Well, I guess I'll put up my before and after pictures since I just got it back. Actually my before picture has the 2" Torsion Bar Twist and Old Man Emu rear springs. More to come on the underside later.

http://www.explorer4x4.com/moab_rayledge.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/{7E062A90-4FD7-4B33-814B-EF56AACDCA9B}/picture.JPG

[list]
Tires: 33X12.5 R15 BFG KO's
Wheels: American Eagle Ar-117 15x8's
Front Suspension: Trailmaster 4" Ranger lift kit
Rear Suspension: Skyjacker 4" lifted springs
Shocks: 4" lifted SSV's.
Lift: 2" body lift
Gear Ratio: 3.55:1 (Waiting for the ARB to come, so I can put 4.10's)
Differantials: Rear: open (Waiting for a ARB to be available), Front: open
Transfercase: Advanced Adaptor Atlas II 3.78:1 Lo
Plug wires: Magnacor 8.5mm
Spark plugs: Bosh Platinium 4+
Power: Interstate/Optima Yellow Top
Lights: PIAA Pro 80XT's, PIAA 520's
Cargo Rack: Con-Ferr
Winch: Ramsey Platinum 9500 with Serria Wraparound winch mount.
Front Tow hooks: GM full size tow hooks
Rear Tow hooks: Ford rear tow loop
CB Radio: Cobra 29NT-ST
GPS: Garmin GPS III Plus
Misc: Front& Rear swaybar disconnects,shock mount protectors,T-case/Torsion Bar skidplate, Hi-Lift jack, Granatelli rear diff cover/support, Power One CO2 tank, Bushwacker Extend-A-Fenders
The engine breaths better with a K&N drop-in filter.
[list]



[Edited by Ray Lobato on 10-16-2000 at 05:45 PM]

oh hell ya! That's exactly how an Explorer shoudl look :).

Ray, you are turning into Matt with all the PIAA's on top http://members.aol.com/riffman80/biggrin.gif. Very nice truck! So, when are you going to bring it to Albuquerque so we can "play"? http://members.aol.com/riffman80/smile.gif

That looks great Ray. My question is from your past. Are the OME springs that much better than the warrior shackles? If I understand, the OME Springs are $200 each. That's pretty steep for a grocery getter. Thanks, and great truck.PS Are your old Springs for sale?

by the way, Ray now has as many lights as "Vegas - phase one" I don't ever expect him to go to Vegas phase two... and you don't even want to know what vegas phase three is! LOL

I must say that is one great looking truck. All that money you spend looks like it has really paid off. I can't wait to see some action pics. Congrats on your new toy. Is it just the picture or do the front tires stick out about an inch more than the back tires?

I always see lifted jeeps,chevys, toyotas, and even durangos. I had a major case of lift envy. You just gave me a lot of inspiration. I think it is time to celebrate and take ray's truck to Don a Vee jeep for some lunch. Chomp, Chomp! Oh and stop by my friend's garage to chomp on a chevy sandwich. Bad ass rig bro.

Very nice Ray. One question, will it fit in the garage now?

Nice looking rig Ray
Looking forward to meeting you on one of the next runs.

Looks great, Ray! Once again, I'm anxious to see it on the trail. You realize that you're going to cause me to spend a large sum of money some day. :)

Hey Ray, schweet looking rig! I noticed your next-door neighbor has a stock Explorer...how much more are you going to have to do to your truck before he gets the bug?

Excellent!! That's one serious before and after. I can't wait to see it out at Truckhaven!

Explorers are meant to be lifted! They look so much better!

BTW... I see your neighbor has a white Explorer. When is it going to be lifted? :D

You're gonna cost me a lot of money if I try to stay up with you..... :D

Ray,

This looks GREAT!! I bet it will be a blast to let it crawl off road with the Atlas T-case, specially once you changed gearing. How is driving on road now, sitting some inches higher than before? Really, way to go!

BTW, are you selling your old EMU rear springs? If yes, PMail me, I might be interested.

Ray,

Man that looks AWESOME!!! Worth the wait in deed. One day I hope to reach your heights. :)

What size tires in the before?

I didn't realize you could fit a 12.50's on a 15x8 rim, I thought you could only go as wide as 10.50 on that size rim. I was going to put 31x10.50 on my stock rims, with the T-Bar lift, but if I can fit 32x11.50 may I should go that way. What do you think?

Thanks for posting the pics,
Alan
98 Xplorer


[Edited by 98 Xplorer on 10-16-2000 at 06:38 AM]

VERY NICE RAY! :-)

Looks great! I was just wondering how much it costed for the lift and how much modification was needed. I want to lift my 95 4x4 sport but I can't afford anything over $2000 and don't think there is anywhere around here that can do any heavy modifications. I live in the UP of Michigan, which we have A LOT of fun trails because the entire area is woods. Just wondering about those things!

Yo Brendon,

Where in the U.P. are you from? I used to spend alot of time in the Keweenaw, bummed around Copper Harbor, Eagle River, Calumet, etc. LOVE it up there, but it's hard to make a living...

Sundown

To All,
Sorry the OME Springs and shocks are already spoken for.

4x4 Yes the OME's are definately worth the money.

98 Xplorer The previous set of tires were 31x10.5R15 BFG's. Yes 33x12.5R15's fit real well on 15x8" rims. I had talked to many people about this, since I was thinking about 15x10's. Most everyone that uses their truck for rock crawling said to go with the 15x8, because it will keep a bead better, and also save the rim. You might be able to fit the 32x11.5 if you crank the torsion bars up. It's one of those try it and find out type of things. You might have to trim the back of your plastic alittle but not enough to be noticeable.

brendan The lift kit cost $1300.00. The 4" skyjacker rear springs I think were around $350.00. If you wanted to go with a spring over setup, the Ranger kit has everything you need, you would just have to make new spring perches so the springs would go over the axle. The modifications that were needed to make it fit on a 95-97 Explorer all have to do with the rear torsion bar bracket. I am going to be taking pictures of the bracket with the mods. You could take the pictures to a shop and have them modify the rear brackets, then you could put the rest together yourself.
Like I said before, The reason it took so long to get my truck back was I had alot of other things added, not just the lift, plus this was a first time for Trains 4x4 and Off-Road in Salinas CA ever doing 95+ Explorer. They did say that they now know what to do and would be more than willing to do another one. Most of the guess work has been taken care of. Once I get all the photos uploaded and write about the particulars There shouldn't be a problem for most do be able to do it.
Keep in mind that these mods are ONLY FOR 95 TO 97 MODELS. 98 through 2000 models are just bolt on. Buy some 4" springs or go spring over.

For 95+ Explorers Would anyone be interested in some rear shock mount skid plates. These will actually move the shock up 2" and also protect the U-bolts. I can post some pictures if interested. I know that no one makes these for our year models and had these custom made for me. If enough people would want them I could approch Trains 4x4 and see of he would makes these up for you guys.

Ray, I might be interested in those rear shock mount skidplates. I was already thinking of lengthening my Edelbrock stems 2" to put the range back in stock length. This would be a better way to go.

Now if I could find a way to get the front shocks back to stock range.....

sundown: I'm originally from Iron Mountain, which is right on the Michigan/Wisconsin border but I am in Houghton right now because I am attending Michigan Tech. I don't really have time to do a lot of wheeling now because of school but I usually still get out once a month on the weekends and hit some trails.

ray: I would probably be interested in some rear shock mount skid plates if they are not too expensive... I am in college but still wouldn't mind some extra protection for those shock mounts. I got one hung up on a stump once when I was backing up and was a little worried when I had to get pulled off the stump. Everything turned out okay, luckily, but some extra protection would be nice.

Looks Great Ray!!! If only Ford offered that as an options package. I bet it'd sell like hotcakes.

Hey Ray, I would also be interested in the rear shock mount skid plates. I also am interested in seeing some pics of the underside of your explorer. I would like to see the modifications to the lift and your skid plates. I also wouldn't mind knowing what you had to do to move your bumpers with your body mount and the mounting of your tow hooks. Thanks for the any info. You could e-mail me the pics and info if you do not want to put them all up. jgriffn@swbell.net

Looks really nice for a late model.

Looks good Ray,
As soon as you get a some good trail marks, it will look like a real EXPLORER.

Ray have you worked out the problems with the Altas? Great looking truck man. I glad you did everything you did, because i feel for the 95+ explorer owners because there isn't nothin out there for ya'll. People will see your truck and want to lift their explorer. The more demand the better. again Great Job Man!

RU MAN,
Yea, I just had to get the rear output shaft seal replaced, now it's ok. I will be going to Hollister Hills this weekend to check it out. Won't be doing anything extreme since I still have to lean what the truck will and will not do now, plus I need to get familar with shifting the Atlas in and out. In an automatic, it's not quite as easy as just shifting in and out. I still have to put the tranny in neutral and drive on order to get the front and rear shift levers to move from one position to another.

Great looking truck Ray!
Those 33x12.5s really look good. Any rubbing issues on the trail/rocks? The shock plates/extenders sound like just what the doctor ordered. Keep us posted.
Rick

Ray,
What is the offset and backspacing of your wheels? Do the tires rub either inside, or outside?
Thanks
Rick

Hey Ray,
Your truck looks Great!
I was wondering which day you are going
down to hollister this weekend??
Please let me know...so i can meet up with
you..hopefully sunday..:-)

Hey Anthony,
I was thinking about Saturday only because if something needs fixing I can take it back to Trains 4x4 and have him fix it since he's open on Saturday. Can you make it?

Hi Rick,
The offset on my AR-117's is -18mm and the backspacing is 3 3/4"
I didn't have any rubbing until I added the Bushwackers. We trimmed it alittle, but haven't taken it out in the dirt yet so don't know yet.
How's AZ? Shouldn't be any hotter than Palm Springs is it?
You gonna be able to make it to Truckhaven?
I'll post a picture of the shock mount skids here pretty soon.

Ray,

How did the interior shifter turn out in your Explorer since you have an auto I wondered how it looks.

Kris,
I didn't have to do anything to the console at all, the shifters where put just on the left hand side of the console. I did have to move my CB. Now I have to find a place to put my CB. I will take a picture and post it so you can see how it looks. We did have to force that part of the hump out enough to get the shifters to fit. This was accomplished by using a very large pry bar

I used to look this way
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=939913&a=6875613&p=31164310

Here it is, my shifters for my Atlas II T-case.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=939913&a=9488938&p=31154711&Sequence=0&res=high

No room for my CB now

[Edited by Ray Lobato on 10-20-2000 at 10:06 PM]

Hey Ray, I don't know how big your CB is, but mine fit nicely on the back of the console. There it is pretty much hidden since I don't use it all the time and you can mount the mike anywhere on the console you want. Just an idea.
By the way your truck looks sweet!

sorry ray, saturday is filled up. but i would love to do another bay area run like we did last year. and see if any new comers are out there. so have a great time,have fun and test out the rig for us all ,and then let us know. again the truck looks great ray,hellava turn around from the last time i saw it. ps. will this mean tom's freind won't have to fish for body molding's???????? lol take care ray talk to ya soon.

Way to nice Ray !!!

Just some questions about the install on the ranger lift. How did you address the welded crossmember for the rear torsion bar mounts ??? Assume removal and ground clean and then bolted in the Ranger crosmember ???

With the suspension lift installed but no body lift, could the 33x12.50's be fitted ???

Thanks !!!

Mark

97 Explorer Sport
ohv 4.0 265/70R16 Firestones just waiting to blow

" Im willing to do today what most people won't so I can live tomorrow like most people can't. Zig Zigler

AWESOME Ray!!

That is one fine looking rig!!

Paul
'91 Sport

Originally posted by secret agent
Way to nice Ray !!!

Just some questions about the install on the ranger lift. How did you address the welded crossmember for the rear torsion bar mounts ??? Assume removal and ground clean and then bolted in the Ranger crosmember ???
Only part of the torsion bar crossmember is welded. they have drop down brackets that bolt under the welded part and bolt the middle portion. See upper portion of Picture
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=939913&a=6875613&p=31164935
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=939913&a=6875613&p=31164633

What needs to be welded is the bracket where the pork chop is. In this picture we have not modified it yet
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=939913&a=9488938&p=27967871

Notice that there is a welded bar almost in the middle of the bracket. This keeps the pork chop from moving around.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=939913&a=9488938&p=31154705



With the suspension lift installed but no body lift, could the 33x12.50's be fitted ???

Well I guess, but I don't know for sure. If it does, then it is because you don't have fender flares. I added the 2" body lift because I needed 1" between the frame and the body to make the Atlas II T-case fit and also I wanted the run 35's. 35's were way too big. The 33's worked just fine, with no rubbing until I put on the fender flares. I'm still trimming as I go.


Here's the skid plate for the front and torsion bars.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=939913&a=9488938&p=31154691

This is a side view looking at the rear portion of the same skidplate
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=939913&a=9488938&p=31154694&Sequence=0&res=high

OK I took it out to Hollister Hills today and took these pictures, well actually Tyson was out there to and he took them, except for the posed pic with nobody in the truck.
The Atlas T-case is fanstic. I only wish I had the 410's and a Locker. The quick disconnects work really great.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=868538&a=6318334&p=31215138&Sequence=0&res=high
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=868538&a=6318334&p=31215136&Sequence=0&res=high
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=868538&a=6318334&p=31215144
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=868538&a=6318334&p=31214577&Sequence=0&res=high
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=868538&a=6318334&p=31214580&Sequence=0&res=high
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=868538&a=6318334&p=31214581&Sequence=0&res=high

looks good, especially with the PIAA's on there, but who's that weinery guy driving? LOL j/k, theres the pot calling the kettle black :). That lifted late-model explorer look is just boss, I especially like the winch mount... too bad that Ford wants so much for the newer Explorers, they look great though. So what was the total damage just out of curiosity for the lift, tires and wheels, winch and winch mount, lights, transfer case and labor?

Looks Great Ray! You've got to be super happy with your new beast. I can't wait to see it out at Truckhaven. I hope you can make it to our pre-run the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Dang Ray, too bad I just got back in town yesterday! I'd run on down to Hollister with ya.. If I had the dang truck! (it's still in the frame shop, getting the drop brackets strengthened so they stop moving).

Hopefully, I'll get it back this coming week (I've got to get it back - it's due for a smog check, and plates by Nov 16!)

If you want, we can do a quick run to Hwy 4/Ebbett's pass and do some rock crawling.. Or is that too far with the 3.55's and 33's?

I must say, Ray's truck looks and performs awesome!!! You should have seen the looks on other people's faces when they saw this late-model Explorer ripping up the rocks! I think they were all expecting Ray to get stuck.

Now if only I had that lift......

Dang, Ray, that is looking Gooooooood!!! WooHoo!!

Looks great Ray! http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/images/smilies/bounce.gif Can't wait to run with you next year! BTW, I may cheap out on the ARB setup and get a Powertrax No-Slip locker instead. I'm still mulling that one over. I have plenty of time to think it over.

Armor plate, winch, new stuff: have you weighed it yet? We could have a "Guess the weight" contest for your vehicle... you keep bolting stuff on it and it'll earn a nickname. How about "El Gordo"? http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

Ray,
How do you like those rear springs? They seem to extend quite a bit more than stock.
I plan to be at TruckHaven. I wouldn't miss seeing you and Juan go head to head with your bad-a$$ late models!
Rick

Very nice looking rig Ray. What kind of backspacing do those rims have? I would like to find some that push my tires out a little more than stock but not too far. Your's have good symmetry with your body and flares. Thanks.

rafar99,

The offset on my AE-117's is -18mm and the backspacing is 3 3/4"


Thanks for pointing out that typo for me Tom
Ray


[Edited by Ray Lobato on 10-26-2000 at 08:41 PM]

Ray, for your CB location problem just get a Cobra-In-Mike like mine.

You have an AR-117? Is that like an AR-15? I don't have any offset, but its 2 clicks up for 200, 3 more for 300. :)

Sorry, bad humor...



Thanks for pointing out that typo for me Tom.
It should be AE-117.
Ray
http://members.aol.com/riffman80/smile.gif


[Edited by Ray Lobato on 10-26-2000 at 08:42 PM]

Hehe...you could always use Kentuky windage if that doesn't work.

Very nice Ray, it's definitely worth the wait, headaches, and the money. Now, is Sandy still talking to you after all these mods??????

Khoa.

Khoa, I believe you can tack on the cost of a new backyard pool and a few other goodies onto the real expense of Ray's lift.

Ka-ching~ !

Sandy gets her toys, I get mine. http://members.aol.com/riffman80/biggrin.gif
Actually she has been right in there with me on this. Just the other day she informed me that I needed to put some running boards on so she could get into the truck. I told her that I would need to have them custom made so as to not only act as a step for her to get into the truck, but to also serve as rocker panal protectors/rock sliders, she said as long as it looks good. They will be ready in about 3 weeks. Now all I need is a rear bumper/tire carrier, and a Premier Power Welder, and I should be finished, that is until I decide to do a front Dana 44. http://members.aol.com/riffman80/biggrin.gif By that time then I will probably go with a full exterior roll cage, 35's and it will be a "trailer Queen" for sure. Just kidding. http://members.aol.com/riffman80/biggrin.gif