Cobra XP if you're still out there give a brotha a holla. I want to lower my Explorer 2"- 3" the only kit i've seen is offered by Explorer Xpress for 169.00. I was reading another colum were you stated you lowered yours pretty cheap. Could you give me directions on how to adjust the torsion bars.

 

Warning! If you are not comfortable working on your ride, and are not familiar with the suspension (leaf springs primarily) - have a shop do the work for you!

For the most part, you can lower your X for about $30.00. The rest will be spent at an alignment shop getting the front end aligned and cambers.

The EE kit is a good kit, but it is not necessary. You lower your front end by loosening the torsion bar bolts. The rear end is lowered by blocks. You can get a set of 3 inch lowering blocks at Auto Zone for around $25.00. I suggest doing the rear first.

As soon as the snow melts - I plan on taking some pictures of the torsion bars and bolts you loosen to lower the front. But until then - here we go:

Front End lowering -

Make sure you do this on level ground so your measurements will be correct. Jack up the front of your X, taking the weight off the torsion bars. Next, locate the torsion bars themselves - they run from your front end back to around the front of each door about 6 inches inside the frame. You will see one bolt on each side. Loosen the bolt to the desired height. Some people take the bolt all the way out - then reinstall to the same length on each side. Lower your X, and measure your front end and adjust the bolts as needed to make the front end sit level. Tightening the bolts will raise the front end, loosening lowers. Once you have the front end to the desired height, jack the front end back up and remove the bump stops. There is a small bolt in the center on the bumpstop you access from the bottom. Once removed, cut the bumpstop in half (thickness wise). This allows for more travel in the front end. Reinstall each bumpstop.

Rear lowering -

Jack up the rear of your X and place jackstands under each side of the rear end. Next, take your jack and put under the leaf spring, leaving enough room for you to remove the bolts on the bottom of the U-Bolts. Once you remove the U-Bolts and bottom plate, follow the instructions that come with the blocks. (most are standard). You usually loosen the jack handle small amounts to let the leaf spring lower itself away from the rear axle. Lower it enough to let the block be placed between the springs and the axle housing. You will notice there are alignment tabs and holes to get them in the right place. Tighten the jack handle and raise the lea springs back up until tight against the block and axle housing. Install the new shorter U-Bolts. Repeat for the other side. Again - be careful when dealing with your leaf springs!!! They can spring loose and cause bodily harm or death! That sounds drastic, but they are not something that just 'bolts up and unbolts'.

After getting your X lowered to the stance you like, take it to an alignment shop so they can align the front end for you. They will usually need to install some cambers on the front end to pull it back in line. I suggest doing the rear blocks first, then doing the front to match the height.

Hope this makes sense. If not, let me know and I will clarify if I can. Pictures help, so I will try and get them as soon as I can...