How to TT (Torsion twist)

[Charlie]

First off, what is a Torsion twist (TT)? 2nd generation Explorer's are equipped with torsion bars. They create the tension for the suspension, just like the leaf springs do in the rear. The main difference is the design. Torsion bars are rotated to create the tension, so the rotation can be adjusted. That is what a torsion twist is. You can adjust your torsion bars, and the change in tension will either raise or lower your front end.

With a TT, you can safely lift, or lower, your front end up to around 2" with a 4x4 Explorer. The reason being, is if it is lifted more than that the cv joints will bind up, wearing faster than they should. If you have a 4x2 Explorer, the sky is the limit.

Now, how to TT. Before you begin, measure the height of the inner wheel well from the ground. You will use this to determine how much lift you got, and to make sure it is level. You adjust the bolts with a 13mm socket. There is one bolt on each side of the Explorer to adjust. All that you do, is lift up the front end of the Explorer, so that the wheels are off the ground, put jack stands under for safety, and then either crank in, or crank out the bolts. Tightening the bolts will lift your front end, loosening will lower it. After you have finished adjusting it, lower the explorer back down, and take it around the block to let the suspension settle. Then measure the height of your inner wheel well height, and see how much lift you got. Adjust it and measure to fit your needs, and make sure it is level on both sides.

If your bolts are not long enough to get the lift you desire, you can replace them. Replace them with M12x1.75 100mm grade 8 bolts.

Where the torsion bars and bolts are located:

Please bear with while new photos are being acquired.

After the TT is done, you will need to get an alignment. other than that, you are done!

To lift the rear to match, I suggest shackles and AAL (add a leaf). You can only do AAL with the 4 door explorer. If you have a 2 door, you can do a 4 door leaf swap, and then you could do an AAL. Shackles will work on any Explorer. Look for Warrior products, part number WAR153.
To lower the rear to match, I suggest getting lowering blocks. The reason you install blocks to lower the rear, whereas with most that would lift it, is because explorer's are spring under axle.

Any questions, feel free to ask me!

[ZBlackBeast]

I love you, have i mentioned that!!

[builderx16]

Im trying to get all the parts together to get the rear end of my 99 explorer back up off of the ground. Do you have any suggestions as to who makes an add a leaf for the explorers and more importantly, have you ever installed a set before? I can handle the shackles its the leafs that Im afraid of. Thanks for your help.
This is also a question that Im throwing out there that maybe you could answer. I heard that the explorer 4x4, which is what I have, is the same chassis as the Ranger. Are any portion of the suspension components interchangable? Thanks to everyone who might have an answer.

[Charlie]

The front of the suspension is the same as on the rangers, except the back is different. The rangers are spring over axle, whereas explorers are spring under axle.

As for the add a leaf, I have never done one. I can't, because I have a monleaf. It can only be done with the 4 door, or the new sports that had a full leaf pack. From what I have heard, it is harder than installing shackles, but not too bad. If you do the add a leaf, you should do a writeup!

[Bowhunter08]

I only have one question, I got rear shackles for my 96 explorer and want to do a TT which im goin to follow the steps you showed me. I just don't want to go over board with twisting to far because i have 30's on now how far should i go or what should it messure to have a good height.

[Charlie]

I am closing this thread. Please post any questions in a new thread.

Thanks!