what kind of suspension lift to use?
 

no responses on rps and i figured try posting it here seeing as there are alot of lifted people on this site...

Well this summer, I will be doing an AWD swap from an explorer 98 or 99 most likly. I really dont want to deal with a body lift where I will have to take off my front tow hooks, weld up tow hitch, and all that ****. So basically Ill save up for a suspension lift. But if I have the front axels of an explorer and back 8.8 ranger set up...What kind of lift will fit my truck suspension wise? An explorer 4x4 superlift? or what. Been thinking about it and its a new subject so decided to post. thanks.

That generation Explorer is identicle to the Ranger. Anything Ranger or Expl. will fit.

If you have 2WD, you will need to modify the transmission to get the rear adaptor on it and replace the tailshaft. I'm told this involves removing the transmission and some disassembly, FYI.

I'm putting a SAS on my 4x2 and that's the biggest pain in the butt to my mind -- having to change out or modify the transmission. The Explorer transmision from the donor may not work with your PCM so a swap might still be somewhat complicated.

Edit: If you get some kind of lift, get the Ranger one if it deals with the back. You probably know that Explorers are spring-under at the rear axle, and Rangers are "spring over". Also, the springs mount differently on the two vehicles, and the shackles are not compatible.

AWD (full-time) swap?! You can do that? Don't you mean 4x4 (part-time)?

An AWD Ranger, what fun would that be.. especially if you could manage a locking center diff!

john, i'm doing a v8 swap. i'm swapping everything from the motor to the computers...wiring...ect. plus the explorers front axle and everything to do with AWD.

So Jason what would be the cheapest 4x4 lift I can get ranger or explorer that will fit my All Wheel Drive Ranger?

Where do you live, Greg? In areas with emission inspections, you may have problems swapping an older drivetrain into a newer vehicle since the standards are relative to the year the vehicle was made in some places. May not apply to you, but just a fair warning. Out here where I am, it probably wouldn't be accepted for state inspection.

I live in FL. We dont have jack sh*t for inspections. I aint got nothing to worry about. I'll run this baby without cats nuttin cops around dont check for that.

Also Griggs, So you're saying the explorer 4x4 lifts will be different? So go with a Ranger 4x4 lift and should be good?

this was really just for my own personal information at the moment. I will not be getting a suspension lift for a while. I decided to sell my 33s as well hopefully this weekend. I'm going to put on my leaf springs with torsion bars cranked and just put some 32s on my stock tires. Then hopefully in a year ill have enough money to do a suspension lift. Big plans coming up this summer

Only in the rear, Greg. The axles mount to the springs differently, and to the frame differently. Depending on what's in the kit to lift the rear.

Generally, it takes springs and/or shackle changes on explorers to get lift. So it just depends on what's in the kit. Blocks LOWER an explorer, not raise it.

Probably a Ranger lift is the best bet, I would think. The front lift, as was told to you by someone earlier, is the same for both generally as the suspension geometry and parts are the same.

Greg, yes any Ranger 4wd lift will work. The front suspensions are identicle, but like John said, the rear is differant. So I wouldnt even consider an exploerer lift, its not worth it or necisary.

hell ya boys already got 1300 bucks and got till basically all the way up till summer to buy my explorer...ill find one...hopefully with less than 100,000 miles. yeEEHAWW. thanks for the quick responses yall, thats why I love this site.

and Jason I gotta say the Vanzant boys rock love your quote. :dunce:

Heck yea they do!