I have a 97 5.0l AWD Ford Explorer I want to modify for some off-road fun.  I still want it road-worthy, but want more clearance for going over the trail to my favorite hunting/fishing/camping/scouting/shooting spot with my sons.  I know getting a solid front axle under it would be best, but if I can upgrade with an A-arm lift kit and do almost as well on travel and clearance, I'm all in favor of less work (& more play). Trouble is, there are about 5000 kits out there and I have no experience with any of them.  I don't want it jacked to the sky, but a few critical inches (2-3?) would let me pitch the 175R15 MS's for something a lot more functional.  Does any one have experience with modifying an old grocery getter like mine into a competent ORV (without spending a year's salary and time)?  

Actually, for your 97 there are only a couple lifts. TrailMaster, Skyjacker, RCD, and DBR (which isn't actually a lift).

Any of those will get you clearance for 33's and possibly 35's, in one way or another.

I wouldn't SAS it for what you want to use it for.  

Thanks for the info.  Any experience with any of the kits you listed?  

Personal experience, only with Dixon Bros. Awesome kit! I'd recommend it to anybody!  

Oh, and I have to revise that... it's not Skyjacker, it's Superlift that makes a kit for RBV's... sorry.  

My friend has the same truck and got 2.5 inches from just tightening the torsion bars in front and 2 inch shackles in the rear, that will fit 31x10.50 and possibly 32x11.50  

there will be some definite rubbing if u try and fit a 32 in there