Which Brand of Shackles?

[DixieOnMyMind59]

Heres my question...My Explorer is 2wd and i have done some off-roading in the past but now i am done for good (too expensive when things break). I now want to do the TT and shackles treatment to my explorer but only for APPEARANCE purposes - not for off-roading. Everyone recommend the "Warrior" brand of shackles and they always say mention how strong the welds are. Well my explorer won't be doing and "flexing" over obstacles or anything else that would seem serious when you consider they welds of the shackles. So my question is - Would any regular brand of shackles be ok for my Explorer for just "looks" purposes? Do i really need to worry about how strong the welds are if im only driving on the streets? What other advantages do the Warrior brand shackles have that i would need? IS Warrior the only company that makes shackles for a 95-01 Explorer?

THANKS,
Colton

 

[Turdle]

Actually, if looks are the concern--try an add-A-Leaf.
I am told this will give the required ride height--
Shackles don't look good---however, I am impressed with the construction of my warrior shackles.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

The auto zone shackels fit....and they are 13$...

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Auto Zone sells a univrsal shackle kit for $20

Why do you just want it for looks? I personally don't like the looks of the shackle lifts.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

If you plan on hauling around anything or towing at all...F-150 leaves would make sense...they stiffen up the pack and can add lift too, plus there arnt shackels hanging down from the rear of the truck.

 

[carlover]

i have the auto zone shackles and have for almost 2 years and have done alot of offroading and i have no complaints at all. Cant beat the price either.

 

[conig]

i have autozones as well, but I had to reinforce them I used all thread and an internal spacer. then bolted down on the sides, its important the spacer be the correct size(mines within 10 thousands of an inch) as you don;t want to pinch the shackles

 

[96FordExploder]

I've got Autozone shackles too and I have no complaints. I still need to shorten them because I only used the first bolt hole and have no need for the other 2. I'll snap some pics tomorrow. I don't offroad that much so they're all I need.

 

[AMMO_HOOAH]

The autozone ones are great for the price, but bent mine both sides the same direction. The rear end is about 1/4-1/2 inch to the drivers side just need to pick up a new set and reinforce the next set I suppose lol.

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

Thanks for all the responses...when i say im doing it for "appearance" im not talking about the way that the actual shackles looks underneather the vehicle, im talking about the way it makes the vehicle sit. Are the Add-A-Leaf kits alot more expensive than shackles? Seems they would be harder to install. Im trying to keep it simple and low cost so im not reallying considering the add-a-leafs. I really like "MountaineerGreen"'s Explorer in the picture on his elite registry, right before he got the new wheels...

.....This is the look i am going for and those are the same exact tires im going to buy...thank goodness for income tax! If i buy the shackles im going to get the ones from AutoZone - why can't i find them on their website? So with my "simple & cheap" mind-set, should i go with shackles or the add-a-leafs?

 

[conig]

add a leaves are the same price as warriors, and imo easier to install then the shackles. i can do add a leaves in 45-60minutes shackles would take just alittle longer but the spring jumps up against the frame as soon as you remove the stock shackle and has to be pushed down with something.

.
stock shackles.

heres auto zone shackles and alittle torsion twist. I plan to add some add a leaves for towing and do abit more torsion twist

 

[EXPLORER97']

So are those autozone ones just one size fits all or what? Does anybody have a part number of the ones they used?

 

[kert0307]

Yes, they are one size fits all. I had to drill mine out a little bit because they use a slightly smaller bolt then the stock explorers. I dobt if they would be on the website. Just go into the store and ask where the lift shackles are. All they are are long pices of metal with 4 holes in them, one at the top and 3 at the lower end so you can choose how high to go. If you go with the higher one, it's a good idea to brace the center of it in some way using a bolt and washers or a tube cut to fit in there as a spacer. I can post picts of mine later tonight.

 

[EXPLORER97']

Thanks. Ya I'll probably brace them like the Warrior one's I've seen. Do you know how much lift the bottom hole gives you?

 

[conig]

i can snap a pic of the way I first braced them, I used the bolts that came with the shackles which were a tad bit smaller then stock. you may not need to brace them if you drill them out. they take a while to drill.

 

[EXPLORER97']

pic would be awsome. I'll probably drill them out. I plan on abusing this rig pretty good even though it's the "wifes".

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Yes, they are one size fits all. I had to drill mine out a little bit because they use a slightly smaller bolt then the stock explorers. I dobt if they would be on the website. Just go into the store and ask where the lift shackles are. All they are are long pices of metal with 4 holes in them, one at the top and 3 at the lower end so you can choose how high to go. If you go with the higher one, it's a good idea to brace the center of it in some way using a bolt and washers or a tube cut to fit in there as a spacer. I can post picts of mine later tonight.

I've seen them listed on their website. I believe they are under suspension parts.

 

[conig]

im more of a street queen, that occasionally plays in the sand/mud my setup may not be what you want. you can look at the warriors and tell there stronger.

 

[carlover]

ive been in the mud, sand, dirt, rocks, and snow with my auto zones and they have held up great. i think they will do just fine for what you want them for.

 

[conig]

unless you jump some, I occasionally will be on mine(hot high but it happens), its a play truck/pre runner setup a few more engine mods a locker, and some type of tire ill bolt up on the rear wheels for messing around with. paddles if I can find some, maybe cut boggers etc.