Took the plunge

[M_Gonz316]

well i decided to join after getting alot of helpful information from the forum as a guest. I have a 2000 Explorer sport 2wd with the infamous 4.0 SOHC. i just recently had to do the Timing Chain replace. and as a high school student that wasnt something i wanted to take financially but it was cheaper than buying another "problem." so now that im keeping the "Exploder" (the name stuck) im looking into doing the shackle and torsion twist and running some off road lights. the torsion twist is easy i have that covered, but as for shackles i was just gonna run some autozone shackles and have them reinforced by a friend of mine in metal shop. but after the lift i was thinking about running some modest 31x10.50x15 all terrains but after that i found out my speedo and odometer would be off and wasnt sure what kind of gear, where to find it, and if i could install them myself? if anyone could help me out with any of this it would be much appreciated. Im gonna look into getting a photobucket to get some pictures up and i look forward to posting and building the most badass explorer in the parking lot at school. i know alot of these are subjects are things people have posted on before but i was looking to get some more specific help with my explorer specificially.

Peace,
Matt

 

[LONO100]

i think you can get away with running 31"s without throwing off your speedo too much. look into it, depending on your tranny, you can even buy little plastic ring gears that connect to the speedo sensor straight from ford that will readjust the speedo if you put bigger tires on.

 

[M_Gonz316]

i figured so. it has 3.27 i believe. i don't wanna pull apart the differential though... should be just under a 5 mph difference. but it would just be another reason my dad would find for me to not go through with the lift. do you know of where i could find one a speedo gear/sensor whatever it would be.

 

[M_Gonz316]

your shackle and torsion twist post was on of the main ones that convinced me to do it. are you running crager (probably spelled wrong) soft eights with your 33's?

 

[LONO100]

they arent the soft 8's, i think they are 767's. im not exactly sure with your particular explorer, but i believe you can fit 31's without even putting in a lift. you will have a little rubbing but it can be done. find a member with your exact explorer who might now for sure. if you perfrom the TT/shackle lift, its pretty much the most economical way of getting a few inches of lift and works great. just take into account the drawbacks. read over my how to and really take into account whether its worth it to you to to do it. for me, it is because i am always up in the mountains or off road or fishing or mountain biking so its totally worth all of the other hassles. if you are just doing it for looks, i would say its not worth it. just squeeze some 31's on and call it a day. if you do take the plunge, do it right. dont use the autzone shackles. those are made for hot rodders to be able to stick fatties in the rear of their drag racers and will not hold up to the beating a truck will put them through. you dont want to be driving around (especially on the trail) and have a shackle break.you can go straight to a ford dealer for those little gears that will adjust your speedo but do your research, it might not work with your particular tranny. good luck and post pics of whatever u do!

 

[M_Gonz316]

I was thinking of running the autozone shackles because I thought I could actually get more lift from them, and I've seen how much they flex sideways when not strained (scary) If I was gonna use them I was gonna reinforce them. How much lift do you get from the warrior shackles because on the one I looked at it said 1.25 inches, and with my back end sagging I figured it wouldn't do much... But I know they really are a quality shackle so if I can get about 2 inches I'll just go with the Warriors. If you could let me know I'd appreciate it.