Suspention Lift

[JOE M]

Hi, I've been driving 4Wdrives for years and recently got a 1999 Explorer XLT truck and want to lift both the suspension and body without affecting the workings of the vehicle too much, ie CV joints, etc. I'm currently looking at a 45mm suspension lift from TJM and there dosn't appear to be any body lifts available in Australia for explorers. I saw some US based body lift kits, but i'm not sure as to which one to get or avoid (they also need to contain all the necessary components) and how easy or difficult are they to install. I'm also looking at putting good year wrangler 33" all terrain tyres on as these seem to be a good compromise between road and off road. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate some feedback. It appears that when I replace the shocks as part of the lift kit, I'll have to remove the air lift gear for the existing shocks, is this the case and how difficult is it.
I hope someone can clear up some of these issues for me.
Regards
Joe - Exploring Downunder

 

[Aussie Explorer]

Joe, I have lovell’s spring’s on mine, 50mm is about the max you can go up front before CV’s become a problem. As for the tyres 33 may cause a problem width wise on the front as you may get rubbing on part’s of the suspension/ steering. 31’s will fit easy and you may possibly fit 32’s.

Body lift don’t you need engineers cert for that? Seems like more trouble than it is worth as all the problem bits are still the same hight of the ground.

One other thing get a solid set of bash guard’s, I have stainless steel round bar, you lose a bit of clearance but save the body from dents.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Welcome to the site. There is tons of information on lifting a 2nd generation using the search button. But Here is a good thread for you:

Lifting a 95-01' IFS

And for the lift kits, go here for the suspension kits:

Trailmaster Vs. Superlift

For a body lift you will need a Performance Accessories kit #883. I don't know how many people will ship this to Australia, but it's worth a shot. Hope this helps.

-Drew

 

[JOE M]

Suspension Lift Cont..

Thanks guys, for your input. I've looked at those two lift kits, but by the time I get it here and installed, it's getting a bit pricey. A guy I have been talking to here has suggested putting a heavier front torsion bar and land cruser shocks at the back, that with 32" tyres should do the job including an extra rear leaf spring at the back and double shackle.

By the way my brother inlaw is looking at getting a 2002 - 2003 XLT explorer. I know on these the rear is also independant which would make it hard to do much with. Is it possible for him to do much with the suspension to improve it's off road capability. Also how does the V8 compare to the V6, I know it's thirstier, but is it worth the extra power.

Cheers

:australia

 

[Aussie Explorer]

To my knowledge a lift is not available for the late model explorers, all you could do is a 3inch body lift maybe and with that you could possible get a another 2 inch of lift MAX from fitting bigger tyres.

The new V8’s are nice to drive my uncle has a 2003 limited and I would not even think about taking it on anything more than a beach or a fire trail maybe, ground clearance/ wheel articulation is shocking.

With the 2-inch lift my 98 XLT is only just sitting at about a stock Nissan Patrol height.

With the Shock’s put on Koni’s this is what ford recommended when they first came out for people who were complaining the ride was too bouncy.

 

[OZY EXPLORER]

Hi guys, just thought I would put in my two cents worth. I have had a TT 30mm front lift and added an extra leaf to the rear all done by Pedders. I am running 32s with very few problems. The only trouble is the 32s really push the gearing up to high. I am thinking of changing the gears to 4.56 to improve the fuel consumption. This lift has increased ground clearance at very little cost and my X is a very capable beach driver which is what I wanted.
click to enlarge

 

[greenmtnboy]

Hi guys, I would say just check in to getting add-a-leafs for the rear springs and do a Torsion Twist to the front! That is what I'm doing to mine. If you want more stability up front, find out what load rating your torsion bars are, perhaps your parts supplier or dealer might have some that are heavier duty, and that will add a little bit of lift and you can still do a TT after to get more lift. I know how it is to get parts when you're across the pond. I was stationed in England and I had to replace parts for my Suzuki Samurai, even little thing cost alot, Shipping will get you everytime! Later - Nate

 

[jimbo74]

no one makes a heavier duty torsion bar for the explorer (well not to my knowledge)

do a torsion twist, or a body lift... or get the $1500 4" IFS lift

 

[Aussie Explorer]

In Australia some companies do produce a heavy-duty torsion bar for the Explorers, ARB and Lovells are 2 that I know of.