i just bought a 2001 ford explorer sport and i needed shocks so i bought those. i was planning on getting it lifted but i dont understand how lift kits work....also can i have shocks and a lift kit on the suv at the same time?
if you have any questions about car lift kits, the folks over a lifta brand can answer all your questions about car lift kits.
Lift kits basically stretches your springs using a socket and a rachet to spread the spring apart from other coils. Or the other lift kit are longer coil springs that you'll have to install. But you'll need different shocks due to the added height travel . If you plan on rock climbing then that would be the kit to buy. However if you just want to raise you suv a couple of inches the first set would be the way ya go. Two spreading clamps per coil = 8 to adjust and measure and adjust and measure until all four are at equal height. Also to make sure your shocks has enough traval because the wheels will move up and down on the road terrain
There are two types of lift kits. Body lift and frame lift. Body lift as implied just lifts the body off of the frame. It contains blocks and longer bolts that are inserted where the body mounts to the frame go and create a higher profile for the body. There are some things that may need changed during this kind of lift such as the steering link, radiator mounting and fuel lines. This is for frame type vehicles and won't apply to 'unibody vehicles. Frame lift is the most common. This is done to add clearance under the vehicle so you don't get hung up when four wheeling. This is usually accomplished by Kits that contain blocks and U bolts that lift the rear axle and A frame parts and longer struts or springs in the front. The shocks have to be changed to longer ones as you are creating more space between the axle and frame with a lift kit. Another thing that needs done is that the tilt of the axles has to point at the transfer case as not to cause damage to the U joints in the drive lines. Also the alignment has to be corrected to adjust for the lift parts. The torque arm may need changed too or may just come with the kit. Most people that are trying to add clearance will put over sized tires on to add clearance between the axle and ground. You can go over larger items such as rocks and trees without hitting on the under side of the vehicle.
