Super Swamper TSL Radials

[Heath]

That is with the shackles and TT... I'm only doing a 2" bodylift... There is to much crap involved with a 3"... At least I'm told by someone that I consider an extreamly reliable source...

 

[2001ExpSport]

Uh, actually the 2" is gunna be harder because NONE of the brackets will fit and NONE of the bolts will fit. We did one on a '99 and it was PA kit. One word describes it, JUNK. With all the work involved you are better off with a 3" kit, because everything fits and you get a steering extension. None of the bumper brackets will fit either. My guess is you bought the 90-94 2" kit.

Just trying to give you a heads up before you start. If you want any info on this email me, I've done a dozen bodylifts on all 95-01 Explorers. All of them were 3" except for one and that one(2") we had the most trouble on because nothing fit.

PA does make a 95-97 kit w/extension. You'd have to buy some 98-00 front bumper brackets for your 96, but it's worth the extra 30 bucks. The 2" will actually need more modification for the bumper brackets than with the 3".

If you really want just 2" then that's the way it should be, just giving you some options.

 

[FMExplorer]

Heath,
I love the Dunlop's - the wear well and work great in the mud. There is not much difference between the swampers and the dunlops at the 33" size. I wasn't aware they ran small though...

I am running 3" total now - I wouldn't go bigger than 31's. You may rub with 32's...

Jon

 

[Heath]

FMExplorer: Thanks for the input... I think that is the way that I'll go then...

2001ExpSport: Well actually I wanted the 3" body lift but the guy that is helping me with it said that there is a lot more work involved with the 3" than the 2" body lift. I don't remember what all he said but the things that do stick out in my mind are the steering extension (having to be ground on) and the emergency brake line... He currently has the 2" on his 98 and said that it worked fine for him... I do have to pick up 4 bolts in addition to what I have but thats not that big of a deal...

I do appreciate your input though... Thanks for the heads up, hopefully it won't be to much of a PITB...

 

[2001ExpSport]

Your source is incorrect. There is a 95-97 kit and a 98-00 kit. Both kits include respective steering extensions and bumper brackets. Previously people had been buying 98-00 kits for 95-97's and that's why the extension didn't work. If you want the 3" kit then do it, it is the SAME amount of work, but you'll need to do more mods for the 2".

Either way, good luck.

 

[Heath]

What about the emergency brake line with the 3"??? I was told that I would not be able to use it if I went with the 3" lift... Also I'm not to thrilled with the bolts that they give you in the body lifts... They are only grade 5 bolts... I assume that Ford used grade 10 bolts on my truck for a reason... I can actually use 6 of 10 ford bolts on the 2" lift...

Sorry if I have a lot of questions I'm just very concerned about doing this right...

And if I were doing the 3" ranger lift do I want the 95-97 or the 98-00... I'd guess the 95-00...

 

[FMExplorer]

Heath,
The emergency brake requires an extension on the 3" lift - I have not done mine yet though. I heard a Ranger cable from a junker would work.

Replace all of the grade 5's with grade 8's. It'll cost about 10-12 bucks to do so and they will never break. The trickiest part of the 3" for me was aligning the bumpers. It isn't easy by yourself! In my '93 I didn't need a steering extension, although I will probably install it next week anyhow (8 months later)

Jon

 

[2001ExpSport]

We've never had a problem with the E brake line. We never moved any cables and they worked fine. I never moved mine and it still works. This myth of relocating the E brake line is false. Although it may be needed for the 90-94's, we aren't concerned with that model yr.

You can replace the bolts with grade 10 if it makes you feel more confortable.

When you do this lift, use a torch to heat the underside of the bolts to release the thread lock on the stock bolts. You'll need a LARGE breaker bar for the core mounts, they will be rusted for sure. I can give you exact dimensions for drilling holes for the rear brackets and how to mount them. Email me and I'll send info. If you do decide to get the 853 kit(95-97 3") order some front brackets from the 98-00 kit, you'll need those to mount the front bumper.

Seriously, this isn't as hard as people make it out to be. I can answer any question you have about the install, just email me.