Where to get a custom lift built for 98 4dr?

[luvtoexplore]

Alright I have been reading the threads on lifts. And have decided I would like to either learn to weld or have someone build and install a custom suspension lift for my 98 4dr explorer. I have found there just is not much for 98's right now and a custom one seems to be the best way to go.

Does anyone know of a good place to go around Omaha,ne? And if not, ideas of where to look and what to look out for when finding someone?

I would like to put 33's on so I am guessing a 7" lift should do it. And also would heavier duty sway bars help with side to side swaying when the lift is installed?

Thanks for any help you gentlemen can give me.

 

[PAExplorer]

I've got a 5" lift solution which will let you fit 33's. Old Man Emu makes 2" rear lift springs (Part #OME36) and you can do a tortion twist for the 2" in the front. Add a 3" body lift (Part # PA 883) and there you go! Explorer Express makes beafy sway bars which will help give better stability with the lift, but I'd get the quick disconnects if you're going to be doing some serious off roading. Hope that helps.

 

[luvtoexplore]

Thanks PA

Sorry it took so long to thankyou for the response just been extremly busy the last 3 weeks. It was greatly appreciated.

Now my next questioned would be:

Did you have to still extend your brake lines and can I still use the same shocks since its only a 2" suspension lift and a 3" body lift?

Thanks

 

[PAExplorer]

You do not need to extend your brake lines and the stock shocks have enough travel, but you really should replace them!
-E

 

[luvtoexplore]

Thanks

I just installed new Rancho 9600 just 3 months ago

I take it I will not have to worry about the steering column also. Just trying to get all the right info before I tear into next summer. Planning on joining the site here in a month or so. When I do I will post some pics for everyone. And by the way nice looking truck PA.

Thanks again

 

[PAExplorer]

there will be a steering shaft extension that comes with the body lift, if that's what you're doing.
-E

 

[Mascman]

If you were going to pay someone to build a custom lift, why not just get a Superlift? I will be the first to admit that I think they charge too much for it, but it would be cheaper than a full custom. You could sell your current shocks because the Superlift will have new ones.

Like PA says, you can do a TT and body lift, but you will still need to trim the inner fenders to run 33s, at least I did. My rubber boots on my CV joints always rubbed and made a terrible noise when the suspension compressed and extended...that's why I finally did my suspension the right way...I just couldn't stand it anymore!

My suggestion would be to do the 4" Superlift or the new RCD Ranger lift once somebody can verify that it fits.

Pretty soon I will be putting my winter tire/wheels on...maybe I'll post a pic of an Exploder with 8 to 9" of lift and 33s...she's going to look pretty crappy I'll bet.

 

[luvtoexplore]

Thanks Mascman,

That might be the best way to go. I really don't want to do a body lift so I am leaning on doing a suspension lift all the way. I have found someone, an relative actually, that has access to a plasma cutter and welds that will help for free. Just have to buy the materials for it. I am thinking about making one similiar to the 4" trailmaster one thats out. But much more beefier and at least at 6"'s of lift so 33's will not rub. So I know I will have to extend my brake lines, the steering column too I believe, and get extended shocks. Is there any other extras I am missing? I have not had time to search the threads yet to see. But if you gentlemen don't mind giving a quick answer would be great.

Thanks

 

[Mascman]

I used the Superlift and cranked it up an inch for a 5" lift. SOA for 6" in the back. This looks good with 33"s and no trimming.

Roughly $1250.00 and probably alot less headache than a full custom.

If you want to go custom, the Superlift spindles would put you a step in the right direction and you could build on that. If I were going to go this route, I'd be doing a front axle swap.

 

[luvtoexplore]

Alright guys now I am hooked. Now I am wanting to go all the way with this. A sas and soa, swap out the v6 with a modified v8 with a supercharger, 33'' or maybe 36" tires, dual shock system with stabilizers, etc........
Damn, now I am talking about an expense. I guess it will be my once in a life time hobby.

So for now I will do a 1 1/2" TT and replaced the rear lift springs with ones from EMU, and a 3" body lift for now. Keep the tires I have for now and wait for a little over a year to do what I really want. That way my truck is paid off and I can get an F150 one while I modify the explorer.

Then I will just have two problems when I am ready. Will it be street legal still and where am I going to go four wheeling? I guess I will have one excuse to go to the Colorado runs and some others in a couple of years.

 

[luvtoexplore]

Since I want to do some serious modifications. I am thinking about just buying another explorer that already has a v8 in it. I want to do a sas, soa, mod the v8 and add a supercharger.

What is everyones opinions on what year of 4dr 4x4 explorer would be best to puchase to do these mods with?