I am going to buy a set of shacklesfrom a local autoparts store, to lift the rear of my '97 Explorer Sport about 2", I was wondering if I would have to adjust the pinon angle after installing the new shackles?

 

You probably already have at least an inch of sag from the stock height so really you'll only be getting about an inch of lift over the stock height. I doubt if you'll need to make any adjustments.

 

I'm taking it that you want to restore the rear to it's original height right? I would say install the new shackles and your done. You could also install some add a leafs.

 

What would add a leafs do to lift a axle over spring suspension?

 

Add a leafs give the spring more arch and by doing so will lift the rear of your Explorer. I added a 2 1/2" suspension lift to my Explorer and the kit included add a leafs for the rear and new coil springs for the front. As for your 97, you won't be able to add the front springs. Are you looking to level out your Explorer or lift it? If you want to lift it I'd go with a 3" body lift.

 

Body lifts in my opinion are just for show. They give you no ground clearance at all. All they do is allow you to put on a bigger set of tires. I would only do a suspension lift for anything I plan on wheelin at all.

 

You can put on a set of leaf springs from a 4 door explorer. I done mine like that and also added a set of add-a-leafs and got about 2" of lift in the rear end

 

From looking at the shackles I bought the other day compared to my stock shackles I might get about 3" of lift from where it sits now.

 

I started with 2-2.5" add a leaf in the rear but after about 5 years the leafs were sagging anyway and it was about all lost. Went to 4" superlift in rear and kept the 2.5" rancho lift in the front. And I have not even gotten out to try it yet on the trails...gee a 3 and 1.5 year old at home so help my personal excursions... See if you like the look. (Wait - one trip to Sedona is all)