Ride height (front)
Asked by OJ Mar 06, 2017 at 08:08 PM about the 1999 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLS SUV
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Rebuilding the front suspension on a 99 Explorer I purchase new (2WD). In
my zeal, I did not measure the ride height at the front wheel wells prior to
replacing upper and lower control arms and shocks. It's back together and I
can adjust it level, but I do not know what the factory height should be. Any
ideas as to factory specs or where I can locate them?
3 Answers
The height shouldn't matter that much working with original replacement parts, but usually it is to have it adjusted so the vehicle is level. Your going to need a front end alignment anyway. If there is any adjusting to do the alignment shop would put it were it belongs anyway.
Rowe: I did locate a spec which stated the height for the step-up in the front should be almost 20 inches and the same for the side step-up. My problem is I do not know from which point on the vehicle the twenty inches is obtained. Unfortunately, when I removed the torsion bars I did not count the revolutions of the adjustment bolts so I could ballpark where they should go back. Playing with it I learned I can raise the front end almost two inches, although it looks way to high
In a situation like this all you can do is eye-ball it until it is close. There is no worries because the alignment shop will do the rest.
