Okay update 051605
Exhaust, done last Friday by Discount Muffler, Denver, CO
My friend Chuck's exhaust shop, they do top notch work.
First he modified the stock 97 Explorer down pipe to clear my oil pan and the front driveshaft, simple cut, bend and add new section:
This put the stock Explorer pipes and cat's at a stock like location/angle/elevation allowing the use of the stock trans mount exhaust hanger: (previously pictured)
Then a couple of simple pipes were bent and added behind the stock down pipe to exhaust bolt up flanges (now to new dual 2.5" in muffler):
Surprise surprise not everyone makes a dual 2.5" in single 3" out muffler.
FloPro makes a muffler that can be used in both directions, so it was chosen.
Flopro dual 2.5" inlet, single 3" out muffler:
Single 3" outlet run over the axle, very nice bends and angle here to accomodate the stock BII hanger, skidplate, and shock location:
And finally 3" single tip run straight out the back and cut for departure angle:
The gains in torque with the single out exhaust over the stock open pipes was VERY noticable as sopon as I left the exhaust shop.
This weekend I also:
-Wired in the OD button in the 96 Mustang shifter
-Wired in the OD OFF light into my stock dash (currently my old REAR ABS light hahaha)
-Wired in the OBD-II underdash diagnostics port
-Wired in new canister purge solenoid
-Performed jumper wire mod to stock 88 Tachometer to read more accuratley for 5.0L V8
-re-installed a new tach gage face (sticker) I had air bubbles from the last attempt
-Put 400 miles on my now converted BII
The driveshafts are at the shop today being modified for the new T case location. The rear gets extended 2". new U joints, and balanced. the front will be 28" (was 30") and re-blanaced.
Currently I do have a CEL and a flashing OD button.
Tomorrow she gets hooked up to a snap on scanner for the first time, we shall hope the codes are:
lack of canister vent solenoid (last thing left to wire up)
Flashing OD light = my truck is running 4.10 gears with 33" tires, PCM should need calibration.
If thats it then I can clear those codes, get the CEL off and emissions the truck. After 1000 miles engine oil will be changed over to synth, trans will get new fluid and filter and I can move on to the next project on the BII, Rust repair, body work, paint prep and paint. I plan to do it all myself withthe help of some friends
All is WELL! 5.0L + 4R70W + BII = HAPPY
It sounds *****in, shifts smooth, and has plenty of power now!