Upgrade wheel base and suspension?

[Jargri]

Hey all,
I came across this forum looking for ways to increase my stance and suspension for my 2002 ford explorer sport trac. I have been wondering how to go about increasing my stance, as there are several ways that it seems to go about it. However i do not want to raise my ride height unless i can also widen my stance- the sport trac is already a narrow enough vehicle as it is.
What is the best way?:

• New wider wheels with offset? Could this cause wheel to fender well rubbing?
• Wheel hub spacers? Have heard mixed things about this.
• Change out axels?- if i choose this option, wouldnt i have to replace the tie rods, control arms, etc?
• Any other ways?

If i can widen the wheel base I would like to gain at least 2 inches of suspension height. Is this a good or bad idea? How should i approach this? It seems like any way i choose, i will end up spending lots of time and money to offset the negatives of messing with it.

Thanks guys!

 

[N2FORD]

Spacers are the cheapest and easiest way to widen your stance. I am running 1 5/8 thick on the front and 2 inch in the rear at this time. I run the hubcentric type and they have worked well for me. Some will say don't run them but do what you feel safe doing. You can lift the front a little with a torsion twist and either add a leaf or shackle in the rear. You usually don't have to lift unless you are increasing tire size.

 

[Jargri]

Spacers are the cheapest and easiest way to widen your stance. I am running 1 5/8 thick on the front and 2 inch in the rear at this time. I run the hubcentric type and they have worked well for me. Some will say don't run them but do what you feel safe doing. You can lift the front a little with a torsion twist and either add a leaf or shackle in the rear. You usually don't have to lift unless you are increasing tire size.

Understandable. I have heard mixed reviews and opinions on wheel spacers, so im a little wary about trying those. How wide of a wheel can i fit? i have tried doing some research into wheel and tire sizes and widths, but i can never seem to find any decent information on how wheel sizes correspond to tire widths and other things.

If i could do it, i would like to find some decent wheels with a negative offset to widen the stance of the vehicle some, maybe do a two inch lift and suspension upgrade as well, but i cant seem to find any information on how wide of a tire i can utilize without causing rubbing when i turn.