Thinking about getting a lift..

[funksta818]

Hey guys new to the site, just bought a 1998 eddie bauer from one of my dads friends, pretty good condition got a great price, had a little cash left over and was really thinking about getting a lift on it and some tires. Just wondering if i should get a body or suspension lift, i would be taking it wheelin' so i wonder how big of a difference each would make and approximetly how much it would be to do. Also would it be something where i could do it in my garage or something i'd need to have my mechanic do for me?

 

[Paraphoe]

First of all, body or suspension all depends on how much you're willing to spend. The Body lift is probably your best option. You can couple a 2'' or 3'' body lift with a torsion twist and lift shackles for 2'' of suspension lift. That'll give you 4-5" total for about $300. A 4 inch suspension lift will run you over $1,000. The drawbacks to the body lift are that it does as the name implies - lifts only the body. Your entire chassis, frame, engine, etc, is at the same height. You'll gain extra ground clearance by the fact that the body lift allows you to fit bigger tires, but the body lift itself doesn't help with ground clearance at all. It's also not as nice looking as a suspension lift, if you're worried about aesthetics. The body lift shows a lot more frame, suspension parts (if you dont extend the skirts in the wheel wells) etc.

As for installing it yourself, I have no idea about your mechanical aptitude, but you SHOULD be able to handle a body lift with enough research and planning. Suspension lift is another story.

 

[Fifty150]

This is the best lift I've seen in the aftermarket. Now we're talking about spending more on the car than the car is worth. However, think of it as a $5,000 investment into an off-road vehicle, as opposed to spending $40,000 on a new car. After all, you will now essentially have an entire new suspension.


Ranger/Explorer 4wd Long Travel Suspension
4wd Long Travel Suspension Kit for:

'98-2008 Ford Ranger XLT & EDGE 4wd
'95-2001 Ford Explorer 4wd
2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport-Trac 4wd
Suspension Kit Price: $3500.00

'

14" of wheel travel, with 4wd!

4.5” wider per side

New Cr-Mo (4130) tube upper control arm, with high-angle balljoint (over 20 degrees more than a uniball)

Boxed plate lower A-arm

Uses 8" stroke coilover shocks, not included (replaces torsion bars)

Weld-in shock hoop available for most common shock brands

Custom Length Heat Treated 4340 Axle Shaft with serviceable 930 inner CV joints

Powdercoated 'Gunmetal Grey'

Optional Hydraulic Bumpstop Mount

Optional Steering Clevis Kit Available



Suspension Kit Includes:

Tubular upper control arms, with bushings and balljoints installed
Boxed plate lower control arms with bushings and balljoints installed
Shock hoop with crossbar
Complete front axles with custom length heat treated shafts and high angle 930 CVs
Steering Tie-rod Extension
Brake lines, Limit straps, bolt kit
Suspension Kit Price: $3500.00

2.5 x 8 c/o shocks + coils: $1200.00pr

2.0 x 3 Hydraulic Bumpstops with Frame Mounts: $450pr