Ford Explorer lift kit project 2nd gen DIY how to lift for AWD and 4x4
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- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2021
- Making a lift kit for a 2nd gen Ford Explorer!
Bully stirrup steps: amzn.to/3AyMQky
Skyjacker Rear shocks:
Pair- amzn.to/3CxJ9Oa
Singles- amzn.to/3QqYqGi
Front shocks KYB:
amzn.to/3ZnEnMO (stock shock to use with top stud spacer)
Rear leaf springs: 43-1159
rear add a leaf: eBay kit 91-06 Ford Explorer 2WD 4WD 1.5-2" Rear Add-a-Leaf
DO NOT USE FRONT SHOCKS: H7054 skyjacker. The shock body will hit the CV axle 
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Best video I’ve seen on this kinda lift. I have the basic torsion twist and warrior shackles on right now but my leafs are dang near flat. After watching this I’m definitely getting new springs and add-a-leafs. Aftermarket for these trucks sucks so we gotta work with what we can!
The rear leafs are a great idea!
Great video, thank you for taking the time to do it. I will be starting this exact project on my 99 explorer very soon.
Glad it helped, Good luck!!
Great video bro I've had Explorer for years never lifted them I'm deciding to lift it now
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Pretty much duplicating this on 99 awd v8. Your video is very informed and well edited. I appreciate greatly the time and effort you put into this.
Thank you for the comment!!! Good luck , I'd love to see it if you will tag me? @ExcursionsUnlimited or @GageFixesEverything
Great video, lots of information I couldn't find anywhere else. I picked up an 01 4.0 sohc that needs front end work and I'm seriously considering lifting it to put 33s on.
Thanks for the comment! My advice is to upgrade gears for sure. After putting alot of miles on the 33's, the lack of power is pretty frustrating haha. You can get a 4.10 front diff from a ranger for cheap on ebay, and then swap out the rear ring and pinion.
Thank for video. I am only wanting 2 inch lift, nothing crazy. This helps. I have a 94 Ford Explorer.
Glad I could help
My husband has a 99 ford explorer xlt and getting ready to do a lift on it and it has almost 400k miles on her she has been very dependable I just hope this doesn't kill her but he wants to see some more more lift videos
Im almost at 300k! Long live Vulcan motors!
God bless you, I can't find a single video of new tortion keys on an explorer
Thanks for the video, I’m doing the same thing to my 97 Explorer V8 AWD. Already did the keys in the front, front end work with alignment and rear heavy duty lift shackles. But with the original rear leafs it had to much sag. So now installing the same kit as your doing in this video. I’m running 31x10.50 tires and I tow a trailer sometimes so those old sagging leaf springs had to go.
NICE!! My truck rode WAY better with the new rear leafs for sure. 31's are the best size on this truck. 33's are too much for sure. My one regret on this one
I believe you can buy the extra leaf spring kit from somewhere.
I put heavy duty Monroe shocks on my '97 Explorer, Monroe coil over shocks on the rear. Perfect ride height with no sag in the rear. Very smooth ride!!
Great tip!
Hi, I am new to your channel and was very intrigued by how you put this video together. Very entertaining.
Thank you!
I’ve heard the expedition shocks work from the same era. Great video. Thanks man.
Good info to look into, thank you!
@@TheGaginator DON'T DO TRANS FLUID FLUSH ...JUST BASIC DRAIN AND FILTER....flush can remove residue that is actually "working as sealant' on all the old seals...flush can break them loose = trans rebuild...happens a lot! That 4.0 ohv engine is one of the longest lasting engines ever made....yes, not much power but good bottom end torque. RUclips: Ford Explorer 400,000 miles to see several ohv's reaching 400,000. I had Ranger with same engine that I beat and it ran like a top at 257,000 + plus miles when I sold it....zero internal engine work done / needed...just DON'T over heat it!...change thermostat as preventative step. Does yours have the L.S. rear end? ....door sticker axle code will show D2,D4, or L73 if so....
I got Cherokee shocks for the front when I lifted my explorer. They are a longer length and bolted right up.
@@TheKingOfHalo do you have part numbers for what you used? I've heard about this on forums but wondering what you used and how much lift you got in the front?
Very good job, it is exactly the height I was looking for to make my future Explorer same generation hehe🤠🤙
Thanks!
Sweet! It went from old beater Explorer to Awesome lifted truck. I love it. Looks kind of like a 70-series Land Cruiser Prado.
Thanks!! This little truck is still going strong. A friend of mine bought it a few months after this video. He drives it every day, but it selling it soon for a commuter car.
@@TheGaginator I'd like to buy it! I live in South MS. I'd be glad to exchange numbers if he wants to sell it.
I recommend replacing the torsion bar bolt retainer. That’s the small part that the torsion bar bolt screws into. I did lift keys on my 2000 and one of the bolt retainers failed due to age, causing the torsion bar bolt to be crooked. The replacement was $10 and is easy to change while you’re installing lift keys.
Good info here!
Good lookin out
it looks amazing
Thank you!
Freaking Amazing video bro!
Thank you!!
Yes please put links in the description
Updated!
nice ride dude...
Thanks ✌️
That V6 is the most reliable one. The higher horsepower SOHC has timing chain issues for anything this age really bad. They are ticking time bombs
Exactly
My explorer has the ohv and it’s coming up on 300k miles
@@alexsmith3470 Have you had to replace head gaskets or head(s) ??
You are right from what ive heard! I have a 1994 model with 245k miles on it myself
@@TheGaginator I had '94 Ranger / same engine... had sold it just shy of 248k was running like a top with no internal engine work needed / done.... sold it to get same engine Explorer like this with 4WD.... youtube: Explorer 400,000 to see many reaching 400k
Great video :D Gives me some ideas on what to do with my 2000 Xploder 5.0 AWD :)
Go for it!
Great Share. I have to Tor-Tool but I may us ur way next time. I got tons of pic doing something similar but just need to find time to edit and post. I used Mevotech TTX kit and extended travel Axles from Trakmotive. Hope this stuff doesn't fail me at Gorman 4x4 practice.
That is some good info, Id like to see that
Looks good tbh
Thanks!!
Man I have been looking for 2nd gen control trac explorer forever 😭 I actually prefer the OHV little asthmatic but super solid motor. I have a first gen Explorer 4x4 that I love to death but these 2nd gens have a quality ride and overall more updated components.
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I’ve got the same process going on on my 96, not messing around with the front though just the rear end.
Nice! it makes a huge difference
My '96 XLT is about to hit 130k miles. I was happy to hear you say "low miles." That pushrod V6 is tough...perhaps will live to see 300k, with some good maintenance.
*edit* ooops..I meant to say my mine has almost 230k miles.
The most I ever had on one was 285K. still running well when I sold it
@@TheGaginator That is comforting to hear! Spent nearly $4k having the transmission & transfer case rebuilt, along with servicing both differentials. Have a bit invested now, so I really hope to hit that 300k mark. 😇
I managed to get 3 inches of lift w a similar setup, I do get some clunking when the front is articulating in the trail. this vid helped out trouble shooting that issue, I might need to bring it down another inch. Do you happen to know exactly the rims and tires for the 31 inch setup you wanted to put? I am having a hard time trying to pick the offset. Also Thanks for this video it helped a ton!
Never seen such an informative video in 30mins . Beauty! 2 questions... What is the rim size of the new wheels? Still 15"? and... if you had of gone with the 31/10.5R15 do you think you would had have to still alter/remove the running boards and trim fenders?
Thanks for the kind words!! Still 15's yes. 31's would have been a much better choice for sure. There would have been no trimming. Also, the 33's KILLED my highway power. Almost unable to drive 70-75mph in overdrive.
@@TheGaginator I have the 5.0 engine in my 98 mountaineer. It makes 215 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Do you think it could do well on the highway with 33s? Or would it still struggle?
I have a 98 ford xlt 4.0 ohv. I love the look of this. Will you list all the parts you used.
Thanks for the comment! Parts listed above ^
Wow that thing looks totally different when finished!!!!
I think it turned out great! Just needs a regear now
This shock is for a 2" lift.
Rancho RS55374 Shock Absorber
Great find! That shock has the same compressed height, and 2 inches more travel. This WILL let your CV axles over extend so be careful
Great video thanks for the insight!
Glad it was helpful!
rancho rs2000 or whatevers are supposed to accommodate 2 inch lift.
I believe if you use Nissan exterior stock shocks they will fit and they are considered longer
Good info, but its very important not to go longer than 1/2'' over stock full extension unless you have longer CV axles, or they will bind and bad things will happen
That's awesome work I have an explorer same year make and model and what'd to know what was the cost of all parts
Ooh i dont remember the cost. Between $600-$800?
Are you planning on putting in a front "locker" like a powertrax? Also for extended travel on shocks, (I haven't done this yet) you can get Jeep JK Shock extenders.
Probably not. It is about to be downgraded to 31inch tires actually. It is just a road truck now. One of my buddies owns it now
remove the coil pack check for cracks in the dark then remove rust from where it connects to the engine its time to do mine again
i made a custom pad from a nylon cutting board for the wider aftermarket torsion key to reduce vibration cranking the stock key doesnt allow it to work well in that position i hated it for 6 months the torsion bar from the v-8 exploder allowed for the extra weight of a brush bar and winch the OHV comes with a rock solid transmission and none of the timing chains and grief of the stupid overhead cam 4L
Good info here!!^
Hello I'm a beginner just recently did breaks for my first time lol. I'm looking to do some upgrades on my 98' RWD V8. I just had triplets and dont have the fund to put my rig in the shop. You have any advice on where I should start or what to buy first..
Sorry just learning. Love you're video, truck look great. Cheers 🤙🏽
Hey there! That is awesome that you did brakes! Most people would not attempt that these days. Id say the best things you can do are just regular maintenance items at first to learn how to use tools more efferently, and understand terminology and how things work. See if you can find a factory service manual on eBay for your specific vehicle. It will have TONS of good information on items to work on, and EXACTLY how to do it step by step. Pick a job like throttle body gasket, spark plugs, intake gasket, serpentine belt, etc and go for it!!
I would like to know how exactly you pressed the ears and studs on your old shocks and manage to install on the ranchos
I sometimes use a bench vise, but often use a shop press
This is what I want my explorer to look like!! You might have answered this already but would you happen to have part numbers or a website you got the parts from for the lift?
Thanks for the comment! I put the shocks in the description
@TheGaginator 🤙🏻 found it after I asked lol. Got a whole rebuild happening, but she's Still strong as an ox for 26 yo and 223,000+ miles
What do you think about putting leaf springs on top the axle and is it possible also wondering if you know what axles you would put under if you were going to install solid axles replacing the independent front
Yes you can easily swap the springs over the axle. It will gain 4inches of lift minimum. I would not go solid axle in the front. It's easier and more cost effective to buy a different rig
Informative video liked it very much, I have a 98 5.0 XLT that I would like to lift a couple inches I am running 31x10.50x15 A/T tires that rub on the rear of the front fender, so if there is any information and part numbers that you can share for the shocks, leaf springs and torsion lift keys (I will be trying with the stock keys first but just in case) it would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work on the videos.
Thanks for the comment! I just updated the video description with part numbers for you!
@@TheGaginator Thanks for the update with the part numbers, greatly appreciated.. What was the outcome with the stud extenders/spacers you were going to play with? what size was the best and what material did you make them from?
I am ready to buy new tires for my 98 mountaineer and I want 31x10.50.15 A/T tires. Did you get yours to stop rubbing? And if so how did it go? In all, what exactly did you end up needing to do to make it work?
@@braxtonmorgan2125 actually it was fairly simple, I found out it was rubbing on the factory running board just inside the front wheel well, so I took a cutoff wheel and trimmed it back. It took about 5 minutes for both sides and no problems since. Good luck.
Can you add the links in the description or send them to me been looking for stuff for a while
Breaker bar?
At 13 min 35 his jack sounds like mine. Thought was funny
HAHA!! yes 13:35
So badass! I live in Arlington lol small world! So you technically don’t need a key right? I just replaced my shocks all around and the front still sits low
Ha awesome!! This truck is still daily driving around. TXarms owns it now in Ft worth. Right, you do NOT need a lift key
@@TheGaginator would you be willing to do these to mine? Obviously I’d pay just don’t trust anyone and shops are sketchy lol I want to re do the front end stuff and then as well replace the rear springs and add a leaf and shackles as well this is gonna be my daily next year after my lease is up. If not have anyone you recommend?
The OHV v6 has very respectable torque and it will run forever. The "powerful v6" you speak of (sohc) is a junk engine imo
It's true, the SOHC is much less reliable
The one time 95 Explorer Expedition Sport 4x4-is it OHV or SOHC?
Came out really good man. i have similar lifting mods but my front wheels camber out at the bottoms, what do you think makes them do that?
Thanks! What year is your truck?
@@TheGaginator 97 explorer torsion front end. i actually got longer shocks from rancho, it says to get them if you have 1-3 lift in the front.. should i switch to regular length?
@@Jaycal559 Did you replace the stock camber bolts? I replaced them with AC Delco bolts that actually allow for camber adjustment. My tires are even with the back when I get an alignment now.
i did add a leaf... pro form lift shackles rear.... which gave about 2.5 inches.... up front i took the stock keys and cranked them as much as possible. it's still not quite level, sits a little raked. and the front end is a little wobbly... should i get aftermarket torsion keys?
No, the stock keys give the same lift. Is your front end really bumpy/jumpy, or just loose feeling? I rebuilt the entire front end of my truck at the same time as lifting it. ball joints, tie rods, etc.
Where did you find the cruise control button replacement? I will need some for mine.
On good ol eBay!
How would you go about getting around the cv axle issue, planning on doing the 2" torsion lift but ive heard from a lot of places that the cv axles wear quickly with almost any lift.
The only way to get around the issue of CV axle bind is to make a drop bracket setup for the front diff
mine dont rub let me check nope !love my ohv its a snow plow and its gana last tell we cant burn gas
Can you explain why the Rancho shocks that accommodate 1.5-2” lift is either good or bad? I just put them on and am now worried about CV pressure. My keys aren’t maxed but i may want to in future
I think you answered your question. You just dont want to extend the suspension to the point of cv axle bind
Hi where do you get your parts for your explorer. Hard to find part in England. All the best Jim
Everything i purchased came from skyjacker, rockauto, or the local parts store
Where did you buy the rear aftermarket shackles and what is the part number. Thanks.
The autoparts store local to me always has them. If you google "universal lift shackles" you will find them
My explorer is still stock but doesn't have any sag in the back, it still has that forward lean, back is about an inch higher. If I only need one should I get the add a leaf or the shackles?
add a leaf is better if you tow, or have a fully loaded truck often. Shackles are good for an empty truck, and are easier
So I waited 2004 and I want to eliminate the rear air ride and dual dual shocks would be the best
I dont know how to answer your question im sorry
I got almost the same truck almost looks the exact same mines a 1998 but I have a 1998 mustang engine in it
Nice! The v8 explorers are great until it comes time for maintenance There is no room in the engine bay! Haha. Id still take the v8 or the v6
Also my sway bar bushings keep coming loose! It's so annoying and already cracking on the. Where did you get your torshen key?
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Hey so I have the 97 5.0 xlt awd.. would your lift stuff work on my explorer and where can I find all of the parts?
It should be the same setup on your 97 explorer! No one sells a ready made lift kit unfortunately
I just got a 2001 ford explorer awd 5.0 and I’m trying to find out if it will all work that same and where did you order to parts to fix it from???
Yes you can use these same parts in my description on your truck
So is there any real added benefit to buying aftermarket Torsion Keys? aren't necessary to lift the front?
No, i found they are not necessary
Can you tell me where did you buy the 2 or 3 inch in the front of the car
You don't need to buy anything. Just crank up your torsion keys
what brand side steps are those you installed...thanks
Bully steps! amzn.to/3AyMQky
I was just going over the parts list again before I buy shocks for my 98 V8 XLT AWD and see you chose the (KYB Excel-G Gas Shock
Part #: 341302 Line: KYB Shock/Strut Extended Length (in): 17-15/16 Inch) and was wondering why you didn't use the Rancho RS5000X Series Shock Absorber Part #: RS55229 Line: RAN Shock/Strut Extended Length (in): 18-1/4 Inch or the Rancho RS5000X Series Shock Absorber Part #: RS55374 Line: RAN Shock/Strut Extended Length (in): 19-1/4 Inch? They are the short bodied shocks like you talked about to clear the CV Axle. Wouldn't either of the Rancho shocks give it more lift?
Also can you tell me where you got the steps?
" "
Had a '97 for years. Thing eventually decided to give up the rear Tchain and blasted a hole in the block.
That aside, nice lift work. However, did you put any wheel spacers in at all? These things as Im sure most here know, have a horrifying roll over rating, lifting them only makes that worse. The tires you have are wider but I wouldnt trust that alone.
Thanks! No I did not use any wheel spacers. I chose a wheel offset that was as extreme as i think i would go.
I have a 96 explorer with a 4.0. I will be doing this
DO IT!! Don't waste money on the torsion keys like did though. Just crank the stocks ones up, it does the same thing
Hey I was wondering if you know if there's a way to disengage the all-wheel drive when you don't need four wheels like on dry pavement the rangers have it there's a switch inside it disengages the transfer case and also the hubs wondering why they don't offer that in the 97 Ford explorer if you know a way to get around it if there's a kit I'd appreciate you let me know
No there is not. Part of the design of this system. The only way would be to remove the front driveshaft when you are not offroading
I have a 97 explorer sport 2 door with a manual trans and it has the knob on the dash to switch from 2h 4l 4h, I think a lot of the models of explorers come with different options around that time
I have a couple questions about this.
I have a 99 Ford Explorer. I want to lift it 2”
Do I need to change my current front shocks to do this?
Also I can just keep the stock torsion key, and just crank down to lift?
For the leaf springs do they need to be 2” lift or can they be 1.5” ? Having trouble finishing 2” lift leaf springs.
Thanks for your help.
yes you can just crank the keys if you want. You can use stick height shocks in the rear if you want, the fronts must be stock height or the cv axles will bind if the shocks allow the front to droop too much. You can get whatever leaf springs you want really and adjust the front to match
Where can I find the rear shakes right here in San Diego?
Most autoparts stores actually have them!!
why does the front end have different control arms on each side
Thats just the way Ford designed it...
As for cranking the keys, the general consensus is that aftermarket keys aren’t worth it whatsoever. It’s a whole lot easier to just get new bolts at Home Depot.
THIS^ I would not buy the keys again
@@TheGaginator Size?
So do you need the spacers and if so what spec did you run with them in the front? What difference would it be without them
You mean the shock spacers? No they are not required. They will just give the front shocks a little extra travel.
@@TheGaginator okay thank you appreciate the video and very detailed information plan on doing this myself maybe I can keep you updated
What’s a good torsion key for my 1997 xlt I’m not sure if they are all the same and don’t want to waste monehb
Don't buy them. Just crank the factory keys
Did you ever determine a shock stud spacer that wouldn’t cause any binding?
It looks like it's going to vary per vehicles based on the CV axle quality. Some axles will extend further before binding.
@@TheGaginator When you added the collar/spacer did you lower the torsion bars down a little? To me the fully cranked up T bars make an awful ride quality, I can’t imagine how the torsion bars and spacers would feel
Excuse me, what would be the size of tires and rims that it has?
Use 15inch wheels. I would not go bigger than 31inch tires. These 33inch tires hurt the power too much.
I have a 2005 Ford Explorer that I would like to lift as well. Do you believe EBAY sales dissent parts?
The ebay parts seem just fine for moderate wheeling and mostly on road use.
what was the final lift height in the front and rear ?
I don't remember now, i sold the truck to my friend. I want to say 3 inches
What company did you buy these shocks at? Do they have reviews?
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Nice Explorer, but take off the side steps completely unnecessary and take away alot of side ground clearance.
Unsure if you’re still replying on here but I’m looking to lift my 96 and the things I’ve taken away from this video are:
1. I can just crank the stock keys for the front
2. I can just use lift shackles for the rear
3. I need stock ride height shocks in the front no matter what.
Are these points valid? And can I get away with just using the stock keys and some lift shackles?
Correct! Just be carful on the rear not to use too large of shackles. longer shackles affect your pinion angle. This truck still drives great, and is about to be for sale now
@@TheGaginator gotcha, thanks a lot for the reply. I actually picked up the same (I think) ones as you, the Autocraft brand 3 point shackles.
I have a 99 mountaineer and a 2002 Explorer. I want to take the lift off of my Explorer and put on my mountaineer. Is that possible?
Nope, they have different suspension systems
what wheels and offset did you go with?
8 inch wide procomp wheels from a Jeep TJ wrangler. I dont remember the offset now...
Hmmm. When I looked on line for complete kits for this vehicle and they where all sold as 3" front and 2" in the rear. Why do they all sale them with 3" in front if you say that you caint lift it that high?
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don't wanna be this guy but cranking my tbars destroyed the front end of my explorer had them cranked with modded keys like 3.5 inches
You can do bad stuff for sure if you crank them too much. Especially if the ball joints / cv axles are not in good shape
@@TheGaginator my cv axles we're at right angles man it was bad
I got a 2000 ford explorer with 222000 miles and i want to lift it and do some other things to it, the previous owners took realy good care of it would you say its worth lifting cause i cant get a different car this is it and i want to build it. Would you say its worth it and if so could you help me out a little
For sure I think it's worth it. If you do good job, it will increase the resale value as well
@@TheGaginator thanks man
You fit 33s with no body lift?
That's right
Update and more
I have updated the description with the parts that I used for this job. So far, this lift kit has been great for several thousand miles. Pulling a few trailers, and hauling some heavy things, as well as several family vacations across the country!
@@TheGaginator thank you so much I want to lift mine, I got a 2001 Explorer Eddie Bauer edition v6, you think it will work too?
What model of pro comp wheel is that and the tire brand?
Geez i dont remember now im sorry. I sold this truck to my friend that owns TXarms a while back
Looks like the 69 series @@TheGaginator
That's how you brake the jaw out of your vice you need squeeze clamps or bigger C clamps
Eh, it still works
yeah that was hard to watch
Can I keep my stock front shocks when I use the torsion bar to lift the front and do you have a link for the added leaf for the rear
yes!
@@TheGaginator can you send me a link to find the added leaf kit
Where are u located at. ???
Fort Worth Texas
I'm building a 5.0 2000 XLT AWD
Awesome! I do wish mine had the 5.0
How did yours turn out?
13mm
oh
What’s the powerful v6??
SOHC v6 puts out the same power as the 5.0L in those years
@@TheGaginator how do I know if it’s a soho or dohc
@@dr.auggie1109 There was no dohc on pre 2002 explorers. There was a 4.0 sohc, a 4.0 pushrod, and a 5.0 pushrod.
The sohc has a timing chain in the back which requires removing the engine to change and as you might expect they are notorious for chain guides failing, often around the mileage he has therefore the the SOHC is the one to AVOID. the ohv is the reliable one and has better tq (in the real world, about the same on paper). It has no top end but it's a truck so who cares.
pick n pull is packed with bad tranie explorers so almost new leather seats are cheep
I hate my tranny in my 95 explorer I have to let off and let it clunk into 2nd
can i have it
Ha, I sold it to a good friend of mine. He daily drives it
I U all know trail blazers have had ,6.0 since forever .
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4.0 SOHC change the oil every 3k with quality oil and the chains are tensioners will be fine.
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