Added Truxxx lift with 18" tires
Just posted this on another thread.
Ok, I have a 2007 Sport Trac Limited V8 4x4.
The stock tires look too small, so I wanted bigger tires. I installed P255 / 70 / R18 Firestone Destination AT tires. With those tires, I had some rubbing on the plastic wheel well when turning and going over bumps.
When I looked for information of adding a lift on here, there seemed to be a lot of confusion between the Explorer and Sport Trac suspensions. I couldn't find any clear facts. Some web sites listed fitment for both, others just the Explorer.
On the Truxxx website, they said the leveling kit with the same part number,
#102010 , fits both. I called them to verify and they said yes they are both the same.
I then called Rancho and was able to talk to a knowledgeable person there. They told me that both vehicles did have the same mounting points.
I was looking at using the Quicklift or RS 5000 struts from Rancho. I did see on here that some people said by using the Quicklift they felt it wore out the ball joints & other parts prematurely or they needed to change the upper arms.
I decided to go with the Truxxx leveling kit & new Rancho shocks. I found the Truxxx leveling kit on Ebay for $200. Pep Boys had a sale on the Rancho shocks and 1/2 off price for installation.
I installed Rancho RS 5000 Struts. Rear - RS5754 & Front - RS5753.
After a little discussion I convinced Pep Boys that since they had to remove the struts & springs anyway to install the new shocks, it would be an easy install. They didn't charge me anything extra to install the lift kit. (Other shops I called would not install any suspension altering equipment)
The Truxxx information included detailed installation directions & new Alignment specs which were dead on.
The bigger tires did cause an issue that I wasn't expecting with my speedometer. It now is off about 5MPH. I have ordered a kit to adjust the computer with the correct tire size which I am told will cure that.
Overall I am very happy with the whole setup. It raised the truck roughly 3"-4" providing plenty of clearance. It does rides a little rougher with the stiffer off-road shocks and heavier tires. Feels like a true 4x4, not a tweener. On the highway it cruises, handles & rides very smooth. Wife isn't as happy because she has to hop up into the truck now.
