BTF 3” Level Kit Install 2003 Ford Explorer
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- Опубликовано: 13 май 2021
- Installing the BTF 3” level kit on a 2003 Ford Explorer. LT265/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler MTR tires and Fuel Offroad Crush Wheels -12 offset.
I bought the lift kit at BTF Fabrication: btffabrication.com/collection... 
Развлечения
If you have any questions about my experience installing this kit let me know in the comments 👍🏼
If I only install the 3” in the front, will my truck give a “squatted” look? As in higher in the front & lower in the back? I have the 4x4
@@yahseansingleton409 I don’t see why not. It would definitely squat!
@@yahseansingleton409 definitely, and your handling would be horrible
I have a 2007 I can't find upper control arm bar to fit any suggestions?
Hey where are u located
Just did upper control arms on my 2003 Explorer and replaced with Mevotech TTX. Upper arms don't need to be cut to come out. its tight but the whole assembly will come out both sides. Good Video i'm looking to lift mine.
Right on!
My 2002 explorer just 265/75r16, is enough for my camp trips and No, not comfortable with parts of this job. Do plenty of the work myself, But starting to pass along some jobs as I get older. Great looking Explorer, 👌 good job, have a great Sunday from 🇨🇦.
The truck looks really good with the lift kit
Thanks! It was transformative for sure!
Nice heads up install job. Looked good when you got done.
Thanks!
Upper Control arms come out in one piece. Definitely you did a lot of extra work cutting. Who ever told you to cut in half mis lead you.
3 hours for e brake.
Do not let this guy scare you it is not that difficult.
Great video. Glad you figured it all out.
It was a tough job for me! Glad others have had an easier experience!
I was wondering how this guy thinks the upper control arm is replaced. Do they cut it up then weld it back together?
@@shannonmorgan3295 Those BTF uppers are in two pieces, so maybe that was misleading
You can just unboth those bolts that secure the whole upper control arm assembly and remove the whole thing so you don't need to cut any bit of the fender to remove them. Just like you would with replacing a normal uca
Fair enough
Bruh 🤣 I did this job already and when he said cut I was laughing sooo hard
@@eduardoyepez7358 yeah
Very good job. I love the overall shape of the 3rd gen Explorer. Looks like it is just a bit bigger than the 2nd gen 2010 Escape.
It looks compact and sporty. I like it.
I liked the look too. The dependability turned out to be garbage though 😢
love your explorer. definitely helped me thank you so much
Your welcome!
Holy shit this is the best video ever, been looking for so long for help and to see what people have done to lift these 3rd gen exploders. Quick question though, what kind struts/suspension did you use and which btf lift spacer did you install, the 3" front and 2.5" rear spacers or 2" front and rear spacers?
I used the BTF Fab 3” front and 2.5” Rear spacers. The strut/spring assemblies are Moog brand along with most of the other suspension components.
Looks super sick
Thanks! I’m really happy with the result!
Hey dude, just want to toot my Lil horn a bit. I did the uppers on mine a month ago, didn't need to cut anything, no air compressor. All hand tools and man power and good old fashion stubbornness. HAD IT ON JACK STANDS!
Nice!!! Great work. Do you like the result?
Just finished my lift. Dude, it was a small challenge but successful.
Nicely done!!!
@@ryanhablitzel I actually made a tire mount for my 84 Bronco. Came out good and not complicated if you have welding skills. Looks better than having tire under truck. I don't have a way to post it, if I could you would like it. Poor man's 4x4 but drives great.
Custom made it definitely the way to go. I wish I could have done that for my Exploder
@@ryanhablitzel What's your next project going to be? Would you do a boat?
Probably not a boat because they tend to be too much of a money pit for my needs right now. I’m thinking about customizing something newer next. Maybe a new ranger. Maybe an Expedition. Maybe a 4 Runner. Not sure yet.
Nice to see another AWD Centennial. I'm lowering mine; my 4WD Limited has the BTF gear on it.
You have two 3rd gen Explorers? 😮
Three, actually. Two 2003s (the Limited and the Centennial), both with V8s, and a 2004 XLT V6.
Wow!
cool build, I have always been curious how a lifted 3rd gen explorer would be. Looks really good. with the independent rear suspension a diff locker would go a long way.
It seems like a light duty off roader. I don’t think I would build another Explorer like this if I had the opportunity.
now you say would wouldn't build it like this again why do you regret lifting your because i'm considering lifting mine
Did this lift in my driveway with floor jacks faster than this guy did in on a lift. It’s not that bad.
Good for you 👍🏼
Yeah its really not that bad lol
OMG my '05 XLT wants this setup or similar badly. My truck is telling me yes but my priorities are telling me no 😭.
Right!?! 😕
Perfect stance. I may have missed it, just the level kit and no body lift? I'm considering copying your lift. What was the total end cost?
Just a level 3” kit. I think doing a body lift is too much for this vehicle in my opinion. Total cost of the lift will vary depending on what you suspension parts you replace when your in there. The control arms and lift kit were about $1000.
So I have the same explorer and wanted to do a lift kit but since it’s independent suspension is it even worth lifting it because the clearance is so low anyways?
Depends on what you are looking for. I like the lift on my EX. It gives it just enough extra clearance to fit the larger tires.
Ryan, thanks for the video. Did you experience abnormal wear on CV joints?
I did have a CV axle blow out prematurely after the install, but I think that was because one of the boots got damaged. I haven’t had an issue since.
Looks awesome, man! Thanks for posting this. I just got my BTF upper control arms this summer and have been pulling my hair out trying to find the rims I want. Does the -12mm offset stick out really far? Sounds perfect to me, but without pocket flares available for this truck it seems like I'll be throwing rocks everywhere. Any issues with this? I'll be lifting/leveling my 2005 Explorer XLT. Anything you would do different? Thanks in advance!
The -12 offset is perfect in my opinion. I haven’t had any issue with throwing rocks. Maybe some mud marks on the fenders after a storm. I wouldn’t change anything
Hey Mike did u finish ur install?
@@jhananut I did! Looks amazing. Is there a way to share pictures on here?
Hello, I just picked up a 2006 Explorer, Eddie Bauer edition so it looks good. I'm considering having the local 4X4 shop to do this entire job for me. If you still have this truck, can you tell us how it runs? Have you had any transmission problems or any other issues because of the lift?
I’ve had LOTS of problems with this truck 😬 I don’t think it was because of the lift though.
Is there anything special you have to do when installing the lift kit (pucks) with the new suspension (coilovers)? This is something I'm looking to do to my 03. I feel like there's something extra not mentioned in this video because of the pucks being installed vs beforehand. Or is it a true plug and play so long as everything lines up and Trqs are good?
Adding the spacers to the coil overs is the easy part. I think what you will find is that your other suspension parts will be worn when you take everything apart. I chose to replace all the worn out parts while I was in there and that is where most of the challenges came from.
@@ryanhablitzel Thank you! I'm looking to do that too. Control Arms, CV Axles, Wheel Bearings, Ball joints, then the suspension for all 4 wheels and might as well do the pucks at the same time right? Just wish I could do tires and wheels while I'm at it too lol. Thank you for this video though, it was a HUGE help! I figured that everything you showed was what was needed to do, but seeing it vs theory is much better.
Sounds like you have a good plan! There are inevitably unique challenges that will come up in your specific vehicle, but I tried to show the highlights of what were the most important points. Good luck!
looks good man
Thank you! It is so much more fun to drive too! I’ll be shooting some more videos of it as soon as the engine is replaced 🤟🏼
@@ryanhablitzel are they reliable? I was thinking of getting one
Well… given that I just had to replace the engine… not sure that I can affirm reliability. But I do know you can find these cheap. If someone took care of it and did the maintenance on time…
So I bought the BTF lift kit and the upper control arms. I'm in process of purchasing the rest of the new parts I want to replace on my 2005 XLT 4x4 4D 4.0l and then get started on the lift
Nice 👍🏼 I bought most of my other parts on Rock Auto. Best of luck with the lift!
I got.an 05 and got the btf uca installed but now every time im turnjng i hear like a rubbing noise ..it my.uca rubbing on the struts..i have a 2in strut mount in front..what do i do to get rid of that rubbing
It’s hard to say. Depends on your overall setup.
Just bought an explorer and the bumpers and the trim around the wheels are that faded plastic texture, is it possible to paint that gloss black to match the rest of the car?
I used SEM Trim Black with nice results! There are a couple of vids on my channel detailing it if your interested 🤙🏼
Was the plastic originally painted black? Or is it black plastic (like the windshield wiper cowl)?
If it's black plastic (and not painted), you can try the heat gun approach: just heat the plastic until the oils start rising out of it and you're good as new.
Hello, may I ask what are the exact dimensions of the wheels, width, diameter, ET, thank you, and what all needed to be changed to raise the car
LT265/70R17 with -12 offset on 2003 Ford Explorer with 3” Level Kit
ruclips.net/video/wvtfb3xDsA4/видео.html
I have a 05 rwd XLT im trying to get a nice aggressive offset look going with the raptor grille and black wheels not sure where to start though
New rims and tires with a -12 offset would give the ex a nice aggressive look.
@@ryanhablitzel definitely wanna go with some fuel wheels do I need to lift it at all and if not what size would be okay without cutting
You couldn’t go much larger than stock without cutting or a lift.
I replaced my front control arms easy!! There was no fighting it
😎
Are you using any part of the front upper control arms that they needed to be cut? I don't understand why you couldn't just unbolt and remove them whole without cutting. Thank you! Also, has the customer been back for cv shaft replacement since the mod?
Correct. I should have unbolted there whole control arm assembly to make the swap in retrospect. You use the part of the old part of the control arm that you bolt to the frame. I’ve had to replace the one CV axle since the lift, but I think it was because of a torn boot, not because of the angle.
Thank you for explaining. Nice job!
I have a 1994 explorer sport 4x4 5-speed. I love it but needs new suspension and thinking of torsion twist and and add lift rear and new bilestein shocks
There is not too many options for lifts for the 1994. But will check out btf. Also rough country or Rancho
That’s a nice model with the 5 speed 👍🏼
We're do I find the kits at can't find a lift for my 2003 explorer
BTF Fabrication
curious if this is a kit that you can slap on a 2002 mountaineer with the full time AWD. im looking for a 2-3" lift
I don’t see why not. My Explorer is AWD and the Mountaineer should have the same chasis. You could contact BTF Fabrication to confirm.
@@ryanhablitzel thanks ryan, thats a beast of an explorer u got
I have not done much or any suspension work, but I can replace brakes and I did convert an auto trans to manual trans on my miata. Should I attempt this ?
Do you have patience and persistence when it comes to mechanical problem solving? Suspension involves specialty press tools that you can generally rent at an auto parts store, but can be frustrating to use at times. This is a doable job, but can get overwhelming will all the other parts that may need to be replaced. I did this job and fixed all the other problems in the suspension/brakes in 36 hours in a professional shop. But it could be done faster without swapping all the other suspension parts. I just wanted a solid vehicle when I was done so I did everything at the same time.
@@ryanhablitzel exactly how I'll be doing it.
Hello
I would like to put a 2 or 3 inch lift on a 2008 Ford Explorer. Can you help me fit the right longer springs? Maybe a link to an online store with the possibility of shipping to Poland will suffice
I got my kit from BTF Fabrication. There are likely a few other companies to consider, but si believe this was the right kit for the job.
@@ryanhablitzel Thanks for your answer, Im going write to them for help
👌🏼
Is it mandatory to change the front arm to install the lift?
No. Many kits just utilize the spacers only. The arms are a more premium option
Looks awesome! Would this work on a Lincoln Aviator?
I don’t see why not. You could email BTF Fabrication to confirm, but the chassis should be the same!
Hi Ryan, quick question from Australia.
My Explorer has been lifted about 6-7 inches. 2” body lift, 2” level kit, new shocks and extended factory springs. Pretty high. The idiots that done this didn’t change the upper control arms and found the springs were rubbing against the standard upper arms as it was being forced downward it being so high. I’ve ordered the BTF upper arms so do you think this will solve my issue in opening up the gaps between the coils and the upper factory arms. Mechanics have looked and said it’s very dangerous as the upper ball joint looks like it’s about to give way.
Other than the BTF arms, any other recommendations on what I should be changing? Much appreciated 😊
I would think the level kit and the extended springs are too much for the suspensions angles. I wonder if changing the springs back to factory will be necessary to resolve the issue.
Thanks for your reply. I’ve been told this but it’s going to compromise the height so I’m trying to do all I can to keep the height but also keep the car safe so it’s tricky. I wanted something very different and have achieved the height but the safety is the issue which is what I’m trying to resolve so hoping the BTF upper arms may help…
Just hoping the BTF upper arms do the trick as the 2 mechanics that looked at my were mainly concerned with the factory upper arms being left on whilst been listed so high. The angle is terrible.
The BTF arms are definitely more streamlined and beefier than the factory. Hope they resolve the issue!
That’s good to know. I hope so as well. Thanks again for the feedback
👌🏼
Where can I buy the kit ?? You have the Amazon link or eBay ?? Plis
You have to go to the BTF Fabrication website directly for this kit.
I have the same car and wanna do the same thing to it, how much did this all cost?
$6000 totals
will this work for a 2005 ford explorer xlt ?
Yes, it’s the same.
Did you have any problems getting what would of been the ball joint in the knuckle, mines not seating all the way down
I didn’t have any issues. Did it press in strait?
@@ryanhablitzel I do believe so, Just a clarification I’m talking about the btf arms
Mine just dropped right in. No pressing required. I do remember the arm rubbing on the springs a little until the vehicle settled all the way down on its own weight. It should be fairly simple and strait forward.
@@ryanhablitzel yah mine does rub too, ive heard the 06-10 explorer knuckles are taller so that could be a potential fix, but i haven't tried it and i have no clue why mines not going in. ill go out and work on it today and figure it out, thanks
My guess is you’ll figure it out today. It should drop right in.
good good friend, sorry for the inconvenience, can you share the link of the products you compared? I have looked for them I did not find them. Thank you.
btffabrication.com/collections/ford-1/products/02-05-explorer-uniball-upper-arms
btffabrication.com/collections/ford-1/products/02-05-explorer-lift-spacers
Thanks a million friend. hug.
I have a 2005 Ford Explorer xlt sport if I were to do this you think all I would need to do is get the BTF 3” front, and 2.5” rear lift spacer kit and get the uniball upper arms from the link you have in the comments and if I take it to a professional shop those are the 2 things I would need to get for them to do this ?
Technically, all you would need is the 3” front and 2.5” rear spacers. The lift causes additional wear on the upper ball joints and the upper arms help take care of this issue. Keep in mind that a mechanic will likely find additional issues with worn out front suspension parts when the spacers are installed.
@@ryanhablitzel thanks so much man
You’re welcome
Does the offset on that wheel cause the tire to rub? I'm torn between getting a 0 offset vs a -12 for my Explorer. I'm going to run the same amount of lift and same size tires...
It does rub slightly. I’ll be doing a video on trimming the inner fenders to eliminate the rubbing when I get the Ex back next week from having the engine replaced. The -12 offset looks great in my opinion.
I'd love to see the video but can you tell me if it rubs on the back of the back of the inner fender or the front? I have rear A/C and heat, the lines are literally are right behind the liner and any rubbing on the rear of the liner will be rubbing on the lines as well.
No rubbing on the rear wheels. The front wheels rub at full turn in the front part of the fender. Not bad at all.
@@ryanhablitzel That's the answer I've been looking for. All everybody says is that there will be rubbing but they don't say where exactly. Thanks!
No problem!
Do you like those shocks you got? If so, can you tell me what kind they are? Thanks!
I do like them! They are Moog brand. Moog always makes quality replacement parts!
@@ryanhablitzel awesome thanks!
Oh yeah, were they the same model you'd buy without lifting? Or did you buy another size? Thanks again!
I always buy Moog brand suspension parts when I want a quality replacement. They are considered “problem solvers” and are often better than factory.
Why not tighten the nuts with an extension bar from the top?
Maybe so?
Awesome video!!!! About how much do you think this would costs Altogether if I was to get this done at a shop? Lift, wheels and tires plus labor?
That would depend on several factors. Your wheel/tire selection, how many other suspension parts need to be replaced, etc. I would guess $4000-$8000 depending on the shop and the parts you select.
Could you tell me the brands and what they are
Trying to do the same
Thank you
BTF Fabrication for the lift kit. Mostly Moog on the replacement suspension parts. Goodyear Wrangler for the tires and Fuel Crush wheels -12 offset.
Thank you !
Do you think tires 285 70 16 rub on a 2 inch lift
That tire size converts to 31.7”. It may not rub if you have the standard offset. It would be close, but a little trimming would probably make it work if there was a problem.
@@ryanhablitzel actually I have a 2.5 lift I think bigger tires would aggressively look
One size down would probably guarantee no rubbing, but the tire size you mentioned shouldn’t be too much of an issue in my opinion.
Шикарно !
Exactly
How much did all the material cost?
$2000 for suspension
$3500 for wheels and tires
This kit work on the 06 v8 version with the sensi trac 4wd?
BTF Fab makes a different kit for your Explorer: btffabrication.com/collections/ford-1/products/06-10-explorer-uniball-upper-arms
That's just upper control arms I cant seem to find a whole lift I've seen top hat spacers for the strut/shocks but they say not for the awd model is the v8 with sensi track considered awd or 4x4?
I’m not sure. I would email BTF Fab directly. They were very responsive with me. I’m sure they know all the details.
Here are the spacers for your ‘06:
btffabrication.com/collections/ford-1/products/06-10-explorer-leveling-lift
Cost-wise, what would this run me?
That depends on many factors. Parts alone were about $7000. Install would be more.
Do you have link to buy the upper control arm all that
btffabrication.com/collections/ford-1/products/02-05-explorer-uniball-upper-arms
@@ryanhablitzel thank you
You’re welcome 🤙🏼
You think this Will this fit to 2008 ford explores your truck like good 👍
What size rims
17”
You look like Bert from raising Hope. Just with long hair.
Lol thanks!?
😍😍😍👍
😁
Thats a 1.5 inch leveling kit i bought a 3 inch leveling kit for my and its a thicker spacer
It’s definitely the 3” level kit
In the middle of the video you forgot a bolt 😆😂
Oh no, I’m screwed 🤦🏻♂️
You dont have to cut anything
I ended up trimming some, but nothing significant
Man, this video has probably caused a lot of people a lot of grief! This was so painful to watch as you made this extremely more difficult than it actually is!. To those of you that are here to replace the upper control arms on 2002 -2005 explores, go watch qualified mechanics show you how easy it is instead of watching this guy botch it all up not knowing what he's doing! There are two bolts on each upper control arm that remove the entire assy from the vehicle so you can put it in a vise and easily remove the control are arm. You shouldn't be making tutorial videos my friend, you're going to get someone hurt!
An opportunity to learn from my mistakes
@@ryanhablitzel Ya, but your telling people to do it that way which is "passing on your mistakes" for other to fail at this! Just delete the video it's pointless, dangerous, really inappropriate.
Tons less work to take the whole upper control arm off and cut it on a bench. Good video though.
Good point. Does reinstalling the arms require alignment shimming? I wasn’t sure.