Lowering your Explorer ST!

[smithero]

Hey All!
I have seen that a bunch of you have lowered your ST's with H&R springs. Most notably lowered 1.6" & 1.75" front and back.

Has anyone lowered there ST more than that? and if so, what method did you use?

Is the only other way to close that wheel well gap simply just installing taller wheels and tires?

I am not a fan of the tall and skinny stance look. I ordered lowering springs and wheel spacers to help with that. But im wondering if my money is better spent in another way to change that look.

Thanks in advance.

 

[zdubyadubya]

lowering springs and wheel spacers help a ton, but yeah, you pretty much hit the nail on the head. the only true way to fill out that wheel well is new wheels. most guys are running 22x10.5 wide rims with anywhere from 30-35 offset.

 

[smithero]

Thanks!

 

[BrianCanada]

@smithero, which wheel spacers did you purchase?

 

[smithero]

@BrianCanada I ordered 1.25" BORA spacers from Motorsport-Tech.com

Why do you ask?

 

[BrianCanada]

I'm thinking of adding 0.75" wheel spacers but not having much luck finding a good product. Thanks for the info.

 

[boynty77]

any idea what the cost estimate to get these springs installed is?

 

[zdubyadubya]

depends on the shop and the location. you will need an alignment afterwards as well. $400-$600 is probably a good estimate.

 

[boynty77]

my local shop quoted me $800 and I was shocked

 

[UNBROKEN]

my local shop quoted me $800 and I was shocked

That’s crazy. A shop should be able to knock it out in 3-4 hours tops.

 

[boynty77]

I thought the same thing

 

[smithero]

I got quoted $550 with alignment

 

[Vash610]

I got quoted $400 for install and $125 for alignment.

 

[boynty77]

Good to know

 

[Kingcor]

lowering springs and wheel spacers help a ton, but yeah, you pretty much hit the nail on the head. the only true way to fill out that wheel well is new wheels. most guys are running 22x10.5 wide rims with anywhere from 30-35 offset.

Are most guys also running the HR or Steeda springs AND 22’s? Or once you go that big do you not need the springs?

 

[zdubyadubya]

Most (including me) are on lowering springs AND 22s. Going bigger wheelsize doesn't lead to a bigger overall diameter of wheel/tire combo, you just have shorter sidewalls. A few guys like me have gone 305/40 which is an actually larger overall diameter but the clearance is REAL close and your custom offset measurements better be perfect. 315/35R22s are the same diameter as stock, 305/35s are slightly smaller, and 305/40s are slightly bigger.

 

[UNBROKEN]

H&R springs with 22x10.5 +30 and 315/35’s for reference.

 

[Kingcor]

Awesome thanks guys!

 

[SimonsGTS]

Most (including me) are on lowering springs AND 22s. Going bigger wheelsize doesn't lead to a bigger overall diameter of wheel/tire combo, you just have shorter sidewalls. A few guys like me have gone 305/40 which is an actually larger overall diameter but the clearance is REAL close and your custom offset measurements better be perfect. 315/35R22s are the same diameter as stock, 305/35s are slightly smaller, and 305/40s are slightly bigger.

Can I ask what offset are you using? And have you had any rubbing issues? I would also like to run 305/40's so any advice is welcome, thanks.

 

[zdubyadubya]

Can I ask what offset are you using? And have you had any rubbing issues? I would also like to run 305/40's so any advice is welcome, thanks.

+30mm. No rubbing on the spring perch, but very slight rubbing on the fender well lining at full lock. The spring perch clearance is REAL close--like I can barely fit a piece of cardboard between the tire and the metal. After 5000+ miles the tire hasn't worn the felt at all that you can see, so even though it touches at full lock, it hasn't worn anything at all.

Being lowered doesn't affect clearance between the tire and the spring perch (the rotation of the hub about the knuckle dictates that). Only clearance between the tire and the fender well is affected by ride height.