Hello,

I have a 98 2WD 5.0 Explorer, with 3" lift Spindles, Shackles, Torsion Twist (about 1") and 4 bilsteins. Tires are 33x12.50 on 15x8 rims w/ -19mm offset. Im very new to the suspension game as ive been into fast cars (svt cobras) up until recently, so this all new to me. thank you for your patience with my beginner questions.

The immediate plans are to get new moog balljoints for the lower arms, and then BTF upper uniball arms w/ new mount bushings, then alignment plates.

I have a few questions please:

- I briefly thought about heim joints for the upper arms (where they mount to the frame) but people wiser than I told me that it really isn't necessary unless I am spending more time in the dirt than I am on the street. Any input on this subject?

- Torsion Bars: am I alright to keep the stock torsion bars, or would it be smart to upgrade to something else?

- Tie rods, or any other auxillary suspension components. What should I consider replacing aside from already having the upper arms, spindle and shocks?

- At what point will I need fiberglass in the front? I dont want to be that guy running around with fiberglass when its not necessary, but Im wondering at what point will it I need it for functionality, etc. Im assuming just the 3" lift spindles and upper arms will not be enough. As I understand the upper arms will only give me about another 1" or so of travel. I am mostly getting them for the added strength and durability over the stock arms and stock joints

- Lower arms. Right now if I turn full lock my calipers are hitting my lower arms and its causing me to lose brake pressure. It doesnt happen often, but it got me thinking as to what advantages there are to custom lower arms. How much extra travel can it give me? Would you recommend that I go that route?

My goal with this truck is to have a relatively dependable truck that can take a good beating but nothing with crazy amounts of travel or anything. Just a solid, dependable truck that can hold its own in the dirt.


Any additional input would be appreciated.

Here is a pic for reference:

 

good looking expo, need to level the rear though, sry i have no input for your questions

 

Heres the misconception with lift spindles, even though they lift the front for bigger tires, they are not for offroad. Lift spindles are FOR SHOW ONLY. Road use and light, light off road. If you want travel you will need to go to a long travel kit. Camburg is a good company. If you jump that truck with those spindles they will snap. They will. Not might. Will. There are COUNTLESS threads on this site of people jumping with lift spindles and even just hitting deep potholes and snapping the snout off or bending the neck.

Besides that the truck looks great. The black wheels are a little funky with the beige and white body. And you need to do some more rear lift and decrank the torsion bars to level her out.

 

Does camburg make a specific kit for the 98 2WD Explorer, with torsion bars? I know the spindles I purchased had to be the specific edge lift spindles. Thanks for your advice.

As for the paint, the whole truck will be getting a black gloss hopefully before the end of the year, we shall see. Would like to get the suspension and fiberglass squared away first though

 

I would disagree on the statement that they are not for offroad. They are great for mud and trail riding but not for jumping there is a difference.


And to the OP how big are you trying to go? What size tire? Just for street? That would help us give you the best answer.

 

Hey 98LiftedRanger,

Not really wanting to go any bigger, as the stance, etc is perfect IMO, and was planning on staying with the 33"s. The truck will probably be 60/40, mostly street driven, but I definitely want it to be somewhat capable off road as mentioned in the OP

thanks

 

I have 2000 ford ranger 4.0 torsion bar suspension. Put all new shocks , control arm ball joints and tire rods. Just got all new tires. Still have a bumpy rough ride! Why is this . It has a lift on it so I think the previous owners did a torsion crank on it. I'm thinking that's why. ANSWERS please!

 

Swap out the front end links and swaybar bushings. Those have a significant impact. Do note that when you do, you may have a shake in the wheel when you go over bumps. If this is the case, don't freak, it goes away within a few days as the rubber seats in.