Torsion bar replacement

[exploreraus]

Guys im Desperate.
Let me explain to you
I have an 98 xlt explorer and I recently put 31" tyre on it. I have a 2" shackle life at the back and I wish to also have a 2"tt lift at the front. Both mechanic I went told me I cannot because my tb are worn, and it's already maxed. The thing is my 31" tyre are rubbing as hell at the first bumpy road.

So my question is : where can I find new torsion bars ? Can't find them anywhere either in Australia or USA.
Is there any other options that could help me lifting the front so my tyres doesn't rubb anymore ?
I'm happy with any kind of aftermarket TB.
I may add that my car is pretty loaded as I live i it while touring Australia
Thanks

 

[410Fortune]

You probably need to replace your torsion bar wear pads
When they wear out you will not get any lift from the t bars and you will be riding low and on the bump stops all day

1/4” of materials on top of the torsion bar back at the rear equates to like 2” of travel at the business end of the torsion bar

98-01 explorers and 98-2011 rangers 4.0 have replaceable pads… new ones make a huge difference in ride

Otherwise I would look for a low mile v8 explorer or a late model 4.0 ranger for some lower mile t bars

 

[410Fortune]

Here is the pad
Available online

https://www.amazon.com/Zieichy-Suspension-2001-2005-6L5Z5B335AA-6L5Z-5B335-AA/dp/B0CZ3TXHT5

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[donalds]

They crumble indeed

 

[wollimann]

An option are adjustable torsion bar keys.

 

[410Fortune]

Pretty slick!! Might have to give those a try on a couple of trucks around here

 

[wollimann]

where can I find new torsion bars ?

Nearly impossible, if they are tired you only can try to find a used non tired pair, difficult on this age too.
code1 stiffest
Passenger side: F67Z*5B326*FA
Drivers side : F67Z*5B326*FB

You could try to use longer adjustment bolts for the oem keys or adjustable keys.
A very expensive option is to convert to coil-overs, but the front alignment (camber/caster) and the
front axle shafts action angle are maxed out quickly.
Body lift to get room for your tires?
(love these Australien bumpers!)

regards

 

[exploreraus]

You probably need to replace your torsion bar wear pads
When they wear out you will not get any lift from the t bars and you will be riding low and on the bump stops all day

1/4” of materials on top of the torsion bar back at the rear equates to like 2” of travel at the business end of the torsion bar

98-01 explorers and 98-2011 rangers 4.0 have replaceable pads… new ones make a huge difference in ride

Otherwise I would look for a low mile v8 explorer or a late model 4.0 ranger for some lower mile t bars

Thanks for your answer mate I had no idea the pads were making a difference. I'll try that

 

[exploreraus]

Here is the pad
Available online

https://www.amazon.com/Zieichy-Suspension-2001-2005-6L5Z5B335AA-6L5Z-5B335-AA/dp/B0CZ3TXHT5?tag=seriouexplor-20

Pardon Our Interruption...

They are specified for sport track explorer and ranger, do you think they fit the xlt ?

 

[exploreraus]

Nearly impossible, if they are tired you only can try to find a used non tired pair, difficult on this age too.
code1 stiffest
Passenger side: F67Z*5B326*FA
Drivers side : F67Z*5B326*FB

You could try to use longer adjustment bolts for the oem keys or adjustable keys.
A very expensive option is to convert to coil-overs, but the front alignment (camber/caster) and the
front axle shafts action angle are maxed out quickly.
Body lift to get room for your tires?
(love these Australien bumpers!)

regards

How could I get a body lift ? I don't know much ahah

An option are adjustable torsion bar keys.
View attachment 464676

An option are adjustable torsion bar keys.
View attachment 464676

Can you recommend me any good one that would give me a 2inch lift ? Thanks

 

[donalds]

I'd start with just the pads
Replacing the pads will lift the front end quite a bit
Then get some of them adjustable keys

 

[wollimann]

torsion keys adjustable

1995-2012 Ford Ranger / Explorer / Mazda B-Series 4X4 2" Front Torsion Bar Key Lift / Leveling Kit

2" Front Torsion Bar Key Lift Leveling Kit For 1995-2011 Ford Ranger Explorer & Mazda B2500 B3500 B4000 4X4 Made By Suspension Maxx In USA

mcbayperformance.com

torsion keys non adjustable

https://www.jackit.com/jac-33018-b.html

Front end alignment is recommended.


body lift

Performance Accessories PA883 3" Body Lift Kit

Body Lift Kit; 3 in. Lift; Incl. Steering Extension; Frt/Rr Bmpr Brkts; MayBeNec.ToDrillFrt 2 BdyBshngsTo 1/2 in. ForNewBlt Clear.;

autotrim-md.com

This 3" body lift kit will fit a 1998 Explorer, but you will get some problems with the steering shaft lengh (need a extension)
and the mounting braket for the safety foot brake must be modified. Shifter cable might be strong.
Maybe the kit brakets for the front bumper did not match your beautiful bumper?
Big afford of time to get the chassis bolts out and a "changed" driveability.

Australia

Luxlifts 4x4 body lift kits for FORD EXPLORER 1997 to 2000

Get your explorer a little bit higher in the cab, using one of our body lift kits. Lift blocks are Made in Australia. Everything is sent Via Australia Post express post, for fast delivery. Other modifications are required when carrying out a body lift.

luxlifts.com.au

 

[410Fortune]

You can cut a 3” Body lift down to 2” with a sawzall
And avoid all the stress on the steering shaft brake lines and wiring.
Re locating front and rear bumpers up 2”
Will be done. With a grinder a welder and some inginuity

The 97-01 explorer,’02-04 sport and sport trac, as well as the 98-2011
Ranger 4.0 4wd all use the same torsion bar wear pad… yes it will fit xlt

 

[exploreraus]

Thanks guys I've order news pads and torsion key, it should arrive in Brisbane in a week ! I'll let you know if it has fixed my issue

 

[exploreraus]

And I did order those ones, they are cheaper but it might do the job as well they are adjustable from 1 to 3". I don't need something overkill, I basically need something that's gonna last 8more month as I'm just travelling Australia before going back home

 

[wollimann]

they are cheaper but it might do the job

Do not throw away the old keys...