Working On Custom Gen2 ST Lowering Kit!! Update 10/13/11

[Carey Frennier]

So I'm dealing with a company on making springs for Gen2 ST.



The Goals:

- 1.5" trim height (drop) & 2.0" trim heigh (drop).

- Less than $700 shipped pricetag.

- Zero suspension component upgrades (other than springs and maybe an alignment)

- Minimal installation expense.

- Retain a large % of factory capabilities such as tow cap and payload.

- Retain factory ride with improved handling.

- Safe trim height with no impact to frame with axles shafts.



I will be selling these springs to anyone that wants a set. They will be SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive than what has been around in the past.



These will be a Direct replacement for 9A24-5310-DA and 7A24-5534-AB. However, they may also fit any 2006+ Explorer or Mountaineer with the same spring seat and spring length. I can't imagine that they are that different but they do have different part numbers.





Here is the big question:

Would you rather have a stiffer spring that prevents some of the body roll found in our vehicle? This would mean you give up ride comfort. Would you rather retain the exact stock ride and just drop the truck?



Answer:

Most you voted for stock ride with a drop so that is what I'm doing!

 

[Ray Muratore]

Not able to make a progressive spring? lol.

I would probably like the idea of doing stock stiffness and then upgrading the sway bars for roll... But that's my initial and totally unresearched opinion.. Conversation may change my mind... Granted I have a pretty stiff ride in the Shelby, so the truck does feel like floating in soup to me. 10-15% stiffer would be max I think...



Please tell me they'd be less than a grand for the kit!

 

[Carey Frennier]

I'm thinking it will be about $600-$650 or less. It really depends on the final product and finishing.



I'm thinking most will say just do stock ride with a drop. That's what I'm leaning towards.

 

[Henry Suarez]

That sounds great. Keep in mind we don't have any choices with shocks and sway bars, so once the ride comfort has been set by the springs we are pretty much locked in. That being said I like the stock ride. When do you expect a finished product for sale?

 

[Carey Frennier]

Well, I would like to test it for a a few months. Will probably be about a month before I have them built, shipped and installed. So maybe I'll have them out in time for Christmas.



I'm going with stock ride.

 

[Henry Suarez]

Very Cool, keep us informed.

 

[Carey Frennier]

Engineering is all done. All factory suspension components have been measured by myself and three other gen2 ST owners.



Should be testing in under two weeks. After that I'll have pricing all worked out. It's going to be way better than what's currently out there though!

 

[Henry Suarez]

Still here waiting. Keep up the good work!

 

[Carey Frennier]

It's mind boggling how much goes into making something like this. By the time I'm done testing, I'll have a bit of money tied up in this so I hope you all buy some!

 

[Carey Frennier]

Prototype will be here Tuesday!



New Info: These will only fit 07 + Sport Tracs.



They replace factory units 9A24-5310-DA and 7A24-5534-AB.



After some serious research and conflicting information from one out of three Ford dealerships, it turns out that the Explorer and Mountaineer are not the same as the Sport Trac.



Not to worry though! I'm working on engineering for those springs as well. I really want a product for everyone with an Explorer!

 

[cool water]

i am interested in your springs are available at this time?

 

[Carey Frennier]

Email me in the spring. I'm not making any right now.

 

[Supercharged SVT]

Made Rear Hats to get the drop with a coilover conversion -

Took Donor Rear Hat - cut it, welded a 3 inch chrome moly tube and the shock bushing back on - i ground it smooth, painted but this was the rough version to get the balance perfect

 

[Todd Z]

you do realize they sell 3" drop struts, Uses OEM spring and mounts, Just install like a new strut and your done...

 

[Supercharged SVT]

you do realize they sell 3" drop struts, Uses OEM spring and mounts, Just install like a new strut and your done...

what brand did you see? I tried one and a weld broke, cost me a wheel, a tow, and a terrifying experiance hoping to avoid oncoming traffice when it broke

 

[Todd Z]

don't know brand, but when I was buying my new stuff, I did come across them. amazon, ebay maybe....