Warrior shackles for 1997 Ford Explorer XLT

[dj_spanky_1505]

I just inherited a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT that has been sitting around for the past 4 years or so.

It will need about 2 grand in repairs to get it road worthy, and among the list of things to fix are the leaf springs and the shackles.

I want to lift it a little bit (cheaply), and from what i hear, using warrior shackles is my best bet. but i've read a little bit about it, and it seems that if i used these shackles, i would only be raising the rear end. i dont know if this is true or not. i would want my vehicle to have an even lift all around, but its not that necessary.

In other words, what issues would i run into, and what do i need to get everything working the way it should be.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Captain Ledd]

I can't recall if that year Explorer used coils or torsion bars, but I'm pretty sure torsion bars. In which case there's a link in the Tech Library about cranking those up for more lift, ~1.5".

Shackles: Yes, they will only lift the rear. Best bet is to get fullsize Chevy DROP shackles. Chevy's are mounted reversed, so their drop means our lift. You'll net ~2".

That'd be your cheapest options right there. And .5" is virtually unnoticeable.

Other issues: Relatively few. Those mods won't change anything enough to really make that big of a difference. The torsion crank might make it ride a tad stiffer. Thats about it.

 

[4x4junkie]

Explorers don't use the same shackles as a Ranger. Warriors are the correct ones.

Yes, torsion bars up front (can be adjusted up 1.5", which will match nicely with the shackles)

 

[Yellowsplash]

If the springs are already sagging a good bit in the rear I would add an additional leaf from another pack (not an add-a-leaf as they tend to be thick resulting in a stiff ride), then add the shackle. If not, the shackle should be sufficient.