stock suspen front and back

[highball]

I have heard that if I drop my rear axle under my leaf springs it will give some lift in the back. Is that true and if so about how much, and is there a similar proceedure for the front?

 

[Stephen S]

Welcome to the site!! You'll find everything you want to know about your truck right here. Welcome aboard!!

Yes, relocating the rear axle under the leaf springs (called SOA = spring over axle) will lift the rear of your truck about 5-5.5 inches. This is exactly how the Superlift 5.5" lift kit for your model does it. Only thing is, you'll have to mount new spring perches on top of the axle for the springs to sit on, preferably welded on. There's plenty of info round here on it, and some pictures too. Try a search.

Now the front is not nearly that easy. It can be done a few different ways, but the most popular and cheapest way is by using axle drop brackets, longer coil springs, and radius arm drop brackets (or extended radius arms). This is the method that Superlift uses in their 4" and 5.5" kits, and Skyjacker uses in their 4" and 6" kits. Again, there is a bunch of information around here concerning both of these lifts, and some others. Try a search.

 

[highball]

Hey thanks thats a great help i want some more height out of my ride. Another question were can i find parts for the explorer or navajo around here no body even thinks about carrying the parts becuase they think there rolling death traps. and if i put that much lift to it
should I do some thing about width like trying a different back spaceing on my wheels?

 

[Stephen S]

No problem, happy to help. There's quite a few board members up in your area of the country, so maybe one of them will see this thread and can direct you to a good 4x4 shop in your area. Other than that, many people use the internet and online retailers to buy stuff for thier Explorers. And I think you'll find that many people here do much of thier own work, body lifts and suspension lifts included.

About the width, I'm sure once you lift it, you're gonna wanna throw some big, wide meats on it. As long as you understand that the truck is lifted, and drive it accordingly, you won't feel any less stable than you did stock. (From other board members, my truck is still stock height). Aftermarket wheels are also popular after a lift, but as to what back spacing will allow you to have a wider stance, but not force the big tires to rub too bad, I don't know. Someone with more direct experience than I will have to help with that. I'd suggest a search.