3" suspension lift, doing it with the add a leaf and turn torsion bars. Installed a Bull Bar with 4 KC 4x6 lights. Plans on converting the control trac 4wd to the setup from a Sport Trac which allows you to be in 2wd or 4wd instead of being AWD. Will be adding a 2.5" body lift this summer, which will allow me to run 33" tires . Future plans are lockers and a winch. Some more mods I'd like to add are solid axle swap from a Toyota and lower gears. I'm running 31" tires right now till I get the other lift installed.
I go wheeling in the mountains with some buddies who also have lifted and modified Explorers. Like mud and hills, haven't tried rock climbing yet (wife won't let me she says it's to dangerous).
The add a leaf and torsion bar lift are a great inexpensive way to lift your IFS explorers. I find it improves the handling and stability, it does ride a little rougher. It only takes about an hour or two too install . So far I'm the only one in my town that has a lifted IFS explorer, hopes it catches on soon. They look and perform really good when this mod is done.
John
Canada