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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
First of all, I don't use my explorer for off-road use, and it's not a ground scraping lowrider. It is designed for on road handling and performance. That said, I was wondering if it is possible to lower the front end of my '96 sport without softening up the suspension. Can I possibly use the torsion bars out of a V8 or something for a stiffer ride?
You probably have "D" rated torsion bars; maybe even "F" ones if you have 2wd. Check your door panel to see which you have.
For about a hundred dollar bill you can get two new "B" torsion bars from your Ford dealer parts dept. I absolutely gaurantee you that you will not complain of a mushy ride with those under your SUV.
Well, I just looked at my door and it said H L under suspension. I guess this means I have H-rated torsion bars? Anyway, my next question is this: If I install stiffer rate torsion bars, will they lift it any? Remember that I am trying to eliminate body roll so I want it as low as possible. Thanks.
Hoowee, yeah you'll notice the difference going from "H" to "B" big time.
Technically, yes the stiffer bars raise the vehicle a tad. But you will be switching bars and all you have to do is loosen the torsion adjusting bold (that several of us tightened to raise our fronts) and just lower your front a little to make up the difference.
Like JBHexplorer I have the same goals as far as suspension is concerned. I have my truck lowered slightly, just by adding the spacers in the rear and unscrewing the screw for the front torsion bars. I too agree that after I did this, even with my new eldebrocks, the front end still seems to "bounce" a bit after a big bump. I guess its the same as the mushy feeling JBH explained. I have a '99 sport SOHC 4x4, I believe I have the D rated bars on my truck. Now if I were to switch to the B rated ones would I be able to have the front end as low as it is now? Does it just effect the "recoil" of the bar when stress is on it, or will it actually raise it up higher then with the D bar? Because even now to make the ride height even I have to unscrew the bars almost all the way. I know the way I am asking this may not make sense, I dont really know the terminology, but if it would make a big differnce to switch to the B's, as someone posted above, it is worth it. As long as I wont lose the ride height I am currently at, which is about 1 3/4 lower then stock. Thanks for any input. JBH read my mind by asking this, I just never got around to it.
GJarrett, thanks alot. Thats what I was thinking that it would raise up a bit. But to tell you the truth on big bumps seeing that I have stock wheels and tires I do get a little rub. But my big concern is the fact that if its stiffer I dont want it to make it even more bouncy. I want to reduce the actual movement as much as possible for better handling. I guess I will see if explor/gm see's this and if he replies. If now I will mail him maybe. Thanks again though
Jason
Kial,
You don't have torsion bars. only 95 and on have torsion bars. Dead Link Removed
JBHexplorer, Jornum1,
Why not check out Explorer Express, they have stuff for lowering Explorers. Go to the main page, and under Explorer resources there is a link to them. Dead Link Removed If you want to get rid of the body roll, try some heavy duty sway bars. Explorer Express also has those. Take a look at the Truck Haven run writeup. There is a picture of Their lowered Explorer. Looks pretty nice. Hope this helps. Dead Link Removed
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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. 97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC
[This message has been edited by Ray Lobato (edited 01-28-2000).]
Jason,
I agree with Ray. Your first move should be stiffer sway bars front AND rear. Don't just do one or the other as that will upset the handling balance. New synthetic bushings and bumpers all around will tighten up your body mounting,sway bars, and suspension as well. Quite a bit of slop in a stock vehicle. By sticking to sway bars only, you will keep your stock ride characteristics.
If you really want to stiffen up your ride, then go to upgraded torsion bars and new rear leaves. The torsion bars will raise the vehicle somewhat, but if you go to +2 or +3 wheels and tires, you will still have a great street look. My torsion bars have provided enough added tension that I think I can go with the Edelbrock shocks and eliminate the sway bars altogether. I've tried the truck without the front swaybar and it is not too bad for around town driving. Wouldn't work for aggressive mountain corner work though!
Your next step is the shocks. The Edelbrocks are getting great reviews from members of this board so try them out.
Rick
Ps. If anyone in the Palm Springs area needs help doing the "torsion twist" or upgrade, I would be happy to come over and help.
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Rick
95 Explorer Sport Expedition Dead Link Removed
That is a good question, I wonder also. I still would also like to know about the compatability of the poly bushing kit for a 98 on a '99? I think I have seen that they are available for '98's. If anyone knows, let me know.
Jason
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'99 Sport SOHC Auto
K&N filter, Air box mod
Bosch 4+'s, Lowered, Eldebrock shocks
well thanks rick, that is a good idea. But the question is... I have looked before, and can only find a rear sway bar for a '99. I called suspension techniques about poly bushing kits, and the said that they dont make it. Explorer express said that they dont make it because its not needed, that the ride would be too rough. Do they make them for 98's? Is it the same setup? Personally I would rather have a little rougher right, rather then so much bouncing. But thats me. I am looking more on the performance aspect I suppose. I already have the shocks, love em to death. Even with my truck only being about 6 months old, it made a big difference from stock. Anyone out there have any suggestions as to where I can get poly bushings, and front and rear sway bars? Or does anyone know if '99s are the same as the 98 suspension. Thanks rick, and thanks to anyone who replies.
Jason
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'99 Sport SOHC Auto
K&N filter, Air box mod
Bosch 4+'s, Lowered, Eldebrock shocks
