Tortion Twist

[addkev]

Just for anybody that is out there contemplating a TT and Shackle lift. DO IT!
I have had mine a few weeks now, and I think it rides so much better. It is stiffer and more responsive. And it looks so much better. This is how they should've come new.

Just thought I would throw that out there.

 

[Damn Yankee]

Just for anybody that is out there contemplating a TT and Shackle lift. DO IT!

I'm not familiar with the Torsion Twist...... How exactly is this done ?? Anyone have pics ??

I'd actually like to lower my truck about 1 1/2".

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by Damn Yankee
I'd actually like to lower my truck about 1 1/2". :

Yake a look at the lowering kit from Explorer Express.

 

[Kinnish]

AddKev : I agree for sure about the TT/Shackle mod. I have the same setup as you with 31's BFGs and MT Classic II in a 98XLT SOHC. Just put the shackles on yesterday and man does it kick A$$. It definitely handles and feels alot better than I had expected.

AddKev : What gearing ratio do you have? and do you get slight rubbing on inner front wheel wells with 31 BFG's?

 

[addkev]

Yeah, I have some rubbing. I have another post asking for advice on fender trimming. I just trimmed mine about an hour ago. Mine rubbed on the front bumper when turning and it looks like it might rub on the back of the fender by the door, but hasn't yet. I used a Saw-Zall and just cut an arc off of the bottom of the bumper. Mostly where it needed to be trimmed was underneath where the bumper curls down, so you really can't see it that much. Then I took a file and rounded off the edge so it wasn't so jagged. I will post a pic tonight, the camera is charging right now. Since you have M/T II, also, just a suggestion I cleaned my brake calipers and painted them red w/ high temp engine paint. I have gotten alot of complimentes on my wheels and the brake calipers.--------I know, before I get bombed here-------painting your brake calipers it seems kinda high school-ish, goes right along with the Type-R stickers adding 15-20 HP but it looks good, so
I need to post some pics, since I just washed and waxed it.

 

[Big Bear Bob]

what is the max you should go with the lift. I've heard 1.75, and thats sounds decent, but would 2" hurt?

 

[rvitek]

I don't have the cash for new rims/tires (and I only have like 10K miles on my tires now), how bad would it look if I kept the stock rim/tires (they're only 15s) setup and did a TT lift?

What do you all think?

 

[Jason_25]

Originally posted by rvitek
I don't have the cash for new rims/tires (and I only have like 10K miles on my tires now), how bad would it look if I kept the stock rim/tires (they're only 15s) setup and did a TT lift?

What do you all think?

I did it and even with my 255/70/16 tires it looked pretty stupid. You would be better off to do it when you get new tires.

 

[rvitek]

Thanks Jason - that's what I figured as well, but I just wanted to see

 

[addkev]

I agree with Jason, it looks strange with stock rims and tires.

 

[Big Bear Bob]

Ok I just called a local shop who will put the shackles on and do the TT for $110.00 with a worksmanship gaurentee.

But he said that the 2" lift will drop to 1.50 or so. Has anyone had this happen?

 

[Jason_25]

You won't get 2 inches from the warrior shackles anyway. You will get about 1.25-1.5 inches of lift.

 

[Robert]

I guess it depends on how you do it. Per the Ford shop manual, the proper procedure to adjust the torsion bars is to adjust them with the tires on the ground and go up to your desired setting. In other words if you need to drop your torsion bars for some reason, you are supposed to drop them more than you need then adjust them back up to the correct setting. You should also use new torsion bar adjuster bolts since they have a dry thread locking coating on them that will prevent them from backing out. I have never replaced mine though and have adjusted and removed mine several times to replace my torsion bar adjusters. I followed this procedure about 3 years ago and have never had a problem with mine settling.

 

[Fischer]

I just did my shackle and TT last night. Took about 20 min. for the shackles. Cant believe I waited this long. Doi!

Originally posted by Robert
...Per the Ford shop manual, the proper procedure to adjust the torsion bars is to adjust them with the tires on the ground and go up to your desired setting.

Well I did my TT by jacking the front, twisting (tightening) the adjuster then I would let the front down fast to kind of shock the torsion bars. Well I hope this is an okay way of doing it.

I whish this last post was here yesterday. Oh well...

Looks real nice though.

 

[Big Bear Bob]

I got about 1.25" from the warrior shackles too. and sincce I have B torsion bars I was wanting to go to 1.75" or so. Anyway I' am a little dissapointed, but will look into how Robert recommended installing them.

Right Now I have about 1.25 a lift all around. Would is there any reasone to lift the front higher than the rear?

 

[becker69]

3B, for the majority of us there is no reason to have the front higher than the rear (unless I guess more suspension room were required for jumping, etc). I am surprised you only got about 1.25" total all around.... but then again it's probobly the cheapest, most structurally sound way of picking up height for next to nothing but elbow grease, $60 shackles and an alignment.
I picked up about 1.75" inches after suspension settling, so there isn't too much difference.

 

[CJ1975]

AddKev--I started watching this site months ago and have the same exact X as you (cept 98). Finally did the TT/shackles after researching forever. Put 32's on and it is awesome!! Everyone says how great it looks...my buddy from work wants to start one on his. If it weren't for this site, I would have sold my X...

 

[Robert]

Another thing you have to remember is that Ford used different length rear shackles depending on model and package. My '97 Sport came with about as short of shackles as Ford offered (about 5"). My Warrior shackles are about 8". You will get about 1/2 the difference between your new shackles and your old shackles. I have seen some Explorers with 6" or 6 1/2" shackles stock. In that case they would only get 3/4" to 1" with 8" shackles. I would say I got about 1 1/2" out of my longer shackles.

 

[Big Bear Bob]

Thanks for the feed back, it does feel more firm on the road, but... and as mentioned for $60 it did some good.

I now have 9" clearance at the diff,and if I remeber right and 10" at the low point under the front suspention, so I guess thats not so bad.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond
3B

 

[Big Bear Bob]

After a few weeks the front Diff is 9.5" from the ground and the catalytic converter is 9.1. Does this sound about right with 31's and a TT Shackle lift?