LD50 Full-size axle thread `93 Ex

LD50 Full-size axle thread `93 Ex SAS

Hey fellow Explorer enthusiasts!

Well I never thought I`d do it, but it`s time.
I originally thought I would go to a smaller rig one day but I`m going to beef up the Explorer instead. Since I already have a huge thread on my previous work I decided to start fresh.

If you would like to see my previous mods, you can navigate from my signature link, or click here:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=523171#post523171

~

My plans are to install a D44 and 9-inch into the station wagon and run 35 inch tires. Hopefully she`ll still get in the garage, but if it don`t then oh well. During this I also have some body work to do.

Right now I have the rear end out, I took off the spare tire hanger and removed the muffler and rear most heat shield. (doors are off for body work)Next the gas tank comes out so I can prep the underside for rust protection, from the t-case back. In the meantime I am trying to sell some parts for cash.

First big decision is what gear ratio. The 4.10`s on 33s was nice, but I think I`d like a bit more torque than that so I`m thinking 4.88 or 5.13s.

 

[IZwack]

Good job ld50.

BTW those mountains in the background look amazing.

 

[ld50]

Thanks snoboarder, I`ll remember that tip when I design it.

Izwack, BC is pretty mountainous overall, here is mount Hope, seen from my backyard..

 

[DistortedCloud]

I miss BC, such a beautiful province.

Nice work on the explorer.

 

[ld50]

Thanks guys,
My shocks are RanchoRS9000XL #RS999012


Still waiting on my flares, I`m hoping to slap some insurance on and do an inaugural trip/test this weekend but I don`t want to drive flareless and get an inspection order...

 

[ld50]

Worked on the front crossmember today, eventually I`ll incorporate a receiver hitch into it, but not today.

As you can see, when I did my 2 inch body lift years ago, I just cut the ends of the frame and moved the cutoff portion up 2 inches; in case you`re wondering

 

[ld50]

I did the work up at my workplace, we have a loading ramp, So I flexed out to see how it looks. Not high enough to make a tire finish extending but I think it`s flexing nicely.
The front shock on the forward flex has quite a bit of room. The rear bumpstops are actually useless, unless I lower them -or I could just chuck`em.

These are the forward ramp pics, with shock pics:

 

[ld50]

Then I backed up it to see. I magaged to compress the front shock more this time..

These are the rear ramp pics, with front shock pic:

 

[colindo94]

Does your tire hit the bumper at full stuff. Mine does

 

[ld50]

Nope, but you have bigger tires and your axle is slightly further ahead than mine, so it makes sense.

 

[zainyD]

Looks great man, nice flex!

 

[Burns]

Does your tire hit the bumper at full stuff. Mine does

I dont rub on full stuff with the same tires.

 

[colindo94]

I think its because I moved the axle forward like 3" and you have a cool custom bumper.

 

[carsonm]

I still can't believe how different it looks in real life, the pictures really don't do it justice. You need to take a picture beside your wifes Ex.

Carson

 

[sn0border88]

i moved mine about 3" forward and I had to trim alot of the front fender.

 

[Burns]

I think its because I moved the axle forward like 3" and you have a cool custom bumper.

Oh dang....i only went up 1.5 inches or so...


thread back on topic....ha ha my bad

 

[ld50]

Hey people.
Well I wanted to test the Ex out and see what would break, if anything.
So I figured; Why not enter it in a 4x4 obstacle course?
In town they have a 4x4 competition a couple times a year so I donned my Explorerforum T-shirt and entered the competition for 40 bucks and a chance at a cash prize and a trophy. Well I got a trophy, but I didn`t even come in third place, which was a whopping ten dollar purse.
Some of these guys were nuts, the winner in my class drove a Ranger like the devil was on his ass or he was hopped up on speed, can`t decide which. Anyway, he drove that thing like he stole it, hat`s off to ya, whoever you were. Me, I just wanted to pound the bugs out of the Ex and have a memorable time while I was at it. I thought I had third place nailed, but I guess my math wasn`t too good. Anyway, I wouldn`t want to kill my baby for a handful of locals and a tiny purse, right?
A lot of people were telling me my truck was too nice and clean to run it here, saying "don`t wreck it". Overall everyone seemed to really like how the Explorer turned out.
This was quite the adrenaline rush I tell ya.

P.S. I got my flares on.

 

[ld50]

Here is some video; hey if anyone has a program to capture stills from the quicktime video, I would be much obliged if you could post some. Nobody took stills of any of my three runs, only video...

from bleachers:
http://www.explorerforum.com/files/9935/bestest.mov

from co-pilot ( I THINK i was listening :
http://www.explorerforum.com/files/9935/4x4 and hawk 008.mov

 

[ld50]

can`t remember exactly, but at least 5 trucks got destroyed. The first pick is one of the best jumpers of the day.

The next two are a guy who won a trip to the hospital, with what they tell me was a compressed spine. He hit HARD! When he came down his rear tires hit first and SLAMMED him to the ground, popping a tire and putting him unconscious for a few minutes. While the truck was bouncing, he flopped around like a sick ***** getting slapped by her drug dealer, very scary. He was taken out on a spine board, I hope he is okay.

 

[ld50]

Anyway, nothing broke, but I did bend some things I figured might bend eventually. Anyone guess what bent? :

 

[FROADER]

Wow, first outing is a 'tough truck" challenge. Looks like it was pretty fun.