Explorer vs. Cherokee XJ springs?

[BronKitis]

New to the forum but on site so much I figured I'd join. I have read in the tech articles on TRS that Explorer springs coul be used on a BII to aquire some lift along with a stiffer ride. My question is how much lift do they actually give you? The stiffer ride is fine as I will be builing a winch bumper to accomodate a 10,000 lb winch.

Also, I read where you can use XJ springs with minor modifications though in the article it was with use of Rancho lift springs for a cherokee. Do the stock XJ springs add any more height as opposed to the stock BII springs? If so, how much?

I came across a pair of F150 springs and installed them but way too stiff and a little too tall for the offroading I will be doing. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!

 

[RangerSVT]

Lift varies with the explorer leaf springs, but usually between 1 to 2 inches, and the XJ springs are refering to a SASing the truck, welcome to the forum
SVT

 

[Spowerback]

spring other mods left spring 64inch chevy bronco front spring 3-4 inch

 

[RangerSVT]

The chevy 64 inch spring cannot be performed on the B2 without major surgery as the relocation of the front hanger will interfere with the body mount bracket
SVT

 

[4x4junkie]

LIft varies with the explorer springs, but usually between 1 to 2 inches, and the XJ springs are refering to a SASing the truck, welcome to the forum
SVT

Not necessarily... That would depend on which article he read (I have XJ springs in mine, but no SAS).

New to the forum but on site so much I figured I'd join. I have read in the tech articles on TRS that Explorer springs coul be used on a BII to aquire some lift along with a stiffer ride. My question is how much lift do they actually give you? The stiffer ride is fine as I will be builing a winch bumper to accomodate a 10,000 lb winch.

Also, I read where you can use XJ springs with minor modifications though in the article it was with use of Rancho lift springs for a cherokee. Do the stock XJ springs add any more height as opposed to the stock BII springs? If so, how much?

I came across a pair of F150 springs and installed them but way too stiff and a little too tall for the offroading I will be doing. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!

Stock OE XJ coils are not going to give you any lift (infact they may drop it down). They are much softer than stock (or Explorer) springs. I would stick with Explorer springs (or you can just use a simple spacer on the bottom if your current springs are in good condition). Like was said above, lift usually runs between 1-2" when using Ex springs on a BII.
XJ lift coils (like I run) are great if you're building an offroader for the trails though, but some actual suspension lift is needed to use them effectively also.


Welcome aboard

 

[trail B2]

I have explorer springs on mine and they work pretty good put a couple of spacers in them put the front 3 degrees out so adjustable caster inserts were put in.You will get more articulation with softer springs but this old thing drives down the road pretty good.Went down a windy road with my 4x4 friends yesterday all short rigs with 33s looked in my mirror and everyone was gone.I don't do a lot of rock areas [not really here]and it's important to me that it feels safe on the road.

 

[BronKitis]

Thanks for all the info and welcomes!

I think that I will be going the route of the Explorer springs then. I called my local offroad shop and priced a set of 2" lift springs for a Cherokee. $170 bucks. I thought it was a decent deal but 10 dollar springs from a junkyard is worth the experiment first. Figure Explorer front springs, possible 1" spacer and factory 2" rear block (from ranger?) and I will have spent just a hair over $300 on her total.

Where would one purchase these adj. castor inserts? Worth the money? I can't wait to get out on the trail with this thing. Thanks again for all the help!

 

[MountainMike]

factory 2" rear block (from ranger?)

Where would one purchase these adj. castor inserts

Yep, don't forget the new u-bolts and NAPA

Welcome to TRS. enjoy your stay

 

[pwrranger88]

Thanks for all the info and welcomes!

I think that I will be going the route of the Explorer springs then. I called my local offroad shop and priced a set of 2" lift springs for a Cherokee. $170 bucks. I thought it was a decent deal but 10 dollar springs from a junkyard is worth the experiment first. Figure Explorer front springs, possible 1" spacer and factory 2" rear block (from ranger?) and I will have spent just a hair over $300 on her total.

Where would one purchase these adj. castor inserts? Worth the money? I can't wait to get out on the trail with this thing. Thanks again for all the help!

instead of lift blocks you could run leaf springs out of an explorer to gain an inch or 2

 

[trail B2]

Your going to need the adjustables because the tires are going to look like the back of a baja bug.When I did mine there was just enough adjustment there got all the cheap lift that I could that and a 2" body lift and I have 10.5 33s KM2s Which do a lot better in the snow than my friends 12.5s.I also put a set of ranger blocks in and took out one small leaf.

 

[BronKitis]

Yep, don't forget the new u-bolts and NAPA

Welcome to TRS. enjoy your stay

I assume napa carries the adj caster bushings? Thanks!

As far as explorer rear springs go, I will eventually be doing a 8.8 swap. At that time I will swap springs as well! Just trying to get her trail ready as we are planning a trip for the end of march!

 

[RangerSVT]

Yeah, Napa carries them, Advance carries them, as well as Oreilly's
SVT

 

[MountainMike]

I assume napa carries the adj caster bushings? Thanks!

Yeah that's what I meant, my answer looked a little weird

 

[BronKitis]

Thanks for all the input everyone! Called my local parts store and the have the bushings in stock for $30 ea. Not bad!

Decided to go with full Explorer suspension. Front and Rear springs on craigslist for $50! Can't go wrong with that! Anyone run this setup that would be willing to elaborate on how the articulation is? I never did see what the stock BII susp. was capable of.... lol

 

[BronKitis]

spring other mods left spring 64inch chevy bronco front spring 3-4 inch

WTH were you trying to say here? Just noticed this response....