Worn suspension needs changed, lift?

[TheGTkid]

Well, my 02 is starting to feel rough and I have decided its time to do some suspension work on top of getting new tires. In Michigan it is quite cold meaning my work wont start till spring, say when its 50 or so degrees and I can wear a tshirt. That means I have enough time to take your input guys, and when I do suspension work why not throw in a little bit of lift? I mean we are already half way there anyways! So. What will I need to do some suspension work, and some lift? A little bit of cash is useful, but advice from some of you guys who have done this stuff will be helpful! What parts will I need, and what kind of lift should I attempt for a little more suspension travel?
All inquiries shall be helpful! Thank you!

 

[Ronin8002]

Changing out the strut assemblies (struts+coil springs) should help, as well as replacing upper and lower ball joints (Especially the front ones).

Any kind of body lift isn't going to improve suspension travel, it will just leave it the same. And a BTF spacer lift in many cases results in a loss of suspension travel due to the suspension parts hitting together and binding up as the suspension flexes downward.

The good news is, you can replace your struts and springs and get a lift AND more travel out of it at the same time by getting some Rancho Quick Lift assemblies. They will lift your truck 1.5" in the front and 1.25" in the rear. The front ones have 4" of strut travel (vs 2.5" of strut travel on a stock design strut). The rear ones I think have about the same travel as stock (which is nearly 6" so that isn't bad).

Rockauto.com seems to have the best price, plus you can use the 10% forum discount.

Oh, and the Ranchos also have an adjustable valving knob that lets you change the ride characteristics of the struts. I don't think any other OEM style replacement strut has anything like that.

Well, my 02 is starting to feel rough and I have decided its time to do some suspension work on top of getting new tires. In Michigan it is quite cold meaning my work wont start till spring, say when its 50 or so degrees and I can wear a tshirt. That means I have enough time to take your input guys, and when I do suspension work why not throw in a little bit of lift? I mean we are already half way there anyways! So. What will I need to do some suspension work, and some lift? A little bit of cash is useful, but advice from some of you guys who have done this stuff will be helpful! What parts will I need, and what kind of lift should I attempt for a little more suspension travel?
All inquiries shall be helpful! Thank you!

 

[MGG]

Depending on how worn your suspension is... Id say 4 new strutteks, 2 new upper control arms w/ball joints, and a 3 inch or lower body lift would be a good start. If you need new tires you could get a taller A/T tire to also give you some lift.

If I did spacers again I wouldn't go no bigger than 1.5 front and 1.0 rear...

good luck fellow Michigander.

 

[TheGTkid]

Ronin it seems you know everything about the explorer, one day I hope to be as wise and knowledgable spreading my wealth of knowledge to all. Thank you, I definitely might be doing some Rancho's in the spring
MGG, it isn't too worn, but I want to replace it since I am at about 165k miles and I am sure the previous owner didnt do much to keep the suspension in great shape. Thank you!

I just want the feeling of knowing that I did the work on it, and it will leave my possession in a better condition than I got it. For $4k total, my explorer is pretty bad ass, and people tell me the thing looks brand new. I want it to feel brand new though, and thats what I am going after.
My brother is 10 years old right now, my mom bought my ex for me, I am turning 18 this sunday. I just want to be able to give him something I always wanted for a pretty nice price. I told him $1500 and he can have it when he is 16. By then I want custom front and rear bumpers, some lift, tires, roof rack, neat interior and something every kid in the parking lot wants. He says he wants his dad's truck but that won't work out and I am aware of it. I just want to make sure he gets something nice, and my mom doesnt spend a pretty penny on it! So for 6 years, I will work on making this a vehicle that is reliable, and looks great so he can have something great to show off!

 

[TheGTkid]

Also Ronin, how do I take advantage of these discounts I get for being an EF member?

 

[DirtJunky]

Wanting a couple do TT and shackles or AAL for the rear.
Trying go bigger then spindles and SOA for 5 1/2inches
Even bigger then SAS!!

 

[Kazer]

Ronin it seems you know everything about the explorer, one day I hope to be as wise and knowledgable spreading my wealth of knowledge to all.

x2. Been on the site for 2 and a half years and still don't know as much as him, LOL

Wanting a couple do TT and shackles or AAL for the rear.
Trying go bigger then spindles and SOA for 5 1/2inches
Even bigger then SAS!!

No torsion bars or leaf springs on third gens, independent suspension all around

 

[TheGTkid]

Kazer you feeling like a road trip next spring to do some leveling on my ex?
maybe we can tear up the mud after!

 

[Ronin8002]

Also Ronin, how do I take advantage of these discounts I get for being an EF member?

Actually I messed up, it is a 5% not 10% discount. Still something though.

Go to the explorerforum vendors forum and you'll find a rockauto discount thread with the code and instructions.

 

[TheGTkid]

Is it stickied Ronin, suppose if it isn't maybe it should be!

 

[Kazer]

Kazer you feeling like a road trip next spring to do some leveling on my ex?
maybe we can tear up the mud after!

Always down for a road trip

Is it stickied Ronin, suppose if it isn't maybe it should be!

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350140