Unlowering a 2002 XLS

[neonbeats]

Let me start this post by saying I have minimal automotive knowledge.

I bought my X last February it was already lowered 2" with a Ground Force drop kit and came with 22" rims plus stock wheels. I decided I couldn't afford two sets of tires especially 22s so I am going to stick with stock wheels.

It seems the lowering is causing too many problems to remain cool to me. My mechanic informed me that the control arms are messed up (at an angle?) because of the lowering and it is impossible to align the wheels 100%. I recently had to replace the rear suspension knuckle as well as two wheel studs which decided to break off my passenger side. I'm not sure if that had to do with it being lowered or not. Also, i just had 245/70/16 (stock is 235/70/16) tires put on and they rub a bit when turned completely to the right.

I'm sure it is possible to undo a lowering but is it even worth it? I don't even know where you would take it to have it done. I work at Walmart so obviously I don't have a lot of cash to blow on this.

I would love to hear some of your opinions. If anyone in the Pittsburgh, Pa area could do this or knows somebody who could do this at a reasonable price, please let me know.

Thanks

 

[adam2kgt]

It is entirely possible to "unlower" an Explorer. If the 2" Ground Force springs were the only modifications made, then simply changing them out for stock springs will bring you back up to stock height. Depending on mileage and condition, you may want to invest in new struts all around too, to give you a like-new ride and handling. As far as not being able to align the Explorer, that worries me a bit. I don't see any reason why having the Explorer lowered 2" would cause the suspension to be far enough out of it's normal range to cause it to not be able to be aligned. If the "messed up" control arms are just his opinion of the angle they are at, then there is no reason an alignment can't be done. If it has worn components, such as ball joints, tie rod ends, or bushings, those are all common issues with Explorers, stock height, lifted, or lowered.

My suggestion? Look into the Quick Struts that a few different companies offer. They are complete strut, spring, and strut mount packages that offer stock ride height and all new components. If funds don't allow this, look for local junk yards that have late model vehicles, and try to find a 03-05 Explorer to grab the struts and springs out of. I say 03-05 because a lot of 02 Explorers are known to have problems with rear springs breaking, and you don't want to have to do it twice!

 

[neonbeats]

Thanks bud I didn't think it was that easy.

LOL, Third page back was this thread:
http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298610

I think I'll go with these.. cheapest I could find. About $400 for four.
http://explorerforum.com/forums/sho...38-strut-assembly-mmy-FORD-EXPLORER-2002.aspx

 

[BigRondo]

neonbeats, get some reviews of the primechoice struts here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296221

Good like with raising the Ex!

 

[zerodevil]

thats pretty common for people who use the ground force springs, they need aftermarket camber adjustment plates on all four corners to align propperly, and most people are cheap and dont want to shell out an extra 400 on top of the springs and install cost they already shelled out. KYB struts are awesome and decently priced.

 

[Jager]

Just out of curiosity, can we see pictures?

 

[sport97]

You probably will be able to sell those lowering springs on here or craigslist to recover part of the cost of the stock springs (You have to be elite to sell on the forum).

 

[nygbrad]

Yes let me know if you want to get rid of the springs. I might be interested.