Would TC's lift work for a 1997?

[HATECHEVYS]

I just got done looking at TC's beautiful Explorer. I was wondering if his trick of using a 1998 Ranger lift kit would work on a 1997? What did they change in 1998? I dont know anyone with a 1998 to compare.

 

[Ray Lobato]

I don't know as of yet, but I'm looking into it and will pass the word once I know myself. You're not the only one trying to find out.

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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[Rick]

'98-'00 only.

They made some major changes to the rear torsion bar mounting system between '97 and '98.

That doesn't mean you can't get a shop to fabricate something custom. It just won't be nearly as easy or as "bolt on" as TC's lift.

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Rick Horwitz
Editor
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hi Rick,
Thanks for the info. Now, do you think your guys over at fly'n-Hi could come up with the conversion parts for either the superlift or Trail Master that we 95-97 owners could use?

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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[Keith]

Ok this sounds like it could be costly but how about this. They didn't change the frame from 97 to 99. So what if by either buying new of used mounting pieces for where the torsion bars connect. So know you have the front end of a 98 + on a 95-97. Think this could work?

 

[Ray Lobato]

Keith,
I need to take a serious look at this and see what the difference is. I think though if I remember right that the brackets that hold the rear torsion bars are welded on, and not bolted, whic would mean you would have to cut them off. Not sure but will look at it tomorrow before I go to work. Dead Link Removed

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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[Keith]

Well brake out the welder we have got our selves a project. HehEH. Just kidding. I hope there is someway that we can fix this little problem we have.

 

[Arch-Willy]

it would be sweet to find a suspension lift for my 96, but does anyone know what he did for his body lift?? That is pretty much all i can afford right now. I do however, have plans to put on suspension on if they ever come out with one.

J-RIP

4x4 96 xlt

 

[Ray Lobato]

Keith,
Sure enough, the bracket is welded on. Dead Link Removed I was going to take a look at the 98-00 and see how it is attached, but coldn't find the time. I will try sometime this weekend to see what we're up against. Hey, any of you guys with 98-00 models know how the back torsion bar brackets are held on to the frame?

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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[Rick]

Here's TC's drop brackets.
Dead Link Removed

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Rick Horwitz
Editor
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com





[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 10-29-1999).]

 

[Keith]

I will take a look at my dad's 00. I'm going their for dinner tonight.

 

[dmeis]

Regarding TC's body lift, he made it up himself using some old 3 inch lift blocks and new mounting bolts, nuts and washers. Also, for the bumpers he made his own brackets.

 

[Arch-Willy]

hey dmeis-

do you happen to know how bolt-on a ranger body lift would be for my 4-door 96 explorer?? Do you know of any other options that would work for me?? I hae no clue how to custom fab a body lift.

thanks

J-Rip

 

[jeffseal]

i am also desparate for a body lift for my 95 how did tc do his what mods need to be made????

 

[dmeis]

I don't know if the Ranger body lift would work. I would try it even though I have not had any experience lifting a newer Ford. (see disclaimer below...) The lift doesnt cost that much and all you are doing is extending the cab off of the frame two or three inches.

I am 99% confident that the lift blocks and mounting hardware will work... The fan shroud drop down should work...but basically you would have to lift the body and check to make sure everything that connects the frame to the body has enough clearance.

Also pay special attention to the steering linkage to make sure it is not binding up and is still long enough. TC didnt mention anything about the steering so it may not need any attention.

TC has done (and is doing) some pretty crazy stuff to four wheelers for a long time...

Here is the disclaimer:
"After taking things apart for years you get desensitized from the overwhelming desire to leave things alone and you just start hacking up a perfeclty good vehicle." (speaking from experience here!)

 

[Kyle K.]

Ryan, i too am planning on eventually swappin the front axle for a classic bronco front dana 44, preferrably a '77 which had disc brakes, some '76's did also. have you started getting the info for this swap? i have some, i am going to go ahead and do my 6.5" lift with the ttb but the trick is i am goint to make my extended radius arms the same length as EB arms so when i swap out ... it will bolt righ up, hehe. need any numbers let me know i might have some you don't or vice-versa.

dodger

 

[Arch-Willy]

hey just wonering, where the heck is TC to tell us all what he did??
I have tried calling Ford, Dick Cepek, and shops in the Dallas area, all of which lead me to dead ends. Everyone says that the mounts are different, but no one knows the exact differences between the two.

Someone just throw me a freaking bone here!!

 

[Rick]

TC doesn't have access to the net. Dead Link Removed

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Rick Horwitz
Editor
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com

 

[Rick]

This is after seeing that the TTB just isn't "cool" enough to be lifted.

Huh?

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Rick Horwitz
Editor
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com

 

[rpenner54]

LOL, man I should really learn to read what I type! To tell you the truth I have no idea what I meant to say there. Dead Link Removed Talk about a brain fart. I still am at a loss for what the heck I was saying... man o man!



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Ryan Penner
1992 Explorer Sport