93 explorer xlt lift advice

[itchybruno]

Hey all, new to the 4x4 world and dying to get out there. first off, I think i know the answer but can someone who knows for sure tell me the difference between a body lift and a suspension lift? If you wanna get to some remote places is there any point in getting a body lift/ ( ihave been told that it is cosmetic and not really functional to give you any real extra ground clearance).

My next question is regarding lifts and the best deal best result price combo..for the most part i assume that the bit more you spend the bit more quality you get, what do you guys suggest for about 4 or five inches of suspension lift? My back axles right now are sitting on the leaf springs, can i not pull the back end and put the axles UNDER the leaf springs? Wouldn't that be giving me the same lift as the width of the axle? Is that what they call flipping your axle? I have springs in the front? what do you suggest for that end?? thanks ahead guys

Itchy
OH YEAH... wouldn't mind you guys emailing me some pics of anyones lifted and FUNCTIONAL ford explorers.. not really interested in anyones ride that is just lifted for looks..

 

[That Baker Guy]

body lift does just that lift the body, it leaves you engine, radiator, axels, even your bumpers are left there with a gap between the cab and your bumpers every thing down low, the only thing being lifted is basically the cab, where you ride. its basically for looks and stuffing bigger tires under there. a suspension lift on the other hand, lifts most everything it gives you more suspension travel and flex, suspension lifts are in most peoples opinion better, b/c they lift everything up and moves the frame up. you will need an alignment after you put a suspension lift on

iv never had a lifted truck but i hear skyjacker is where its at, rough country is the lower end of the lifts, a guy did a thread or a tech article awhile back i recall that compared and contrasted allll of the brands.


just a hint try the search function and reading other peoples posts thats how i learn EVERYTHING,

edit:: fount it!

 

[4x4junkie]

Yeah, like said, body lifts don't do anything to directly improve suspension performance.

They are not without some usefulness though. Body lifts are common with engine & drivetrain swaps, as well as to just make access to the stock drivetrain easier. The gap it leaves can also be used for extending your shock mounts, and storing things like spare axle shafts too.
Body lifts are also far less costly than suspension lifts, and are useful if you want more lift than the suspension lift provides (this is good for getting around the steering geometry headaches that tend to occur on lifts above 4", you can go up to 6-7" or more this way by combining them).