:hi: Greetings,
As a recent purchaser of a 2001 Ford Escape XLT 4X4 I am new to the Escape scene. I have been curious about them for a few years but I'm not a big fan of "FWD" platform SUVs. I come from a background in serious off-roading and I design suspension systems to make my vehicles go where I need to go. So even though this is going to be my wife's Escape I have already started pondering the lifted suspension potential. My goal is to have about a 2" suspension lift that maintains good ride quality and causes minimal cv damage. I will be running 245/75R16 tires in an all terrain pattern. I might go larger but only if I don't have to cut things apart to do it. Guess I'm going for more of an XC rally type (Top4x4) set up rather than a trail brawler.
What I know (or think I know) ...
BDS stopped production of their 2" kit (low sales numbers)
Canuck MS has 1.5" lift springs ($240 set, no experiance with them)
H&R make 1" lift springs ($275 set, no experiance with them)
Ironman has lift springs (BDS of Austrailia, $ ?, S&H ?)
Mine has 16x7 alloys (5 on 4.5", unknown BS or offset) with 245/75R16 steet tires
Anyone make a LSD or locker for these? Heard they have a Dana 28 rear. ???
What wheel backspacing works good for big tires (31x10.50)?
Anyone ever try using stock Jeep Rubicon wheels and tires?
Since you guys know these little trucks better than me I'm asking for any ideas or suggestions. I will share any info I find out as the project continues. Thanks.
As a recent purchaser of a 2001 Ford Escape XLT 4X4 I am new to the Escape scene. I have been curious about them for a few years but I'm not a big fan of "FWD" platform SUVs. I come from a background in serious off-roading and I design suspension systems to make my vehicles go where I need to go. So even though this is going to be my wife's Escape I have already started pondering the lifted suspension potential. My goal is to have about a 2" suspension lift that maintains good ride quality and causes minimal cv damage. I will be running 245/75R16 tires in an all terrain pattern. I might go larger but only if I don't have to cut things apart to do it. Guess I'm going for more of an XC rally type (Top4x4) set up rather than a trail brawler.
What I know (or think I know) ...
BDS stopped production of their 2" kit (low sales numbers)
Canuck MS has 1.5" lift springs ($240 set, no experiance with them)
H&R make 1" lift springs ($275 set, no experiance with them)
Ironman has lift springs (BDS of Austrailia, $ ?, S&H ?)
Mine has 16x7 alloys (5 on 4.5", unknown BS or offset) with 245/75R16 steet tires
Anyone make a LSD or locker for these? Heard they have a Dana 28 rear. ???
What wheel backspacing works good for big tires (31x10.50)?
Anyone ever try using stock Jeep Rubicon wheels and tires?
Since you guys know these little trucks better than me I'm asking for any ideas or suggestions. I will share any info I find out as the project continues. Thanks.