I have a 1998 Eddie Bauer Explorer and was curious as to if there are any body lift kits out there that I can put on it? I can't seem to find one. If not, what about a suspension lift? Thanks.

Matt

 

You can use a Performance Accessories 3" body lift for a '98-'00 Ranger. I think the kit # is 883. It will require four new bolts and you will have to make your brackets to raise the rear bumper. The brackets are easy to make though. You will need two pieces of 1/4" plate steel measuring 7" x 3" with four 1/2" (9/16"?) holes drilled into it. That is the kit I used on my '97 Explorer and it was easily installed over a weekend with the help from a friend.

 

what are the 4 new bolts for?

 

The bolts included in the kit (for the Ranger) are not all the correct length that you need. There are three different bolt lengths in the kit. The Ranger has 14 mounts, the explorer 10. Four bolts from the kit will work. Two of the longer original bolts can be used in a different location. You will need four additional bolts that are longer than all the bolts you have left over. Go to www.noiec.com and look for the instructions (with pictures) on how they did a 2001 Sport. The instructions will apply to your '98 EB.

 

Will that same kit work on a 96 Model? I did find a suspention lift at Auto trim design of the Emerald Coast, But it was $2300.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 08-Jan-03 AT 08:30 AM (EST)]Performance Accessories makes a series of 3" body-lifts for the 95-01 Rangers. The Ranger is identical to the Explorer from the cab forward so it appears that these kits will work on Explorers. Well, they do and we have been very successful with installations. Performance Accessories produces two kits, one for 95-97's and one for 98-01's. The main difference with these kits is the steering extension and bumper brackets. The 98-01 kit will work on ALL 95-01 Explorers with the exception of the steering extension on 95-97's. Here's the catch, you need the steering extension from the 95-97 kit for 95-97's, but the 95-97 kit does not have the correct bumper lift brackets so after a few hit and misses we found it easier to order the 98-01 kit and then specify that you need the 95-97 extension. When purchasing your body-lift kit, order the 98-00 kit #883. If you have a 95-97, make sure you exchange the 98-00 steering extension for the 95-97 extension. The extensions are very different and cannot be interchanged so make sure you specify which one you need.

Performance Accessories makes excellent kits and are top of the line. Installation time averages around 8 hrs with help from a few friends. The kit price is around $130 which is the cheapest 3" lift around. If you are looking for some lift and on a budget then this is the way to go.

We reused four of the stock bolts to make up for the four that come with the kit and are too short.

The NoIEC no longer exists, but here is the link for the Body lift write-up.
http://mudmarine.tripod.com/3bodyliftinstall/