Torsion Bar Lift?

[forrester8]

I just started to get into the modifications of the Explorer. I just got a new K&N filter charger and am excited about it, but am interested in (and frustrated in) trying to get a few more inches out of the vehicle. What is the possible damage, if any, that may occur during the adjustment of the torsion bar for the frustrating independent front end? How can I do it easily?

 

[Stephen S]

First of all, I'd like to welcome you to the site. You've found the best Explorer resource on the net; Welcome Aboard!! You'll find just about anything you want to know right here. Enjoy your stay.

Now, onto your question. This topic has been discussed many times on the boards. If you try a search, you will surely find the answers to your questions. I too am interested in doing this mod and had the same questions as you.

From what I have read, there are a couple of things to watch out for. The first lies with the CV joints in the front axles. If you crank the bars up, you MUST keep the lift below 2 inches, or the CV joints will bind, and lead to premature failure. The only other concern about the bars, is that cranking them up increases the stress on them and may lead to weakening of the bars over time. However, many, many people on this board have done this mod with no adverse side effects. I have decided to do it when it comes time for new tires. You may want to look into Warrior shackles to lift the rear to match the front. Also, there are many threads on the shackles.

A good explanation of how to do the torsion lift can be found here: http://www.4x4central.com/torsionbars.html

Hope this helps and once again, welcome!!!

 

[forrester8]

thanks and new QT

Hey thanks for the reply, those sites helped out alot. I think that I am going to try it out, then be sure to get an alignment afterwards. Always looking for the bigger and better. This site is wonderful. just about anything you would want to know.

Another problem though. I just got the K&N FIPK and tried to install it, but alas the mounting brackets don't fit. I have a square air filter and tried to install a cylindrical fipk. They said that they don't make a Gen II fipk for the 97 5.0 V8. Oh well may have to go just with a square mass air flow filter.

 

[Stephen S]

Hey man, no problem. Glad I could be of some help! I'm not too sure I can help you with your FIPK problem, because all I have is a drop-in and therefore not familiar with the FIPK. I can, however recommend a search. There may be others here with 5.0s and FIPKs that can help with your problem.

 

[ExplorGM]

Torsion bars

Forrester,

You might want to try getting stiffer torsion bars. I went to the Ford dealership and bought the stiffest ones they had. Now I have to do very little "twisting" to get the altitude, and it handles better on the road. Less rubbing than with the softer ones also.
The only drawback that I can see is that I may have a little less articulation in the front than with the "softer" bars.
If I remember correctly, I had "D" code bars and went to "B" code bars? The parts guys did not think it would work, but it worked fine. I think a couple of other guys have done it as well.
Rick