I need some advice. I have a 2000 Exp Sport with the mono leaf springs. I want to lift the rear about three inches. What I am thinking about doing is installing Pro Comp Add-a-Leaf along with the Warrior Shackle kit. Is this the best method? Would I be better off purchasing a set of leaf springs from a 4-door Explorer and take a chance on getting a good set (from a salvage yard)? I want something durable and tough. I don't do any towing or heavy hauling, but I want a set up that I can depend on. Currently the rear end sags a bit, more on the driver side. Will the Add-A-Leaf fix this problem? I have been researching this quite a bit, and it seems there are drawbacks and advantages to either set up. I was hoping that someone out there has actually done these mods and can advise me. Also, I am trying to get by as cheap as possible. Please help!!

 

Well I don't know how well the 4 door X springs work on the 2 door X,but I did the swap on my BII and gained 2" over stock hight.The rids a little rough bui not bad.
I would think it would be about the same on your X.Try to find one in the junkyard off a 95/96 4x4 4 door X.JMO

 

I did it, had the same problem. The spring from a 4 door will work,But you will need to take out the spacers that are used on the mono. So if you use junk yards make sure that you mark the left and rights. Use the one from the right on the left and so on. Ok I see a ??? coming, the left has had the weight from the gas on it for some time so you put it on the othere side and the truck will sit level. It will take about 2 hours for the job. Get some pb-blaster and spray the bolts the night before. O the ride will be harder and it will lift the back some.

 

Thank you for sharing your experience Dogman. I too have this problem and plan on replacing the mono spring with the 4-door springs in May.

 

Thanks for your responses. I wonder if anyone out there has tried the other option of using add-a-leaf and the shackle kit, and also which would be the best route to go. Thanks!

 

My preference is for the 4-door springs because it will be a reasonably stock Ford approach, it will solve the problem, it's essentially plug and play/quick to do, it's rasonably inexpensive, and the parts are readily available. Just my 2 cents and what I plan to do.

 

Thanks Texan, that is a good point about keeping things stock. Dogman, was it very hard getting the old springs off the truck? Also, the yards I have called here in VA wants anywhere from $40-100 for each spring. Is that ballpark what you paid, and is there anything I need to look out for?

 

Where are located in VA. I grew up in Newport News.

 

I am located in Martinsville near the Speedway. Been here all my 35 years!

 

I used to race motocross (late 70's early 80's). There was a Trans AMA race that used to be held in a little town about 1/2 way between Martinsville and Danville. Axton seems to ring a bell. Guy who owned the track was a pro who raced Bultacos and his son was also pretty good until he hurt himself pretty badly in an accident. I think the family name was Bailey. Anyway, nice part of ther state.

 

I know Axton very well! Racing is a popular sport in this area. We have a small 1/4 paved track in Franklin county which is a few miles north of Martinsville that is a lot of fun. True red-neck racing!!
I think I may have found me a set of springs. They are off a 98 model EB Exp 4-door. I am not sure of the code, but most of them are code F(whatever that means!). When I measure for fit, what exactly do I measure? Do I measure from the shackle to the other end or just measure the spring itself? Right now unfortunatley my Explorer is in the shop getting the tensioners replaced (Thank God for extended warranties). The lady at the salvage yard said they have a do have a Sport right beside of the donor I can use for measurements.

 

I had planned to measure the length and width of the spring and the diameter of the holes to verify they would match up to what I have. I can't think of anyting else that would be required except to make certain that the mounting hardare is the same. I'd take the stuff from the donor just to be certain. And bring big cheater bars in case something is hard to break loose.

 

The only thing you will see about the two set ups is the spring on the 4 door are 2 1/2 in. wide spring, the mono is 3 in. wide. the head of the mono spring is 2 1/2. the bolts will be hard to get off thats what the PB-blaster for, give the bolts a bath in it the night before. $40-100 is about right for each spring. if you go to a U-pull it you my get it cheeper.

 

Thanks Texan!! I appreciate the advice!

 

Thanks Dogman! I think the salvage yard is going to cut them off anyway. Who sells that PB Blaster? Also, do you reccomend replacing the bushings?