06 Explorer Offroad help.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
06 Explorer Offroad help.
Im in need of some advice for my 06 Explorer, I've been searching online for some upgrades to the suspension, with all the stuff out there that claims to be the best, its hard to decide what to go with.
That being said, the Explorer is the V6 XLT model, im not looking for a rock crawling mud bogging setup by any means, I just want to get it to where I can go exploring (No pun intented) My wife and I are into Photography and the stock setup is nice, but there is much to be desired as far as clearance goes, another 1.5 inches on the Shocks would be enough with an increase in tire size. Any advice on what equpment yall have had good encounters with would be a big help.
Also, If anyone knows of a good full coverage brushguard for the front end, a Link would be awesome. =D
That being said, the Explorer is the V6 XLT model, im not looking for a rock crawling mud bogging setup by any means, I just want to get it to where I can go exploring (No pun intented) My wife and I are into Photography and the stock setup is nice, but there is much to be desired as far as clearance goes, another 1.5 inches on the Shocks would be enough with an increase in tire size. Any advice on what equpment yall have had good encounters with would be a big help.
Also, If anyone knows of a good full coverage brushguard for the front end, a Link would be awesome. =D
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: North Ogden, UT
The only way to lift is Strut Spacers.
Two ways to go about this
You could contact BTF fabrication in California. Brandon out there does custom spacers for the 02-05 models and I'm sure he would probably to a set-up to an 06-10 model. Or you could go with a set of Truxxx spacers. Order from Fat Bobs Garage, I recommend them very helpful.
BTF FABRICATION:
btf-fabrication.com - Contact
Fat Bob's Garage - Lift Kits, Leveling Kits and More! Truck Suspension and Performance Products.
As for a grill guard
BLACK HORSE® - Modular Grille Guard - 2006 Ford Explorer Grille Guard
With a lift kit be careful not to go over 2.25" (spacer) as a few people who have, have had the ball joints ripped out while driving. You will get a somewhat reduced wheel well travel with this (if you got around a 2" or higher spacer)
If you do a 1.75 front and a 1.5 in the back you'll get 2-3" of lift with 265/75/16. You could even to 1.5 in the front a 1.25 in the back. If you go that route you will need to request that brandon (BTF fab) do your spacers.
Two ways to go about this
You could contact BTF fabrication in California. Brandon out there does custom spacers for the 02-05 models and I'm sure he would probably to a set-up to an 06-10 model. Or you could go with a set of Truxxx spacers. Order from Fat Bobs Garage, I recommend them very helpful.
BTF FABRICATION:
btf-fabrication.com - Contact
Fat Bob's Garage - Lift Kits, Leveling Kits and More! Truck Suspension and Performance Products.
As for a grill guard
BLACK HORSE® - Modular Grille Guard - 2006 Ford Explorer Grille Guard
With a lift kit be careful not to go over 2.25" (spacer) as a few people who have, have had the ball joints ripped out while driving. You will get a somewhat reduced wheel well travel with this (if you got around a 2" or higher spacer)
If you do a 1.75 front and a 1.5 in the back you'll get 2-3" of lift with 265/75/16. You could even to 1.5 in the front a 1.25 in the back. If you go that route you will need to request that brandon (BTF fab) do your spacers.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,459
Likes: 10
From: RVA
Brandon at BTF comes highly recommended on another Explorer-only forum. He makes quality spacers, and he's put enough research into them to know what will fit, safely.
I would suggest checking him out.
The Truxxx kits are nice too, but more expensive. A body lift is about the only other way to gain any height. You have to slightly modify the Performance Accessories kit made for the Ranger.
I would suggest checking him out.
The Truxxx kits are nice too, but more expensive. A body lift is about the only other way to gain any height. You have to slightly modify the Performance Accessories kit made for the Ranger.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Are the Rancho Shocks not recommended, I ran across some on either summit or Jegs, that claim to achive a 1-1.5 inch lift with stock equipment.
Thanks for the grill link, going to be ordering it soon =D
Thanks for the grill link, going to be ordering it soon =D
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 6
From: Grenora ND
can't help you much.. the IRS equipped Explorer just wasn't meant to be off roaded much.. (which is why both my Explorers have been 01's, with the solid rear axle)
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4
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From: North Carolina
As i said, i basically just want alittle more clearance for trails, nothing extreme. if i can achive that with some shocks or spacers then i will look into those options, will the rancho's still be as comfortable onroad?
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New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: North Ogden, UT
The rancho quick lifts do tend to sag. So you will have to look at doing 2.5" because they generally sag to about 1.5"-2.0". They are easy to install and are nice in the fact that they are adjustable. Just watch the ball joints. Even with the quick lift they are getting some stress. So you may want to swap out to Moog as I heard they are a stronger ball joint and will take more stress.
Quote from 43 @ explorer forum
i had them on my old eplorer and it gave me about 2.5" at first but once they settled it was like 1.7", i kept them on the hard setting for the most lift, but also caused it to have the bounciest ride. i liked them, but i would not buy another set. i also only had them on the front, which made it pretty much level.
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