Cut the Bumper or Get a Lift--Advice Needed

[Brian McElhaney]

Hi, all. I have a project Expedition going and could use a little advice. I am the original owner of this 2000 Ford Expedition 4x4 XLT/Sport. I want to make it look a little more aggressive. I have tuned up the mechanical, will add rims/tires, and paint last. This is my first time doing a project like this.

Black rims with 33" BFGs are going on next week. I tested the rims/tires and there is a minor rub at the front bumper (video). So I have two questions for you.

Question #1: Cut the bumper ($50 at auto body shop next door) or spend the money on a lift/level of some sort?

Question #2: Do I have enough room on the back/inside of the front? The tire does no touch, and there is about 1/4"-1/2" clearance.

Question #3: Will this modification cause mechanical issues (someone suggested this will cause gearing issues)

I don't use this SUV for sport or going off road. It is 99% on a paved street or freeway.

Thanks in advance!

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[Killer Ride]

How about you raise the front? Just crank up the torsion bar keys? It would take about 10 min and cost nothing

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[Brian McElhaney]

Thanks, KR.....I will ask about that. Newbie question: How does that NOT make the front end tilt up? Or, is it that a couple inches is not noticeable?

 

[brcknrdg Rob]

Thanks, KR.....I will ask about that. Newbie question: How does that NOT make the front end tilt up? Or, is it that a couple inches is not noticeable?

It levels it. The adjustments are easily controlled

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[Brian McElhaney]

Okay. Thanks, KR.

 

[craig sargood]

Hey, built a 4x4 off road expedition recently, you can easily trim the bumpers yourself with a sawzall with a fine tooth blade or a jig saw. That would also cost nothing. The more you crank the tortion bars the tougher it rides. I had a tortion loft and hated it. If you do decide to lift, do a suspension lift. This is mine if you haven’t seen it on here before.

 

[Brian McElhaney]

Hi, Craig. Your truck looks great. Thanks for sharing the advice. I decided not to lift it for now. I had the body shop give the bumper a little haircut. It rubs a tiny bit still, so I am going to scoot the bumper forward. It has been at the painter’s for the last two weeks. I’ll post before/after pics when done. I really appreciate the responses.

Do you know what kind of headlights you have? Are you happy with them?

 

[ExplorerTom]

How about you raise the front? Just crank up the torsion bar keys? It would take about 10 min and cost nothing

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Except for the alignment afterwards.