Turn off air shocks for 'wheeling?

[95ExplorerLtd]

Just wondering if I should flip the switch in the rear compartment to off for the air shocks. Since they automatically adjust wouldnt they want to air up or down when you flex out? Couldn't that possibly break or put wear on something? I just thought about this and was curious. Thanks,

 

[Concept156]

I have a 95 Limited and have been looking really hard at the auto ride cause I need new front shocks and the dealer wants $750! So yeah.

As far as I know, the auto ride raises your Explorer two inches when you put it in four low. It takes a couple of minutes for the shocks to finish but it actually does raise it about 2". They also 'air' up for a firmer ride offroad.

Since we're on the subject. I have a question. If the auto ride has the ability to lift my Explorer two inches, could I just turn the auto ride switch off and get shocks that are 2" longer than the OEM's? Would this be a cheap way to get a two inch lift? And then if I did a torsion twist with shackles in the rear, would it be about 3-4" of total lift? I don't know. I have been driving around with my auto ride turned off (not offroad). And so far, I really can't tell any difference in ride... other than the fact that my truck doesn't make that clicking noise when I get out of it...

 

[Robert]

I think the autoride only raises up the Explorer to the same height as a standard 4x4 Explorer. It lowers it when on the road so that it will be more comfortable and a little lower for better handling. I'm not positive though. If it is true, then your Explorer probably has the weaker torsion bars and weaker rear springs. Longer shocks will not lift your Explorer. All they do is dampen the suspension. Stiffer springs and torsion bars will raise it. Check the lable inside your door under spring. There will be two letters. One is for your torsion bars, the other is for your rear springs. If it turns out that you have the weaker springs, then you can swap them for a heavier spring which will put you up to the standard 4x4 height. It will mean a stiffer on-road ride though. Add on the TT/shackle lift and you can gain about 1.5"-2" more for a total of up to 4" higher than you are running right now on the street. You would be about 1.5"-2" higher than a stock 4x4 Explorer.