what kind of lift

[89B2dewey]

should i put a body lift or a suspension lift first. 89 xlt b2 2.9 5 speed stock. and what size should i go want something mild for the time being but planning going wild. new to the 4x4 game so not to much experience. and when i go v-8 should i keep it 5 speed or auto. thanks

 

[janderson4010]

these kinds of questions always depend on what you plan to do with the rig when you are done. im hoping to use around 4" of lift but get 35's on it, but im doing a sas and i won't but using any type of stock lift kit. My understanding is that a bII will fit 33's with a 4" lift and no fender trimming. or you can actually fit 33's with fender trimming, but not everyone wants to do that. im just trying to keep my center of gravity low because we rock crawl out here, and there is a ton of off camber stuff. so short answer is if you want a mild rig for hunting, getting in the outdoors etc go with a 4" lift on 33's. One other thing is you could go with a body lift, my cousin has 2" body lift and 31's but could fit 33's and run them really well with a little trimming. anyway good luck and keep us posted on what you end up doing.

 

[4x4junkie]

I would suggest starting with a decent 3-4" suspension lift and slip some 31x10.50R15 tires under it. That'll get you started without putting too much strain on your small stock axles.
As you progress more, you can swap to a pair of bigger axles from a '91-'94 Explorer for some added beef that'll allow you to throw bigger tires on it (regearing them accordingly, maybe throw some differential lockers in at the same time). The Explorer front D35 basically bolts in, the rear 8.8" takes a minor amount of welding for it to fit (leaf spring perches & shock mounts). With a bit of fender trimming (maybe adding on a 2" body lift too if you want), 35x12.50R15 tires should fit no problem.

As for what transmission... That's entirely up to you. Both transmissions have their advantages and drawbacks.
The auto will have the advantage if you're mud boggin' it... you won't lose all your momentum when it shifts. A manual will of course give you far better MPG on the street. For all else, it's really a preference thing (I prefer a manual myself).

 

[89B2dewey]

talk with a guy at a 4x4 place in charlotte he recomended putting a 3" body lift in lu of suspension said that the stock parts would wear out to fast.

 

[4x4junkie]

Nothing in the suspension is going to "wear out too fast", however the stock Dana28 front axle shafts in particular aren't all that strong, so maybe that's what he was concerned with?

Again, axles swapped in from a 1st-gen Explorer (very plentiful) would easily eliminate that issue (and is what I run on mine, I've had 0 problems with it). All your suspension lift stuff will still fit the same (no need to worry about obsoleting anything with the axle change).

Front D35 info:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4wd_Front_Axles.html
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/D28_D35_swap.html

For even more strength:
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/May06/dana35_ujoint_snapring.htm

8.8" rear swap:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html

I wouldn't suggest using a body lift by itself if you're looking to make it capable on the trails. A body lift gives you no additional suspension travel or performance.

Anyway, good luck with it whichever way you decide to go.

 

[janderson4010]

never really cared for a body lift myself. i think the d28 will handle 33's though, and he said not to serious right away.