Snowstorm = Totalled 96 5.0L AWD - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

**410Fortune** · 03-14-2005, 10:57 AM

Thats right, despite the spring like weather we have been having the last few weeks Colorado reminded us where we live Sunday with 18" of snow (at my house, 7800 feet) Yesterday (Sunday) it snowed all day, never froze on the roads until the sun went down, then the wet roads became ice.
Anyways on my way home I was driving up 285 (Highway up into the foothills) and doing about 45 MPH in my 96 5.0L AWD explorer I lost traction. I tried to correct, got a little sideways, tried to correct, too late. Slammed straight on into the center divider (read concrete monster) launched the nose of the truck in the air, came down flat on the passenger side in the middle of the 2 lane highway. Both airbags deployed as promised, I had my seat belt on of course, and escaped with minor bruises.

Truck is totalled for sure, frame is tweaked, doors dont want to open, radiator is touching the waterpump, I will get some pictures.
Had the truck towed to the house, where it is now collecting even more snow.
As some of you know I had this truck for just about a month now, I paid $500 for it with 89K miles on the clock. I installed a new tail light, 4 Rancho RSX shocks, 4 new 02 sensors, a EGR valve, new plugs, tune up and paid $80 last week for registration and plates.

Damn I loved that truck! I am glad I am okay of course, I am glad I did not hit anyone else, I am not glad I was going a little too fast for conditions and if I had just wrecked my BII I would probably be in worse shape....

I'll get some pics when the snow lets up.....

Great way to start my bithday week, but at least I will make it to see 32, could have easily been seriously injured or worse in an accident of this nature....

*BuffaloXplorer* · 03-14-2005, 11:29 AM

That sucks, man, but

you're OK! You should make out like a bandit come the insurance payoff. Above all else, you survived with only a few bruises - and the most important bruise would be the one(s) from the seatbelt you were wearing.

I gotta say, if it weren't for the sh!t i've seen on EF, i still wouldn't be wearing mine. But i've got 3 l'il girls that depend on me, and EF has helped me realize that.

Glad to hear you're OK!

Creager · 03-14-2005, 11:30 AM

dude thats freggin crucial. What kinda condition is the motor/tranny and all that good stuff? Possible V8 swap in another truck?

**410Fortune** · 03-14-2005, 11:34 AM

I have not taken a closer look but I am definatley interested in purchasing this truck back from insurance for possible drivetrain donor.

I can live with bruises, ALWAYS wear your seatbelt, seatbelt saved my dads life years ago and mine twice now.

*Nick26* · 03-14-2005, 11:48 AM

damn did that 5.0 swap in the BII a little to soon, could have reused the drivetrain! Glad your alright! Did you say you got the truck for only $500? typo? Let me know if you do get it back and part it out I would be interested in the rear carrier if its open...

RayLCC · 03-14-2005, 12:00 PM

That sucks, 410. I'm glad you're ok though. We didn't get much snow down here in the metro area. Like you, I just got my truck a little while ago so this would have been my first chance to take it out and play in the snow, so I was a little disappointed to wake up to nothing more than wet streets on sunday. I was hoping for a big blizzard like we had a couple years back. I'm glad you're ok. A truck can always be replaced. let me know if I can help in any way.

Jester1994 · 03-14-2005, 12:08 PM

I'm glad your ok 410, lets see some pics once you get everything settled. Luckily your safety equipment did it's job!

**410Fortune** · 03-14-2005, 12:20 PM

I can say that Gen II is one solid truck, it took quite a hit, the airbags worked as promised and it held up really well despite my best efforts to get it airborne and into oncoming traffic.

I could now have alot of "spare" parts for my BII, depending on how much the insurance company wants for the buy back....

outhouse · 03-14-2005, 12:24 PM

It's only metal, your the most important component in the car and your completely salvagable. We've just seen the last of recent snow storms melt up here (so much for global warming) at an embarrassingly low 1000 feet. But the 18 inches we got still managed to bottom out the Ex.

Tip of the month: when travelling in snow always carry a spare wife who can be easily (though she did say never again) deployed to bounce up and down on the rear fender for extra traction!

Creager · 03-14-2005, 12:37 PM

spare wives huh? definatly good for bouncing up and down.

EDIT: sorry im a perv... hah

*techieman33* · 03-14-2005, 02:56 PM

That sucks, and only a month after you got it. But that can be a good thing too, at least you didn't have much of a chance to dump a lot money into it.

**410Fortune** · 03-14-2005, 03:31 PM

Trckmagik · 03-14-2005, 03:37 PM

Damn.... I am sorry to hear about this sir. Buy it back for sure.

**410Fortune** · 03-14-2005, 03:42 PM

yeah anyone got a 96 4 door that need a drivetrain for el cheapo?

Upon further review damage to the engine may be very minor, the radiator got jacked up down low, but apears to not have gone as far as I thought.
Once I get a chance to pry the hood open we will know more.

**section525** · 03-14-2005, 03:43 PM

Jamie.. theres one on ebay right now. I'll find the link..

**section525** · 03-14-2005, 03:44 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

Ha.. same color and everything. Not half the deal you got either.

JGAMBLE · 03-14-2005, 03:51 PM

The important thing is you walked away from it. Personally I've sent 6 to the graveyard and have learned to not longer become attached to em for that reason. Looks like a lotta spare parts to me. I'd love to have the engine/trans for mine, can only imagine shipping to alaska though

man I hate this state.

**410Fortune** · 03-14-2005, 03:57 PM

this is my 6th wreck since I was 16, totalled 4 cars to date, 3 of them my fault.

I am thankful to be alive, it was not my time to go.

Hahahaha Section thanks fort he link, that sucker would be PERFECT if it wasnt in FLorida. I am looking around the midwest now, I dont want to spend 6 months building this sucker so hopefully I can find a 4 door good body and get started, just drop inthe 5.0L drivetrain and go...
I guess it wouldnt be that much work to convert a OHV explorer over to this 5.0L drivetrain either.....or a Ranger....okay okay I better just wait until the insurance thing is over.

**FROADER** · 03-14-2005, 05:08 PM

Glad to hear you're alright Jamie. Sucks about the big bargain special from your brother though. Looks like you'll make pretty good money off of it though. Good luck man.

00XLS · 03-14-2005, 09:26 PM

Wow, that def. sucks. But like someone said, its good your ok and you'll prob. make out on the $$$.

03-14-2005, 10:57 AM	#1
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 21,976 Vehicle Specs	Snowstorm = Totalled 96 5.0L AWD Thats right, despite the spring like weather we have been having the last few weeks Colorado reminded us where we live Sunday with 18" of snow (at my house, 7800 feet) Yesterday (Sunday) it snowed all day, never froze on the roads until the sun went down, then the wet roads became ice. Anyways on my way home I was driving up 285 (Highway up into the foothills) and doing about 45 MPH in my 96 5.0L AWD explorer I lost traction. I tried to correct, got a little sideways, tried to correct, too late. Slammed straight on into the center divider (read concrete monster) launched the nose of the truck in the air, came down flat on the passenger side in the middle of the 2 lane highway. Both airbags deployed as promised, I had my seat belt on of course, and escaped with minor bruises. Truck is totalled for sure, frame is tweaked, doors dont want to open, radiator is touching the waterpump, I will get some pictures. Had the truck towed to the house, where it is now collecting even more snow. As some of you know I had this truck for just about a month now, I paid $500 for it with 89K miles on the clock. I installed a new tail light, 4 Rancho RSX shocks, 4 new 02 sensors, a EGR valve, new plugs, tune up and paid $80 last week for registration and plates. Damn I loved that truck! I am glad I am okay of course, I am glad I did not hit anyone else, I am not glad I was going a little too fast for conditions and if I had just wrecked my BII I would probably be in worse shape.... I'll get some pics when the snow lets up..... Great way to start my bithday week, but at least I will make it to see 32, could have easily been seriously injured or worse in an accident of this nature.... __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted Last edited by 410Fortune; 03-14-2005 at 01:24 PM.

03-14-2005, 11:29 AM	#2
BuffaloXplorer The X had to go! Buffalo, New York 2006 Impala SS Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,425 Vehicle Specs	That sucks, man, but you're OK! You should make out like a bandit come the insurance payoff. Above all else, you survived with only a few bruises - and the most important bruise would be the one(s) from the seatbelt you were wearing. I gotta say, if it weren't for the sh!t i've seen on EF, i still wouldn't be wearing mine. But i've got 3 l'il girls that depend on me, and EF has helped me realize that. Glad to hear you're OK! __________________ Chris 2006 Impala SS Black on Black Leather 303hp V8 w/DOD - XM Radio Adios 1996 Explorer Conversion - 4.OHV6

03-14-2005, 11:34 AM	#4
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 21,976 Vehicle Specs	I have not taken a closer look but I am definatley interested in purchasing this truck back from insurance for possible drivetrain donor. I can live with bruises, ALWAYS wear your seatbelt, seatbelt saved my dads life years ago and mine twice now. __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

03-14-2005, 11:48 AM	#5
Nick26 Elite Explorer Cumberland, RI 98' 5.0 XLT Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,080 Vehicle Specs	damn did that 5.0 swap in the BII a little to soon, could have reused the drivetrain! Glad your alright! Did you say you got the truck for only $500? typo? Let me know if you do get it back and part it out I would be interested in the rear carrier if its open... __________________ First 2nd gen 5 Speed Manual V8 4WD Explorer! SOA & 3" Front Body Lift BW 1354 Manual T-Case swap Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, M5OD disassembly and re-assembly

03-14-2005, 12:08 PM	#7
Jester1994 Wannabe Elite Explorer Somerville, MA (Boston) '97 5.0 AWD EB Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 338 Vehicle Specs	I'm glad your ok 410, lets see some pics once you get everything settled. Luckily your safety equipment did it's job! __________________ '97 Black 5.0, AWD EB with 5.0 badging. 31x10.5 BFG All-terrain KO's, TT, AAL's and Warrior shackles. K&N FIPK, Pro-M 75mm MAS, Apten Chip, Flowmaster Delta 50 Muffler. Black Sarafi bar with Hella 500's, Rockford Fosgate Audio system, Class III Hidden Hitch, Yakima roof racks. My Truck Fun the snow Free ipods, help me and yourself get them!

03-14-2005, 11:30 AM	#3
Creager Wannabe Elite Explorer Charlotte, NC '92 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,800 Vehicle Specs	dude thats freggin crucial. What kinda condition is the motor/tranny and all that good stuff? Possible V8 swap in another truck?

03-14-2005, 12:00 PM	#6
RayLCC Wannabe Elite Explorer Denver, Colorado '99 XLT AWD 5.0 Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 144 Vehicle Specs	That sucks, 410. I'm glad you're ok though. We didn't get much snow down here in the metro area. Like you, I just got my truck a little while ago so this would have been my first chance to take it out and play in the snow, so I was a little disappointed to wake up to nothing more than wet streets on sunday. I was hoping for a big blizzard like we had a couple years back. I'm glad you're ok. A truck can always be replaced. let me know if I can help in any way.

03-14-2005, 12:20 PM	#8
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 21,976 Vehicle Specs	I can say that Gen II is one solid truck, it took quite a hit, the airbags worked as promised and it held up really well despite my best efforts to get it airborne and into oncoming traffic. I could now have alot of "spare" parts for my BII, depending on how much the insurance company wants for the buy back.... __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted Last edited by 410Fortune; 03-14-2005 at 01:25 PM.

03-14-2005, 12:24 PM	#9
outhouse Wannabe Elite Explorer England '99 XLT 4x4 4.0 Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 52 Vehicle Specs	It's only metal, your the most important component in the car and your completely salvagable. We've just seen the last of recent snow storms melt up here (so much for global warming) at an embarrassingly low 1000 feet. But the 18 inches we got still managed to bottom out the Ex. Tip of the month: when travelling in snow always carry a spare wife who can be easily (though she did say never again) deployed to bounce up and down on the rear fender for extra traction!

03-14-2005, 12:37 PM	#10
Creager Wannabe Elite Explorer Charlotte, NC '92 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,800 Vehicle Specs	spare wives huh? definatly good for bouncing up and down. EDIT: sorry im a perv... hah

03-14-2005, 02:56 PM	#11
techieman33 Elite Explorer Topeka, KS 00 V8 Mountaineer Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,010 Vehicle Specs	That sucks, and only a month after you got it. But that can be a good thing too, at least you didn't have much of a chance to dump a lot money into it.

03-14-2005, 03:31 PM	#12
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 21,976 Vehicle Specs	__________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

03-14-2005, 03:37 PM	#13
Trckmagik NukinFutz.com Member Celina, Texas 1994 Join Date: Aug 1999 Posts: 4,561 Vehicle Specs	Damn.... I am sorry to hear about this sir. Buy it back for sure. __________________ Brian Green Are you NukinFutz? 1996 V-8 Explorer

03-14-2005, 03:42 PM	#14
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 21,976 Vehicle Specs	yeah anyone got a 96 4 door that need a drivetrain for el cheapo? Upon further review damage to the engine may be very minor, the radiator got jacked up down low, but apears to not have gone as far as I thought. Once I get a chance to pry the hood open we will know more. __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

03-14-2005, 03:43 PM	#15
section525 sextion525 Red Bluff, Ca 1996 XLT V8 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 13,432 Vehicle Specs	Jamie.. theres one on ebay right now. I'll find the link.. __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0L 2004 F250 6.0L 2009 Jetta TDI

03-14-2005, 03:44 PM	#16
section525 sextion525 Red Bluff, Ca 1996 XLT V8 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 13,432 Vehicle Specs	http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW Ha.. same color and everything. Not half the deal you got either. __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0L 2004 F250 6.0L 2009 Jetta TDI

03-14-2005, 03:51 PM	#17
JGAMBLE B Ft. Wainwright, Ak 1994xlt Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,031 Vehicle Specs	The important thing is you walked away from it. Personally I've sent 6 to the graveyard and have learned to not longer become attached to em for that reason. Looks like a lotta spare parts to me. I'd love to have the engine/trans for mine, can only imagine shipping to alaska though man I hate this state.

03-14-2005, 03:57 PM	#18
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 21,976 Vehicle Specs	this is my 6th wreck since I was 16, totalled 4 cars to date, 3 of them my fault. I am thankful to be alive, it was not my time to go. Hahahaha Section thanks fort he link, that sucker would be PERFECT if it wasnt in FLorida. I am looking around the midwest now, I dont want to spend 6 months building this sucker so hopefully I can find a 4 door good body and get started, just drop inthe 5.0L drivetrain and go... I guess it wouldnt be that much work to convert a OHV explorer over to this 5.0L drivetrain either.....or a Ranger....okay okay I better just wait until the insurance thing is over. __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted Last edited by 410Fortune; 03-14-2005 at 05:02 PM.

03-14-2005, 05:08 PM	#19
FROADER Moderator Huntington Beach, CA Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 18,218 Vehicle Specs	Glad to hear you're alright Jamie. Sucks about the big bargain special from your brother though. Looks like you'll make pretty good money off of it though. Good luck man. __________________ Colin Ignacio FORUM RULES My Explorer - My F-150 - My vBGarage - My Videos

03-14-2005, 09:26 PM	#20
00XLS Wannabe Elite Explorer Frackville/State College PA Explorer 00 XLS Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,009 Vehicle Specs	Wow, that def. sucks. But like someone said, its good your ok and you'll prob. make out on the $$$. __________________ 2000 4dr. 4x4 XLS 4.0 OHV 3.73's K&N,throttle cable mod. Brown wire 2wd, Mobil 1, Air Box mod. w/ K&N, TT &shackles, 31 Goodyear Wrangler SA, Silverstar Ultras, Alpine HU, Sirus Satrad.