unbauer 98 explorer eddie bauer

[BlingNGasoline]

To start off, I am 16, w/ a permit. (dont hold that against me) but mechanically inclined. I could do just about any mod i want to if i got an idea what i am doing.

In november of next year i get my mothers 5.0l 98 explorer. i love explorers, but hate the look of the new generations. I am looking to solve this by removing the Eddie Bauer trim, fender flares, and running boards, Doing the TT and Shackle lift (to give it a more aggressive stance and fix the rear sag) adding some nice a/t tires, and maby if the spirit moves me, a Body Lift.

1. What is left once the eddie bauer trim ect. is removed?
2. Can i paint the plastic bumper pieces myself?
3. How hard is AAL?
4. If i hit somthing big after i jack up the torsion bars will i damage them.
5. How hard is a body lift?
6. Will i need a better sway bar?
7. Are there any other stock ford springs i could use to lift it withoud doing the Shackles and AAL that does not require me to repack the springs?
and is there any way to make the back look any better? it looks like a mini van bubble.


Any responses would be appreciated,
Mike

Pic

 

[Doug]

All the things you asked can be solved by searching but i'll give you some short answers..

1. nothing
2. yes, with the right stuff
3. easy with some basic hand tools and some jackstands
4. no, i've only seen one torsion bar fail and it was from heavy wheeling
5. not bad took me about a day
6. depends, i dont have any
7. no shackles and aals are the best way to go imho

Glad to see another member from the garden state, my old man grew up in morristown, I used to live in califon but I'm out here in AZ for the next few months.

 

[Robb]

1. A buttload of holes

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes, ditto what Robb said. I am parting out a 99 Limited, and I think that the body trim is the only thing salvageable. There are lots of holes in the body from their mounts.
Look at the Limited's different colors, and consider painting the trim pieces to match the rest. LOL,
DonW

 

[BlingNGasoline]

Thanks

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

Go to lowes and they sell plugs for the holes then get a small botle of the factory paint color and paint the plug