The Truck and the Story

I surfed in here one day looking for info on my newly purchased Ford Explorer, and that my friends may have been a fatal mistake. For soon after entry the rumored Mod Bug bit. Painful little bugger, and I hear there is no known cure. Oh well if I am to be ailed by the bite of this rare creature at least I can be provided respite with this elite group of fellow victims. Whose to say I suffer anyway 'tis the finances which will begin to suffer :eek:

I always dislike having to say whom I am, and am tempted to move on to the truck. But then you would just get let down by my nearly stock X and be disapointed before I had a chance to say hello.
Here I am at Bridal Veil Falls.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/3300/20122000_0126.JPG
My name is really Bryce though I suppose dreamr is a better fit, if only the world understood the simplicity of existence without the social structures and limitations we have put upon ourselves.........sorry.
Back to me. I am a twenty-six year old father of a beautiful if not sometimes demanding 5-year old girl by the name of Zaira-Dawn and live with my partner on the outskirts of Seattle. More accurately Edmonds, WA.

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122Ginkgo_forest.JPG

It seems I have absorbed my life into trying to vanish into the remnants of a more natural world. I grew up in Idaho and spent most of my childhood and teen years wandering the backcountry of Idaho with my dad and brother hunting, and fishing in some long lost location.

Of course back there(Idaho) it was a very different wilderness from here(Seattle) as there were no people. Living here has driven me further into the woods than before, which has been beautiful. Though the knees dislike the 100-150 miles we average on the trails each summer, most of it with a 40+ lb pack ( I know it's light to a lot of you military and athletic types, but I am a little guy with bad knees.) Besides see how much rain gear it takes to stay dry (gotta love the NW) and then wonder where we put food. If you would like to see a few of our fishing trips follow the link.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102921

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122ridge_above_north_lake.JPG


Do you want me to bore you more, or should I get to the truck? But my critters need some attention :D . I have been interested in animals in general since I was very young. Always catching and keeping wild critters at our home as a child. Today that has evolved several times over. Shiloh and I ran a reptile rescue and adoption agency for a couple years and became overwhelmed as we were maintaining over 30 reptiles and amphibians as well as all the ill rescue. Chaos and expensive but educating, got a Herp question I got an answer. Today we try to resist the urge to help everything and try to maintain our reduced collection of 13. These are mostly breeding pairs though so we always have a cage or four full of babies.:rolleyes: If ya want to take a peek scroll down a ways. .

Anyway here's my 99 Explorer XL. Now remember we just came together in late September 2003 so she's not a well trained or equipped lover yet.

January 2004 1.5" suspension lift and 30's
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/20122back_side.jpg

November 2004 2" suspension 30's and secrets under the hood.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/2012211-25-04_random_drive_005b.JPG

January 2005 2" sus., and 3" Body lift with 33's
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122Reiter_pit_1-21-05_009a.JPG
****************************************************
Current mods
*Last updated 3-19-05*

INTERIOR
9-03 Steering wheel cover
9-03 Seat covers
9-03 Husky Floor covering /all and cargo
9-03 Tool Box w/ rifle rack
replaced with new tool box/tire carrier/camping
bed 1-05
3-04 Kenwood Cd head unit
5-04 Stock speaker upgrade to Infinity Kappa's
6-04 Custom removable mosquito screens for all windows LOL
Very neccessary for sleeping
12-04 Custom (cheap ;) ) console control panel
2-05 Blue lighting on a seperate circuit for camping
3-05 Body colored interior trim (the black stuff)
3-05 Garmin GPS
Next: more bass (just a bit I'm no audiophile)

EXTERIOR
9-03 My Stickers
10-03 Fubah style antenna
10-03 Lund bugshield
10-03 Aeroshade vent visors
10-03 5% Tint Rear 20% in front
11-03 Grill Insert painted chrome
12-03 Blue Spectre-wired engine compartment
12-03 Mud Flaps
3-04 Removed pinstripe
1-05 Removed the very scarred and twisted tupperware.
1-05 Fender trimming :rolleyes:
Next: Bumpers and Sliders?.

LIGHTING
11-03 Triple Goddess 3rd Tail Blackout )0(
12-03 Pilot Amber fogs
12-03 Pilot Cyber-white driving lights
1-04 Sylvania Silverstars
1-04 Superwhite Markers
2-05 Clear corners
2-05 Sylvania Silverstars blue/amber signals
Next: auxillary reverse lights

SUSPENSION/TREAD/AXLES
1-05 BFG M/T KM 33x10.5
11-03 Ultra 15x8 alloys
12-03 Warrior shackles w/TT 1 1/2 in.
1-04 Energy Suspension hyperflex bushings
12-04 Pro-comp AAL/ TT up to full 2"
1-05 Performance Accessories 3" body lift
2-05 Monroe Reflex Shocks
2-05 Yukon 4.56 gears
2-05 Rear Eaton E-Locker
3-05 Explorer Express swaybar
Next: HP D30 solid front axle

PERFORMANCE
10-03 Accel superstock plug wires
10-03 Bosch Platinum plugs/
swapped for motorcraft double plat. 5-04
11-03 Throttle Cable Mod
1-04 K&N FIPK Gen II intake
1-04 Custom built cat-back exhaust
1-04 All breathers extended to underhood filters
4-04 BBK 66mm. Throttle Body
6-04 SCT Performance programer
(This program was re-done by Bama Chips and
Rocks!!!! My previous Apten was a bad experience!12-04)
12-04 Optima Red Top
12-04 Brown Wire Mod (2hi,2lo,auto,4hi,4lo)
3-05 B&M Transmission Cooler
I don't know????

RECOVERY AND ARMOR
1-04 Hidden Hitch front class III receiver
2-04 Hidden Hitch rear tube style class IV
receiver
5-05 Eddie Bauer gas tank skid plate
5-05 Eddie Bauer transfer case skid plate
11-05 Custom IFS Skid Plate
Next: well.. a multi- mount and a winch I suppose

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/20122k_N.jpg

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/201222-6-05_WINTER_DRIVE_003.jpg

Need some off road do ya?

OOps!!!
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/20122000_00771.JPG

A Little tiny bit of flex
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122Reiter_pit_1-21-05_001a.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/201223-5-05_Zaira_spring_in_the_hills_019.JPG

Felxin a bit more
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122301_28.JPG

Well that's all folks. I am excited to be a member of this forum, hopefully I won't aggravate you all with my need to know everything about something before I do it. And to all you seeking knowledge I'll do my best to relay the truth as I have found it (more than likely with the search feature. ;) ) I have a automotive history of small block chevy muscle cars and 5 liter mustangs (it was such a fun car). Should have helped my dad and brother more with their trucks. So I have a general knowledge of performance stuffs, suspension though, what's that ... I always thought flex was something you did to show off your muscle... Rick and the pumpkin have completely redefined this for me. Thanks,I think. Might cause me to be single with a nice truck though. Bye everyone, and see ya around.

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/3300/20122Arjuna2.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/3300/20122000_01351.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/3300/20122helios.JPG

I recently decided to update this thread a bit as it seems to be constantly expanding in the winter months.
On some mods I have gone into more detail than others on the site. As part of this registry there are several of these posts, so for ease of browsing I have created this brief table of contents. In addition to this if at some point I have gone into more detail on a thread outside of this I have linked it below as well

NW Explorer organized runs
Tahuya (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99074&page=4)
Reiter (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126194)
Solo Run (locker testing) (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129608)
Salmon Le Sac / Cle Elum (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1212257#post1212257)
Wenatchee/Cle Elum Run (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136138)

Table Of Contents

Page 1
-Me and my truck
-Welcome from members
-Sylvania Silverstars
-Extended breathers
-Cat-back/exhaust
-Pinstripe removed (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105006)
-BBK throttle body
-Infinity Kappa’s
-Apten Flasher

Page 2
-Optima Battery
-Control panel
-Brown wire mod
-Bama Chips flasher re-tune (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123711)
-Add-A-Leaf
-3” inch P.A. body lift (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124251)
-33’s and fender trimming

Page 3
-New tool box/false floor
-Exhaust rehung
-New Shocks
-Clear Corners
-Eaton E-Locker (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127677)
-Yukon 4.56 Gears
-EE Swaybar
-Interior trim painting

Page 4
-B&M Transmission cooler
-Garmin GPS
-Gas tank and transfer case skids
-Custom IFS Skid Plate
*********************************************************

Welcome to Elite..... nice looking truck.

Congrats....:D

Congrats! Being elite is cool. :cool:

nice truck and congrats....

Did you say nearly stock? :D Nice truck and congrats on being elite.

Welcome, one thing that you may not know, but kind of goes as an understanding here, is you are never allowed to leave! Explorers may come and go, but Eliteness is forever!;)

And by the way, I enjoyed reading your history, very well written I thought:D

Originally posted by redrig
Did you say nearly stock? :D

OK OK almost completely stock, just give me some time.

Congrats on Eliteness! ;) And very nice looking X!

What do you do up at Baker? Hike, ski, 4x4? I've only been up there once and I live in Bellingham!! :rolleyes:

Thanks everyone.
Gina, sadly my knees don't deal well with skiing any more, but I do a lot of hiking and camping in the area.
I also have this obsession with fishing high mountain lakes. preferably without road access to hinder others joining me, but I found a lot of roads to lakes that I've never had the guts to try witha vw golf and their just to far for a day hike. Backpacking is an option, but i usually take my kid too Baker as she loves playing at Silver Lake campground especially when the tadpol's all hatch:) Should be fun to get up some of those roads with the X this summer. Maybe you'll bump in to me and the fam have a beer with us and the bears. I swear I've spotted more bear sign in whatcom county than any where else in the cascades I've been.

Congrats Bryce on becoming Elite :D


Your little daughter is a cutie pie:)

She likes to think she is at least:rolleyes: You should see her when she's mad:eek:

I know I post too much to my own thread, but I got me a few new mods this week and have to tell someone, my g/f just rolls her eyes.

1st I upgraded to Sylvania Silverstars..:eek: ......how did I ever see before? With all the street lights in Seattle I rarely see my beams on the road, only the Pilot's. Now evrything is just so .........well light. Almost perfect color match with the Pilot's too

2nd Spring is coming so I need to get those breather's up out of the water. I spent more here than necessary, but I wanted it to look nice so i ran all the lines to a set of three k&n breather/filters on the pssenger side of the engine bay. Where does the T-cases original breather stop at????????

Last and I am still berating myself for blowing more money. I went in to a local shop and had them build me a 2.5" cat-back system. I was originally going with the magnaflows, but after debating with the mechanic he conned me into going with the Allied systems muffler (Meanstreak if i remember right). After looking at all the flow charts and other comparisons he had available they seemed to have equal performance capabilities. (They were dealers for Flomaster, Walker, As well as the Magnaflow). Selling points. Lifetime warranty, Much more offroad worthy than others offered, The sound is deep and rumbely, at 3000rpm instead of starting to sound like a v-6 it quiets down and gets this nice hum. very quiet inside while cruising. Plus he said if I didn't like it he would trade me stright back for the magnaflow, no cost. we'll have to see so far though nice.

The exhaust really made the intake do it's job. before it growled under the hood, but just seemed not to get any where, Now though that intake just kinda snarls :D Actually I think it may be louder than the pipes.

Also to the first post I am continually adding things I change or do. I also added dates to the listing of mods to help me keep track a little better. lol Anyway I digress time to go finish the breathers. I'll put up pics of stuff when I can borrow a friends cam.

nice truck man nice to see that you take so much pride in taking care of the explorers.

for the sylvania silverstars did you just change the bulbs to silverstars?? for the head lights.??
I think my stock lights do a good job but you can never have enough light.

The original post in this thread has been updated to include the few new mods, and updated pictures including a couple from the recent NWExplorers run at Tahuya

I sat down to bring this thread up to date, and realized that I did little in february to help the project along. It seems nearly all my money went to getting A hitch and miscellaneous recovery gear, not to mention winter hiking gear for my gf.

March was similar, only my money was rapped up in chasing down a runability issue and buying a new car for my gf
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122000_0101.JPG

Mod wise I only got in a new kenwood deck, removed the pinstripe, and of course tinkered around a bit with the exhisting toys. Pics without pinstripe, and the new deck are below, nothing to fancy, just a cd player is all I needed.

If the taxes ever come (silly girl spends all my $ and forgets to file taxes) then possibly April will hold a bit more in store :bounce:

Guess we'll see ehh


Pinstripeless
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122000_0152.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/20122000_0139.JPG


The deck
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122000_0157.JPG

You know, you should try writing a book or something. Your thread from top to bottom just kept me sucked in. I couldn't stop reading....

Anyways, why does yours look more lifted than mine? Are 4wd leaf springs stiffer, because i have the same lift as you i believe? TT/ warrior shackles.

I would really love to live somewhere desolate like that, at least where all of the pics are taken. I take that you and your gf are pretty serious, you buying her a car and everything? Sorry to get nosy if i have.

I don't know what I did the first part of April, other than hike and drive all around my sacred mountains.
It seemed that somehow,
as I drifted through
evergreen slopes
and ice covered crags
somewhere the mod bug lost its hold,
possibly to be replaced by the mosquito,
perhaps to forever be lost
in this misty mountain mystery,
Of course come the end of april,
Taxes are in ,
what shall i do?

GET MORE TOYS!!!!!!!! :bounce: :burnout: :smoke: :burnout: :bounce:

I gave John at Explorer Express a buzz and he quickly shipped out a BBK 66mm. Throttle Body for me.
It arrived in three days and was a beautiful piece. Install was simple and straight forward with the exception of getting the TPS off the old throttle body. I finally ground the screw heads off and proceeded to finish the job.
Minus grinding time, the install took under 15 minutes, then 15 more for fine tuning the tps and idle.

I pulled out of the driveway to the hill I go up every morning. It is a steep mother and my driveway is right at the bottom. At 3000 rpm's I have been hitting a tad over 30 sometimes 35 at the top of the hill. It always felt like labored exceleration.

Today it effortlessly climbed up the hill at the same 3000 rpm but i was doing about 42 at the top :bounce:

When I stand on it is really is only a moderate/mild mprovement over just the K&N, cat- back exhaust, and larger bore Maf on these newer 4.0's, but in general driving circumstances it shows itself with smoother exceleratrion and much quicker rpm rapping.
It kinda feels nice to accelerate evenly, or a little faster than the pack, without having to give it a bit of gas and make my exhaust get loud.
On the freeway, after 60 it just keeps rapping up like it would at 40.. Yeah, no more standing on it to try to get past the 60 hump to pass cars. Now I get to gently accelerate :rolleyes:

I think I finaly understand how Aldive can get 30mpg there is no need to stand on it to get going if you've got just a little x-tra power to boot. I don't fool myself though, it is only a little extra power.

Now I am just waiting for my package from Apten :banghead: ;)

Hi Bashman,

I also have a 93 (black sport) that is in SERIOUS need of some mods!
I'm new to this and you have what looks like a great list of stuff you've added/done to your 93.

Could you elaborate a little on what you've done? (please be gentle as I'm a noobie to this)!

ANY help (any at all!) is greatly appreciated !!!!

So far I've seen a cool lower valance & fog lights for 93's, but I'm in serious need of ideas & where to get them!!!

PJ

Congrats! Being elite is cool. :cool:

The month is still young, but with the adventure schedule I have set up over the next weeks I bet I won't do much work on the truck

The first Mod of the month is..... Infinity Kappa's

I just got sick of the stock speakers. They had no range, and couldn't keep the voice audible when the bass guitar or drims kicked in. After debating between the pioneer three ways and the Infinties which I had in my last car, how could I choose anything less than the Infinity.
They are a great sounding speaker for a simple stock upgrade. The Pioneer three ways seem to be a good pick too, but I had to go with my tried and true.
I did buy my gf the three-ways for all around her little kia, as well as a nice Pioneer cd deck, so I guess I'll get to test the theory of sound out soon :)
Dang mothers day makin' me spend money on someone else's ride.

Now if only Apten would get it together and get me my dang programer. I ordered 2 weeks ago, and the guy goes I'll ship it out in the morning. Yeah right.
Go Explorer Express!!!!!! I ordered my TB And the tuner on the same day, I got the TB 9 days ago? Now do ya think Apten has shipped the tuner yet :rolleyes:

For some strange reason I find myself at home on the weekend rather than off fishing in the mountains. Guess it's a good thing every once in a while, for it allows me to catch up on my chores. And update a few threads.

I have had a hell of time with Apten Performance, and am very disgruntled by their complete lack of customer service, but to move on. I am going to try and just look at their product.

I used the new flasher to reprogram my truck with a 93 octane program.

IT ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!

Performance wise, it really didn't add much, but definately helped to tie my other engine mods together. It raps a lot quicker, and the shift pattern is so much better!!!! I am actually more pleased with the re-mapping of the shift points than I am with the other 800 dollars spent under my hood..

The program rocks, just be damn sure you make yourself absolutely clear when dealing with Apten so you don't wait 6 weeks for the wrong thing and have to go through the mess of sending it back for the appropriate programs, or getting a refund. I can't even get a return call. What a joke!


Update 12-04 *** So I still really like this chip though I never did have success in getting Apten to work out our deal. Neddless to say I paid for a dual program custom tuned flasher. Something like 420+ dollars. When I got it there was only one choice of programs, and it immediatelt threw a check engine light indicating a lean condition. After chasing what I assumed was a problem with the truck for months. I started a series of tests running 100 miles on the freeway with different configurations of my aftermarket add-ons.
What I found, was that It mattered not what parts were installed. with the exception of this program.
With the program I throw codes.
With out it I do not.
I even tested it in it's stock configuration for 890 miles to Idaho in a wide variety of conditions (lava rock to freeway). Coming home I put the program in and threw a check engine light at mile 63.

Today I took the flasher into a local performance place and described my problems. He professed to have little knowledge of the explorer, but pulled the programs onto his computer. Guess what he found......... The tuner had never been tuned by anyone other than SCT at manufacture. Figure ehh..
Anyway, I will get it tuned properly after the winter lift projects :fire:
Sadly I like the shift point diffence so much that I ignore the check engine light. Probably bad, but hey it'll get reprogrammed soon.

I usually complain when the snow flies and I am isolated in this infernal jungle of steel and concrete, However it does provide time to return to this particular hobby of mine in preperation for springs washed out mountain roads and late melting snow.

My first project of December was to rebuild my Girlfriends old cars head.
After getting it all apart it really only needed cleaned up and some minor repairs. Sadly it wasn't in the cards As we soon discovered a blown main seal and possibly some serious crank damage judging by the angle of the lower timing gear. When I started the project I had to pick up a battery. The stock replacement for her car was 68 dollars and optimas happened to be on sale for 89. I figured what the hell it's only twenty bucks.
Unfortunately her car passed away and I inherited a red top. Installation was actually a bit time consuming with having to make a smaller battery fit tightly.

The space left when turned sideways is about the same as the battery, so you can guess at the next project under the hood. To be able to jump myself when I am out in the middle of nowhere alone would be extremely valuable!!!!

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/2012212-12-04_oPTIMA_iNSTALL_003_1.JPG

Now if only it wasn't so damn RED. When I go to two I think a cover/tie down will be in the works. Black or Blue only!!! The mud is optional. And a very difficult option to clean out of the deeper partsw of the engine bay. I gave up over the wet fall, but I am making progress now that rain is my only element to drive in.

When I first purchased this truck I spent weeks planning the build up on my available budget. The plan called for several years of work, and the goal was rather dim in the future. I knew what I wanted and how to get it, but what will it look like????

Anyway I am amused that my original plans have been scratched, revised and twisted into new ones dozens of times over.

So I suppose with that here is my message for those freshly bitten by the mod bug. If you know you want a supercharger don't waste your money on stage 1 or 2 upgrades. Buy the parts as you can for the big project, then build.

With that said when you know that a 33" tire is your goal. Don't waste your money on 30 or 31 with a set of shackles just save the money and do it all at once. Then you will have room to park in the garage without 5-275/70"s used for two months, 5-Bfg At 30x9.5 run for 1 year (18,000 miles), 5- used 32x11.5 and a set of 33x12.5. Actually the 30's are on the truck, but you get the point.

With all that said The cute UPS girl came today and left this here for me.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122body_lift_time_001_1.JPG

The AAL is to eliminate the sag it has developed since the shackles and bring me up to a full 2" suspension lift.
The Body lift is my inexpensive cop out. It should be a superlift, but installed I was qouted 3200 dollars :eek: Now here's where my above cautionary statements come in. Figure out what I spent on all those tires, and see if it comes close to making a suspension lift more reasonable.

Anyway, I'll post back when done and tell you what else the UPS girl drops off.

I couldn't wait anymore.
I am waiting for my tuner to come back before I do the lift, But I had to at least do the add a leafs and the x-tra 1/2 inch of TT

Everything went very smoothly. Didn't even have to contend with any rusted bolts.

When doing my pre-leaf measurements I noticed that the driver side was just over a quarter inch lower than the passenger in the rear. While I had the leaf packs off I went a head and swapped them side for side.

I was very happy to see it level out at 35 and 3/4 wheelwell to floor on both sides. I only dared to bring the TT up to 2" so the rear actually sits a half inch higher. But it should settle in to be close to even.

One thing I did note, is that after installing my shackles it seemed a bit softer in the rear and "wallowed" around corners more. With the add-a-leaf as well it feels tighter and does not "wallow" quite so bad. A bit rougher, but it's better than bounce.

My last observation was that man do I ever need to replace those weak shocks!

On another note, I also recieved my flasher from Bama chips today. Awesosme reprogramming Doug!!!!!!
Check here for my review.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123711

Hee Hee. I have no idea why I did not do this a long time ago!!!!!
I just fisnished off my switch panel so I figured I might as well do the Brown wire mod. What fun to have rear wheel drive again. I had to give the tires a few good squeels :D In fact to "test it out", I had to do one nice little power stand. A/t's are noisy when they are spinning ;)

For the switch panel I took a cheap easy route.
Somebody got me a console drink holder thing. Which was rather useless considering the stock drink holder is adequate. My solution was to turn it in to a control panel.

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122x-mas_2004_007.JPG

The switch panel is open underneath to allow for the 9 accessory switches, and the top was done in acrylic. The first open spot fits the radar detector well, and the area that is now for the drink cups will be smoothed out to mount the CB. Everything is secured using extreme velcro for ease of removal. Those little silver/grey things you see on the sides are blue LED's for floor lights when I drop stuff.

The panel itself cost nothing, but we got a little carried away with the wiring.
A hot terminal and ground have been run into the panel/console and have easy butt connectors to remove easily. The 9 accessories run to a seperate fuse box under the hood, where the relays are to actually flip on all the accessories.

Only 5 of the 9 switches are currently active. 2 more for lighting and 2 for the e-lockers. When we activate the other lines I think we are going to use computer ribbon to run the lines to the relay/fuse box. Therefore it will be nice and flat to run under the carpet. Currently there is a mess of wire running down from below the dash. That should disappear tomorrow night though, and be ran a lot cleaner. Just need more time in the day!!!!

Body Lift next weekend :D :D :D :D

Yeah, :bounce: The body lift is finally in and the tires look so very small! :exp:

The body lift was for the most part an easy, but time consuming install. About eight to ten hours.

No problems at all to speak of untill we came to the rear bumper.
:fire: :fire: :fire: :fire: :fire: :fire:
It sadly took another five hours to get it right...AHHHHHHH

But it is on, and I likes my new stance. It does feel a bit more top heavy, but not enough to be bothersome. And the steering feels a little tight, but I have heard that is normal for the first few trips then lessens. If not there is an easy fix posted on the P.A. website for steering bind. Though mine doesn't really bind up. Anyway, I digress, here's a link if you want the rest of the details, and a pic.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124251

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122body_lift_005.JPG

:bounce: :exp: :bounce:

MY TIRES ARE HERE!!!!!

After all the delays financial and snowy mountains stopping the truck bringing them. My tires arrived and are cozy in there new garage.

The truck I jokingly dubbed "petite pied" (little foot) when I bought her, is finally looking for a new name. She isn't really sure if she likes the changes though. Her gentle smoth paws were replaced by the rough callouses of a mountain wanderer (BFG A/T) now she sits inches higher than she has ever been and grips the land with claws (BFG M/T) that I so happily purchased.

She cringes as her shiny moldings are peeled away exposing her hidden curves and minor flaws. she shudders as the drills and mallets come into play. But her fears are as yet unfounded. Her Steel skin is unharmed. The expectation remains, as the sawzall is sitting upon the work bench. Batteries charged. With sadness she knows her beauty must not always be focused on the surface. Sighing she at least knows her lover has gentle hands and an eye for appearances.

A cold night spent in the dark garage adjusting to these changes. She feels a tingle of excitement, and smiles to her self. Stretching her new claws and shifting herself at her newly aquired altitude. She welcomes a secret part of herself. She feels the spirit of the explorer arise. She fears the end of her transformation, but sets her eyes upon the sun set vistas at roads end. drifting peacefully to sleep with the scents of pine and lupine in her dreams.



http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122snow_day_and_new_tires_021.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122snow_day_and_new_tires_022.JPG

Sorry it is kinda dark. I'll add a picture to the 1st post in this thread after she gets a bath.

As you can see her fears may be well founded. That fender is close to the tire. I actually only have one spot that rubs though. On the drivers side there is a spot about the size of my thumbnail that is looking shiny. I am not really sure how I am going to approach it.

I can still go up almost .5" on my TT but I really don't want to. Maybe I am paranoid, but after bringin the rear up to 3" over stock suspension I left the front around 1.75" I just really don't want to go all the way to 2" or a touch more. Besides with the spare, a full tank of gas, and my tools it is almost level.

Ahhh. We'll get the clearance for the tires with the fender linings and a bit of bending metal. Maybe a few trims, but I hope not. When I was ordering the tires I was going to get 33x12.5 but at the last minute I changed my mind to a 33x10.5 for this very reason. I am so glad I did!

For now I am carying a marker in the glove box. When I hear a rub, or see a fresh shiny I'll mark it. After this weekend and a week at work I'll think about the saw ;)

LOL.. thats a funny umm.. 'description'. Tear her up.. they like that :D

Awesome dreamr :thumbsup: You should seriously write a book.

So the tears have been shed and she met my friend the sawzall....Actually I found a super duty version of the dremel a buddy had to be much cleaner......

Over the Weekend I went out with a couple fellow Western Washitonians from the board. My goal was to see how much I had to cut to make these tires fit.
Here's a link to the fun. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126194&page=1&pp=20

To my sad wonder I found that I was rubbing about a half an inch of sheet metal and in several places on the inner fender liner. The rear stuffed great with no concerns. It's just the edge of my tread on the front while turning and compressing.

I was utterly horrified by the process of cutting on my baby, but it was that or fiberglass fenders, and gears are more important right now.

I attached a few pictures of the process and my tears.

In this first pic I was just getting a general idea of where to make my bend to make it even with the upper fender body lines. The length of the bend was to try and smooth the line out, and the measured area to go away was at 3/4". After the bend I figured it would have moved the fender back an inch in truth it was a bit over 1.25 which works well, and gives enough room that with the angle I can get the flaps back on the front without cathing them with the tire. I don't like them, but I spend a lot of time on gravel roads and it raises hell with the paint.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122fender_trim_001.JPG

Now the first thing I faced was figuring out how I was going to get the fender liner to move back an inch+ evenly. When I pulled it out, I found that there was a sheet metal seam sticking out about an inch and a half. It was holding the liner from moving back. This was notched at the top and bottom with the saw and bent with visegrips and a hammer. Now that left the liner hanging up on the bottom fender mount.

There was about 2" of metal sticking past the last bolt and it also hung very low. It showed no signs of having had the tire touch it, but I figured while we are at it, cutting it off will give more play with the liner. In the below pic the cuts and bends have been made. And yes I shot it with the flat black rust paint after this pic. The interior seam only moved about 3/4 of an inch but a couple strategic notches alowed us to move the liner back well over an inch.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122fender_trim_002.JPG


Next came the scary part. I marked the spots and handed the saw off.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122fender_trim_007.JPG

We made three cuts in the factory fold. One at the top of our bend. One on the bottom corner, and the last one on the bottom fender where Our bend would end. Due to the lack of a tool selection at our local Home Depot and Shucks auto we used hardwood shims on the inside and the out with vise clamps (not grips..clamps) We first straightened out the factory bend very gently. Then took the whole piece and bent it inward at the new line. It was tough to keep it even, but there were several clamps to help you adjust just where you were pushing. On the passenger side we didn't cut quite far enough and got a small ripple at the top of the bend, well bottom too. On the drivers side we cut a little too far and have a tiny little notch visible ( less than a penny width but I am picky)
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122fender_trim_008.JPG


All done and said with a bit of touch up paint the passenger side turned out pretty good. There is just those little ripples at top and bottom. But they are barely visible unless you are looking in the wheel well.

The driver side didn't turn out so well. Everything went the same, but the factory bend did not come out nearly so smoothly. In the middle it is still bent out. We tried to bend the whole panel anyway, but the two bends fought each other and the new bend won't "square" off as nicely as the other side. With time I will get it evened out, but nobody I have shown noticed. My problem is I can see two bends and it looks funny plus kills almost a half inch" of tire space. Not to mention that it limits my ability to use the afore mentioned "gravel flaps"
I think with some creativity at a later date it will flatten out. :hammer:

Besides who cares what my bent up fender looks like when it is all under the flap anyway.

Note I actuall gained a about an inch and a quarter of space between the tire and fender. In other words I went from a tight two fingers to my fist. Adequate I believe. The inner part of the fender liner had bowed in with being remounted in a stretched position an inch further back. To accomodate this I wallowed out a few of the holes to give play and used a super duty zip tye to yank it back toward my body mount. Sadly that cleared up more space than all the cutting behind the liner :rolleyes:

Here's a before and after for you. For some reason the pic doesn't really show all my new found space, but you get the idea

Before
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122snow_day_and_new_tires_022.JPG

After
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122fender_trim_013.JPG

As a little side project waiting for paint to dry I filled all the holes left by the removal of my tupperware. I found these little plugs at Lowes Hardware. They are to fill those extra bolts holes in metal shelving and such. I took a few out to the truck and found the right size. They fit very tight against the body and the head is not very big at all. Nice! I started to paint the ones that got cleaned with the fender getting bent. With the touch up paint. They look like they belong there. The first pic has the same thing you find in your body panels only black filling the holes the second pic is my new find pre touch up paint.

Anyway there be the latest and one of the sadder moments in my trucks life. I just kept whispering to her to wait a couple seasons and I would get her some fiber galss fenders, and cowl hood before I had all the scrathes and dings washed away at the body shop. First she has to let me get her built, Then we will get her back to being sexy :cool: After all ya got to show me you can work before I care enough to worry about your beauty. :D



Oh yeah I'm ...chained plus kids.

Man.. that turned out really nice. Instead of putting the flaps back on, have you thought about using a liner on the rockers? If you dont like black(Herc) what about a similar colored liner?

Thanks for all the Kind words.

I have been tossing the idea of herculining my rocker panels up to the chrome trim on the door for quite some time. My fear is that the Herculiner or similar product will not clean up very well and not look good after getting filthy a few times. I have been looking for a smooth product of a similar nature, but have not found one yet. I also fear that it will fade too much and look funny. Though if I use black it will likely fade to match my bumpers.

Maybe I’ll have to start a thread to get some pics to look at

My fear is that the Herculiner or similar product will not clean up very well from my hootus.

Now that's what youre' really afraid of,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,right?
:p

LOL!!

I can get pic of mine. Its dirty though, but never faded. I could even get a before(dirty) and after(clean) to show ya. Its pretty tough shit.

Lol Albino, I'll a make sure to wear gloves

Premier, a pic would be cool. Especially a clean one after a season or so of wear.... Demanding ain't I lol

Any would be cool to give me an idea, Honestly I haven't searched to hard for pics on here.

Hmm might be another good side project. Gears, locker, shocks, and maintenance first though.

Man that's a nice trim job dreamr. Very clean.

Wow, your truck has come a long way! Looks MUCH better now. Keep up the good work :)

Lol Albino, I'll a make sure to wear gloves

Premier, a pic would be cool. Especially a clean one after a season or so of wear.... Demanding ain't I lol

Any would be cool to give me an idea, Honestly I haven't searched to hard for pics on here.

Hmm might be another good side project. Gears, locker, shocks, and maintenance first though.

I put it on close after I got my lift, due to rubbing and I had to cut the fenders. So its probably close to 10 months old. I cant imagine it fading at all, especially since the rockers dont see direct sun, like it would if installed in a truck bed.

My trucks been in the garage for the last couple weeks, but is really dirty from the rollover. Here is what it looks like right now. You can see the herc line http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/177111.JPG Ill get more pics tomorrow in the morning, and scrub a spot off.

Thanks for the pic Premier. That is just about the level I was planning on going up to.
I'll anxiously await that clean pic :D

Sorry man, got busy yesterday. Here are some pics. And yes, the water has been all dried.. the Herc is just shiny with the flash.

Also if you look close, you can see the little plugs that I Herc'd over. They'll never come out now :D

Hmm that actually doesn't look to bad after almost a year.

Might be losing another hundred bucks to the truck on herculiner lol.

Thanks Premier

Well, I knew this was coming, but I got sick of having that spare tire blocking my view out the back window, and killing all of my cargo space. Previously it had to lean at an angle against my tool box, and be tied down. Now things are a bit more convenient.

I usually sleep in the X when base camping so I wanted to create a false floor for the tire and all my gear to reside under. To cut cost I cleared my garage out of my many lumber scraps from reptile cage building. The walls were done with 1” thick pine and the top/bottom with ½ inch pine. There are also side pieces and a part that quickly slaps together for the front, to make a nice smooth bed.

On both sides of the box there are two heavy duty black handles for ease of removal and to be used as four tie down points. All is secured in place by tie downs running from the rear seat braces on both sides to another set of tie points on the rear of the box. The floor is also notched allowing a third strap to run from the factory tie down across the floor of the box to the other factory tie down. It does not move. Right now there is just a double coat of flat black, but the interior will be Herculined along with my rocker panels, and the outside may get carpeted and a floor mat over the top. Or just the floor mat…………..

First was a couple trial sizings to get the lowest possible box to clear my skinny spare.

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_tool_box_001.JPG

Then a whole lot of sanding

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_tool_box_003.JPG

Then the primer. This one got a lot as it had an under coat of deep wedgewood for cheesy reasons

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_tool_box_005.JPG

Then the death by paint fumes (5 cans of paint plus 3 primer)

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_tool_box_006.JPG

Now here is our finished product opened up and filled to the brim

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_tool_box_010.JPG

When loaded with the packs or camping gear I still have a front access door

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_tool_box_011.JPG

And for the cheesiness, but I couldn’t resist. Beside this has been my nickname for almost eighteen years (grade school teacher started it) It’s too bad I am not artistic enough to do a cool font with masking tape though.

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_tool_box_013.JPG

Now you need to build a circular water tight box to lift up where your spare tire used to be! :p So you can carry even more crap.

Would lower your CG a little too, since you're drivin in the clouds now :cool: (clouds, not smoke ;) )

Now you need to build a circular water tight box to lift up where your spare tire used to be! :p So you can carry even more crap.

Would lower your CG a little too, since you're drivin in the clouds now :cool: (clouds, not smoke ;) )

Actually I have had plans for that space since I bought the vehicle they are just low on my priority list.........

The plan is to cut some of the tire bracketry out of there, and put either a 10 or 15 gallon auxillary fuel cell under there.

Just haven't really felt the need yet, and haven't figured out how to link them together for filling purposes, yet keep them seperated by an interior switch. Kinda like an old dual tank Chevy truck except I only want one fuel filler door.

hee hee I think the UPS person will be visiting me soon, I think she has a crush on me :p

But untill then I got me some new shocks today as well as getting my exhaust re-hung. It now sits up higher due to the body lift as well as coming out on the side to avoid creek bed core samples in the future. :fire: The shop that byuilt my exhaust took care of this for free cause they're a couple nice old rednecks in there, and so am I under the city stress :D
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_tail.JPG

Shocks were an extremely hard decision. I had it narrowed down to Rancho RSX on the top end or Pro Comp ES3000'son the bottom. I had searched and searched several boards for info, but it was all conflicting opinion. Rancho seemed to be favored by the off road crowd and Edelbrock by the street crowd. Where does that leave me. I drive 65% pavement,30% rough gravel dirt mud etc, and 5% nasty nasty play time.

Everywhere I searched Monroe were mentioned, but never really well elaborated on. Deeper research led me to discover that Rancho was actually made by Monroe. It seems that the company making these shocks developed Rancho for heavy use rigs (think super duty) And Monroe for light trucks/suv's/smaller vehicles.

Anyway still not satisfied I have made it a point to stop every time I pass a tire/suspension type shop this week. I asked what shock they would recommend based on how I use my rig. I was surprised when 10 out of 11 recommended the Monroe Reflex over my initial picks. I figure it's their job to make the customer happy, and it is what they deal with everyday. Plus they all seemed to agree, so I bought...............some Monroe Reflexes with Inertia Active Valving similar to the Edelbrock IAS, but cheaper :cool: .

Of course they all wanted like 150 plus shocks to install :rolleyes: , so I went to the auto parts store and have a project for the weekend.

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_shocks.JPG

I'll post back when the UPS girl ( I'm tellin' ya it's always the same girl and MMM........my lips need moistened :p) comes (no pun intended) and I have had a chance to test out my new shocks for a few days (Hmm I've got a good test in mind........miss ups lady can you help me with something :eek:)

It will be interesting as my shocks are the originals with 93,000 miles on them (they are shot). I wouldn't worry yet, but they started squeeking and I hate that :fire: . I thought it was in the suspension, but Les Scwab shook it all down and it was all sound. Well except the obvious exhausted shocks.

Anyway till then............................................

The Ups Girl still hasn't came for a visit, but I had the chance to take the truck for a bit of mountain driving, and am very pleased with these shocks!

On road and on the highway they have a very smooth ride. They are definitely a bit stiffer than my worn out originals, but they are not at all rough or choppy.

Cornering is greatly enhanced as is sudden stopping. Basicly the body roll and nose-diving is significantly reduced :roll: :thumbdwn:

On weather beaten forest service roads they were a real pleasure, as they seemed to just absorb all of those little bumps and washboard areas that used to really beat the piss out of me in the cab. I assume that this is the hallmark of the Inertia Active System these shocks use for valving. Now I understand why they are held in good regard be they Edelbrock, Gabriel, or Monroe, etc......... It's all in the valving.

So far I am quite pleased! They have yet to be worked really hard, so I have no idea about durability. But they showed me today that they are comfortable in a variety of terrains and that is a huge plus for an all terrain, all purpose vehicle.

While I had the tires off I re-hung my rear mud flaps to get them away from the tire, and also finished cleaning up my fender trimming so I could re-mount the front mud flaps. Just maybe I can keep away from the herculiner, but I think it is still coming anyway.

Till Ups day............................

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/201222-6-05_WINTER_DRIVE_003.jpg

Well, my girl had quite the day today! She started out by heading out in the cold frosty morning to a strange, dark shop. She was slightly fearful as the smell of automotive blood (grease) filled the air. Her owner soon disapeared in a little black car, having abandoned her to fate. As a blood covered surgeon pulled her into the garage and her eyes adjusted, she glanced around. Her fear grew as the amputated members (axles) of many vehicle filled the gloom. She shed a quite tear as she resigned herself to the end. After all her sacrifices to meet his needs. This is her fate.

As time passed she noticed people crawling around beneath her. Here fear rose as she felt her sensitive inner workings poked and prodded. Soon though excitment set in as she saw the new shiny gears and the silver mechanism that could only mean one thing. With a giggle of joy she settled in for the long process and the promise of her owners return. The bliss of a summer spent in Alpine Meadows filling her day-dreams.

Finally the time arrived and she was pleased to feel the ease with which those feet got moving. As she arrived home she found that though her owner keeps pounding, cutting, and bending on her he has not forgotten that she is beautiful. In her own garage a sparkling white lens awaits her as her reward for being so patient with the car doctors.

Well the details rather than my ramblings right ;) .

Gears:
The 33's sucked with 3.73's so I bit the bullet and took her in for new ring and pinion's. I picked the Yukon Gear 4.56 sets to get her roling a little better, and hopefully to recover overdrive and a bit of fuel mileage. So far they feel much better, but I have to baby them for the first 500 miles, so we'll see how they are under heavy acceleration in a few weeks. Plus I need to get my tuner out to Bamachips for an update before I can really enjoy these gears.

Locker:
While they were in there I decided to have them install an Eaton E-Locker in the rear differential. I figured that I should need it rarely so the rear will be sufficient for the time. I have not got the wiring harness installed yet to check the operation, but the install looks pretty good. They put a small hole in the top of the dif to accomodate the wires. They seal it all back up and send you home with this huge harness to wire in :rolleyes: Oh well a project for Saturday I suppose.

I did get a bit of a spook as I was driving home though. My 4x4 lights started flashing, and when I tried the front end would not get juice to engage. I figured they had probably just for got to plug a sensor in so I started looking. I Found Nothing. I decided to pull the applicable fuses to check them. They were fine, but when I tried the truck again the front end was getting juice. Guess they put a fuse in screwy or something.:rolleyes:
To read more click here (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128134)

And Lastly the UPS girl finally payed a visit, though I only got one of three boxes. I'll forgive her for a few moments of her time though. :D

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/3300/20122ups_girl.jpg

Clear Corners:
What she left was a little dress up piece for my truck. I felt bad after spending the whole winter cutting and hammering on her, so I had to get her a few pieces to pretty her back up. Anyway here's a pic of her new clear corners. I still need to get a hold of some of those silver bulbs, as the orange looks icky in there. I would have done it sooner but I could only find them for 30 bucks a pair and that seemed a little on the steep side. Maybe I can find them cheaper soon.

Untill the next installment take care and happy explorations.

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/201222-6-05_WINTER_DRIVE_006.JPG

ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



You're killing me, you're really killing me!

Damn, this project is moving right along. Nice work dreamr.

LOL
It is almost time for me to start spending all my time in the mountains rather than the garage.

That's the m.o. Fish and hike all spring, summer and fall.
Build the rig for next year all winter.
I am just making up for lost time :D

I really am about done for the winter, and this last bit with the gears kinda bit into my funds. I financed it as I couldn't come up with 2,350.92 at once. Sadly though that means 50 bucks less a month play money :(

Damn.. Susan Spears is your UPS girl!? Hit that shit! :D


Since you regeared, do you have to change the speed sensor? Or does it not throw your shift points off?

Damn.. Susan Spears is your UPS girl!? Hit that shit! :D


Since you regeared, do you have to change the speed sensor? Or does it not throw your shift points off?

Lol I couldn't resist when I saw the pic on that................ uh..........one thread............... :D

Doug of Bamachiops will be reprogramming my tuner to acomodate(sp?) the gears.

Odd that you mention the speed sensors though as my 4x4 lights started flashing again today and I lost the use of the front end. A quick search suggested the speed sensors on the t-case. I have yet to go look, but I hope Randy's just failed to plug in a connector there. I have no $ for repairs.

Shit.. I want to regear, but I dont know what it all entails with an auto tranny :mad: I dont want to have to buy a chip.. For my '96, there are some teeth that you can buy for the speed sensor. Just pull it, and and get one with one more tooth(you geared higher). Might be a couple dollars is all.

If that doesnt work, call randys.

EDIT: I have a vss sensor, and need a chip(####). What kind of chip do you have?

Shit.. I want to regear, but I dont know what it all entails with an auto tranny :mad: I dont want to have to buy a chip.. For my '96, there are some teeth that you can buy for the speed sensor. Just pull it, and and get one with one more tooth(you geared higher). Might be a couple dollars is all.

If that doesnt work, call randys.

EDIT: I have a vss sensor, and need a chip(####). What kind of chip do you have?


On my 99 the shifts, speedometer, and all that good stuff are controlled by the computer. I purchased a SCT Microtuner, so that I can have someone like Bamachips reprogram the computer to allow for any changes I make. I should have waited a bit before I had the program adjusted to correct my speedo with the 33's, but I thought the gears were further in the future than this :D

I suppose I should add to this a couple pics of the locker installed. Oh yeah, I can't it's in the dif and I ain't opening it after they crushed the first wiring harness, so here's all the pics you get.

The wires come out of the top side of the dif and follow my extended breather up into the tailight housing.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/201222-6-05_locker_and_gears_002.JPG
From there they pass through the grommet for the taillight wiring and run under the drivers side trim untill we were able to drop them into the wire channel along the floor. The leads come out under my dash for easy acess, and the relay is mounted behind the radio bezel.
The button I stashed away in my accessory 12 volt outlet. utilizing the power and ground already in place to power the locker. This put it on an isolated circuit with a fuse in the factory location. In addition to that a second fuse is in place on the hot lead to the locker.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/201222-6-05_locker_and_gears_001.JPG

Nice lookin UPS girl :D Let us know how the gears and locker do for you.

Hmm I realize I never did post back with what else the ups girl brought me.
Guess I got occupied with 4x4 problems.

I had ordered some fancy new tailights when I ordered the clears, but after weeks and weeks of backorder I cancelled it.

She also brought me a box full of silver/amber bulbs and generally new bulbs all around where they were useful. I have both blue and white lighting in the cab now :D . They are on seperate circuits so I have dim night lights for camping as to not wake the wee one. And brighter white lights for whatever you need more light for.

The silver bulbs sucked!! After 2 weeks the coating began to crack and blacken a bit. They were promptly replaced with Sylvania Silverstars amber /blue ionized bulbs. They still have a bit of orange, but at least they are not all speckled and black when off. It looked like I forgot the bulbs or something LOL.

More to come if Ford doesn't take all my cash........... :(

Plus in a week there will be a welder sitting in my garage. Once I remember how to lay a bead..................................... :D :D Time for skids, sliders, and bumpers if I get brave enough.

Now for those gears. They are finally all broken in.

Sadly it feels about like it always has, so I can't tell the difference. You see I spent only 2 tanks of gas on 33's before regearing. That was not enough time to get used to the sluggish acceleration. Now it accelerates and launches the same as it did on 30's w/3.73. I don't know why I expected anything else, but it just isn't nearly as gratifying to mash on the throttle like I thought it would be after 500 miles of babying it.

The locker has yet to be tested off-road. I do look at the button occasionally and get all teary eyed over my lack of 4x4 right now.

And Lastly the UPS girl finally payed a visit, though I only got one of three boxes.
I know you're married with a kid but I couldn't help wonder which "box" you were talking about with that picture you posted? :p

I know you're married with a kid but I couldn't help wonder which "box" you were talking about with that picture you posted? :p

Well ;)
I had to test the new shocks and tool box/ bed posted above somehow right :cool:

LOL! Your thread view count went WAY up after you mentioned the UPS lady was in this thread. :eek:

Well ;)
I had to test the new shocks and tool box/ bed posted above somehow right :cool:
I would think so. :) :thumbsup: :rolleyes:

Well since you are all mooning over my UPS girl I figure I should show you the goodies she brought today. See it's not about the UPS girl It's about my Mistress parked in the garage. Don't let her think otherwise or she'll fry a sensor or something ;)

Of course many of you all ready saw my newest toy. It doesn't really belong to my blue lady, so you'll have to follow the link. It will however help her to protect that skin she is so proud of......once I remember my high school welding classes from a decade ago. clickity (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129972)

Now I thought I was actually getting a friendly visit from UPS today as she was just here yesterday, but alass she left with only a smile and a present for my mistress. What was it? Well I felt the need to get my cornering ability back after the body lift so I picked up an Explorer Express rear sway bar of the recent group buy. The plan was to turn my end links into quick disco's, but why? It is only two bolts. I think I can manage that when I do my rare trip to a ORV area. We'll see how bad it beats me aound on my every weekend journey up forgotten fireroads and main FS roads to trails and lakes this spring and summer though.

On the Street this prety black bar makes all the difference. I think that it honestly handles better now with 5" of lift, 33" tires, good shocks, EE sway bar, and Energy Suspension bushings throughout than it did the day I purchased it bone stock. Well if you excuse the poor road manners of Mud Terrains that is :rolleyes:

Notice how much thinner the stock bar is. The weight difference was quite significant.

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/201223-9-05_new_toys_002.JPG

Oh yeah I forgot to mention my other little side project while practicing my welding. I am not sure if I will use it cause it may look tacky, but possibly not as dark as my paint and tint are. First I need to get the paint to lay right. It isn't agreeing with my borrowed paint gun. Should have just used the rattle can I suppose. Well whatever that's why I got a junker to practice on and left my interior alone.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/201223-9-05_new_toys_010.JPG

I should have another project soon, but again the mail delays me, so stay tuned. But it better hurry cause spring is here.

What a sh***y week!!!!!!!
I do not want to go in to details, but this has been a helacious week and I was so very glad for the opportunity to just sleep in today.

Unfortunately around 8:00 a.m. my door bell rings. My lady had gone out with her friends the night before, so was dead drunk and sound asleep. I jump out of bed ready to rip the head off of whoever had the oddacity to interrupt my blissful slumber. As I swing the door open suddenly my anger evaporates as I see who awaits me there.

How can you stay angry when this is the first site of the morning? Good thing Shiloh was asleep. ;)

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23795&stc=1

OK OK we all know I have a fetish for this here UPS girl, and that mine is not nearly so cute, but.............................
She did bring me a box to play with. :D

What did I get ?

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/201223-9-05_new_toys_0081.JPG

I figured that since one of those 33's weighs a whole heck of a lot more than my stock 225/75's I should give my mistress a better chance at keeping her tranny alive and kicking. I choose this particular unit based on Aldive's advice from his installation. And sadly I fully plan on copying his and Monmix's install :p
I'll drop a pic when done. But for now here is the thread I am referencing for install.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127706&highlight=tranny+cooler+install

As to the GPS. Now I know what you are asking yourself, "Why did he go with a little bugger like that". Well, as some of you know, I hike nearly 150 to 200 miles a year. Not to mention the hundreds of miles of forest roads. I learned years and years ago how to navigate adequately using a topo map and compass, so have never bothered with GPS. For backcountry purposes, I mainly purchased it to make pinpointing my exact location easier when off trail than dragging out all the tools and challenging my befuddled brain. Plus it gave me all the little added goodies like altimeter, mileage, etc......... Should be nice. In addition I plan on mounting it on my dash, and wanted it to take up as little space as possible. It's main purpose there, is to help guide me back out when I get into a maze of fire roads. Secondly I now have a completely accurate speedometer.

Fun times........................ we'll see what surprises that lovely delivery girl brings next time.....untill then.............................................

Nothing really special to add, but since this is where I am documenting all of the changes my girl has gone through I might as well add the recent projects.

As many of you know I have recently picked up a side project that will be going under the Explorer in 6 months to a year. That project is a High Pinion Dana 30 front Axle form a 1996 Jeep XJ. Follow the link to the build-up if you are interested. HP D30 (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133187)

My other new addition was to combat the damage that has been occuring to the under-carriage of my vehicle over the last 18-20 months of exploring my beloved Cascade Mountains. It seems that the dent's in my gas tank just keep getting bigger, and also there are several minor scars on my transfer case. Now obviously there are many more points of damage down there, but these two were a big concern for me. I have no clue why Ford never bothered to install skids on this vehicle, but needless to say they did not.

Yesterday I headed over to visit Greenbeer from the board and swap some front end components from his totalled low mileage Eddie Bauer on to mine. Basically just to keep it on the road untill Axle swap time comes around in the misty future. While crawling around down there I discovered that his Eddie Bauer happened to have skid plates over both the gas tank and transfer case.

So.......what could I do other than remove them and load them into the back of my truck. :D This evening I went to Home depot and picked up a bit of rectangle stock which I welded to the skid as reinforcement, and bolted her up there. Yeah :bounce: now I don't have to worry quite so much about them damn rocks.

Anyway like I said nothing too special getting added to the project. But it sure made me happy ;)

I never knew that the newer Explorers didn't have any of those skid plates. Mine has the skidplates covering the gas tank and the t-case already. If you can get your hands on one, JoshC used a first gen gas tank and cut it up to use as a skid for the muffler and driveshaft. I will probably do the same thing he did and get one for mine.

I have skidplates on mine. I think they were a factory option?

I think the reason my X didn't have them is because it was the XL base model. I picked the base model as I did not want all the power/electrical crap that could go wrong in the middle of nowhere. Furthermore I didn't want the running boards or flares. All a trade off that somehow eliminated actual useful accessories such as skids :rolleyes:

I had been plotting how I was going to design a set, but this was so much easier :D

If you have a chance, would you mind posting pictures of the skid plates? My X is unprotected and I have never seen the factory skid plates.

Thanks,
Al

Here you go. Sorry the pics aren't too great, but it is hard to get a good shot under the truck in the dark :D

Transfer Case
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122skids_002.jpg

Gas tank
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122skids_003.jpg

What service! Thanks for the pics. I'll have to check out the local bone yards and get some too.

Wow I have not made a post to this thread since May :eek:
I suppose then that this is the year in review. My lady (Truck ) and I have had an adventurous year. Seeing a lot of new country and also really getting the oppportunity to seek out her new limitations. So far all of my modifications as well as the stock components have held up fairly well.

A couple problems and observations that I have had though:

-One of my Body mount bolts decided to back out a considerable amount after it's second wheeling trip of the season. I lock tighted the hell out of them and used the impact to reinstall, hopefully they will hold together in the future. :rolleyes:

-My wiring for the Brown Wire Mod........I was running a very rocky and tight cornered stretch of trail in the Cle Elum Area. I was all alone. The truck was in 4 low with the front end disengaged via the "brown wire mod". Suddenly smoke started pouring out from my control panel. I immediately stopped and killed the ignition then began ripping things apart.
What fried? All the wiring coming from the TOD relay. This mod has been in place and used for several months however, one day there she went in smoke. All is removed now and the TOD relay was replaced. Interesting note there. The wires were all melted, but the unit was still operating normally after dissasembly and new wires. It is now my spare.

-Of course I have had to do a lot of maintenance this late fall early winter, but all in all I have found nothing of concern other than the items listed and that one mysterious clunking noise.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146413

What has been done since my last post?
Not much really.....I have reconfigure my "cockpit" a bit to make everything more convenient to have extra communications and navigation items present.
I also have of course fine tuned many of my additionsw along the way and done a bit of under hood painting.

Ball joints and Tie rods were replaced with Moog's as they wore out.

The one area that I have been focusing on was the preperation of My HP D 30 to move under the Explorer. Unfortunately this has never happened, and the longer it takes, the happier I seem :rolleyes: I guess in the end my truck has proved herself capable of going anywhere I want to go as she is.
I think that the SAS will still happen in the future, but really there is no point in doing so untill I decide that I want to deliberately go out seeking body damage. To me this rig is my ability to explore and see the corners of the world that few frequent. Recreational Off roading holds no interest for me what so ever....... One day though she'll get smashed up and I'll change my mind :D

With that said....Where does that leave me? Needing a lot of armor as my front end and undercarriage don't look too pleased with me :p
So for the first project of the season now that my Alpine lakes and meadows are under a lot of snow.

>>>>>>>>>IFS SKID>>>>>>>>>

I was broke and bored :( .
As I wandered around the garage I recall.
There be a lot of steel in the back of the 'yota.
A recently demolished shelving system from Clayton's home.
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_019.JPG
With a bit of cutting and grinding
Things began to take shape.
A couple bends and a few welds
Suddenly tis late and I sleep
The new day finds me sanding and drilling
By 10 A.M. this is what we have
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122new_031.JPG
Now I am back to pacing
I have no money for paint or diamond plate
Ahh but Friday comes upon us
With it comes a paycheck
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122skids_001.JPG
Can you say bling :eek:
Where's that paint!!!!!!!
Ahhhh! much better and all monuted up
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/20122skids_004.JPG

OMG, he finally touches the X! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Now the Mustang is going to PEE tranny fluid all over the driveway :p





I gotta bring the Pony over for a looksee ;)

Ya, I need to see the rig I am going to be riding in during my first trail roll over :D :roll:

Better be careful though at the rate you are going my sawzall and welder might prove to be tempting toys.........


































You just can't touch the axle in the garage :D

:nono: :nono: :roll: :nono: :nono: :nono: :nono: :nono: :nono: :nono: :nono: :smoke: :nono: :nono: :nono: :mattmoon:

Wow, I have not posted to this thread since Nov. :rolleyes:

Really I haven't been ignoring my girl. Then again she has not got any real additions other than new seat covers (x-bound) and just maintenance. I think I mentioned earlier that BJ's and Tierods were on there way out, They are now gone and replaced with moogs. Including the upper control arms.

All in all Phil I figure this thread might get opened by you and I am hinting that my front end is sound again.. Well there is this noise :rolleyes: but whatever, I find it to be solid and so did Ford and Les schwabb :D

Maybe next winter I'll get motivated by the skull cracking axle hanging in the garage, but first we have to crush that skid plate I made in my last posts...It just looks too clean under there compared to all the scarred steel. Of course that doesn't mean I need to brake a mirror off to be like you ;)

We're headed over to Salmon La Sac today to see how much snow is left :thumbsup:

:)

We're headed over to Salmon La Sac today to see how much snow is left :thumbsup:

Nice!!!! I bet there is a lot still, but I need to get out of the city.

The campgound is still snowed in and closed. :(

It's going to be July before we can get to our camp spot and probably August before we can get to the lake :rolleyes:

The campgound is still snowed in and closed. :(

It's going to be July before we can get to our camp spot and probably August before we can get to the lake :rolleyes:

Sadly that is what I was expecting. Hmmm I need to take a drive up the 2 and the Mount loop hiway and see when I can catch a fish again :(

Sadly that is what I was expecting. Hmmm I need to take a drive up the 2 and the Mount loop hiway and see when I can catch a fish again :(
Yes please. ;)

dreamr i want that skid plate!! Didnt know you made one on your truck till heyok told me.

dreamr i want that skid plate!! Didnt know you made one on your truck till heyok told me.


Hehe
It actually does pretty good. I dropped the truck off a rock in reverse and balanced my front end on the skid for a second. Other than scrapes. It held up. Barely even took a mild bend. I was impressed that it held up that well considering the materials I used. Anyway, you should make one. It was pretty simple to do....

oh oh I washed and detailed my truck.....


that is note worthy right. :D


Sorry There are no clean pics of her in her current stage in this thread. Twice a year I spend a weekend with all my goodies and the buffer to protect the paint as good as I can and try to hide some of the brush striping. Seems to be getting harder and harder every year. Anyway here she be......

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/etc_003kl.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/ikl.JPG

(Sigh) Shiny paint...how i miss it. Looks really shiny though. i think this is the opnly 2 pictures ive seen of your truck clean and plainly in sight. : thumbsup :

oh oh I washed and detailed my truck.....
that is note worthy right. :D
Yeah,,,,,,sure,,,,,,,,Russell :p

^^ I was going to say, "Only if your from Alaska." :D

Looks good. :thumbsup:

oh oh I washed and detailed my truck.....


that is note worthy right. :D


Sorry There are no clean pics of her in her current stage in this thread. Twice a year I spend a weekend with all my goodies and the buffer to protect the paint as good as I can and try to hide some of the brush striping. Seems to be getting harder and harder every year. Anyway here she be......

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/etc_003kl.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/ikl.JPG

I love your truck man.. damn. Where are the snow wheeling pics? :D

Jake, holy crap, where ya been??

Just work a lot, and no time for anything else.. but, thats all changing :) So I will be around more often now. If the explorer doesnt sell this year, I will rebuild, or maybe buy another and swap it all over.

good to see ya poke by Premier....been a while...then again I have only been checking in once a week a so for the last couple months....too much going on in warcraft to hang here very long lol

warcraft? You play WoW?

warcraft? You play WoW?

Indeed :) got a lvl 63 warrior and a few low lvl alts lol

I have level 500 Jigga

Man I got behind on all my threads getting involved in a crazy new position at work, and of course playing video games lol - it amused me to see the post above about wow and realize how damn long I have played that game.

Anyway just a note to say - nothing has changed she continues on in the same form with no issues - think all I have done is a tune up and replace a water pump.... I love this truck for it's reliability - whenever ya turn the key it starts and goes wherever I point her.

Still have that damn clunk in the suspension that has never shown itself....doesn;t seem to effect it though after almost 2 years of it lol

We thought you had been eaten by wolves, or big cats...

i thought you died..

damn, beat me to it!

We thought you had been eaten by wolves, or big cats...

By a MOOSE:D

lol I kinda did dissapear - sorry, I have tried to check infrom time to time, but I must admit as my projects ground to a halt due to lack of money, I had to stop myself from getting incentive to start more lol