle and have "about" 4 inches of lift up front in my 91'.

You are probably considering the spring over because of the poor rear ground clearance (especially those shock mounts!!).
You can go with components of the Superlift 5.5" inch kit, or have someone (skilled) weld new perches on your rear axle and fab some new shock mounts. I had new shock mounts fabbed that bolted up to the old spring perches (under the axle). It has worked flawlessly to date.

Options to keep the rear from being jacked up too high (in relation to your 4" front end) with a spring over include: 1) Use perches that are almost flush with the top of the axle, 2) Drop a leaf from each spring pack, 3) Swap out to shorter shackles.

I foung that dropping a leaf from each spring pack "leveled" my Explorer quite well.

Concerns: 1)Spring-overs, (especially those with a dropped leaf) are more prone to axle wrap. 2) The spring-over may require a new (lengthened) drive shaft. 3) Extended brake lines (for at least the rear) are recommended. 4) Make sure you have the best welder in town working on your axle. Novices can warp the axle causing premature failure.

If you want a photo of my set-up, e-mail me at ptsabin@lvnworth.com.

Good Luck

Paul

 

[Axel Fernandez]

You can only perform a spring over axle in the rear of your Explorer. You already have 6" of lift so I really don't thing you need it. Unless you do alot of moderate to hardcore four wheeling I wouldn't suggest it. The rule of thumb is that a spring over will lift your vehicle the width of the axle tube and the thickness of the leaf springs. The benefit of doing this modification is that it will allow you to use flatter leave springs that in turn will offer better articulation. The conversion itself should be relatively easy. You can purchase new spring perches (leave the old ones in place unless you have confidence with the plasma cutter!) Maybe, fabricate some spring plates and a set of lower shock mounts, re-route some lines, address the rear sway-bar, and presto. It's too cold for me to go outside and do a little measuring, but I would think that even with the 4" lift up front you might end up with an Exporer that sports a pretty aggressive stance. 6" of lift is pretty good. Just remember, more isn't always better.

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FDEZ
96 Explorer XLT