Carlovers Desert Beater Build

[carlover]

well it looks as if i wore my leafs out finally....the drivers side is pretty much flat at ride height. looks like its time for links.

[james t]

Still planning the parallel 4-link?

[carlover]

more than likely yes. spring rates will be a pita to figure out. but in the end 20" of usable wheel travel will be nice, and pretty cheap.. im actually shopping for coilovers and bypass shocks today.

[MrQ]

Wow I just read through this whole thread and I am amazed at the amount of time, effort, and money you have put into this. I hope it pays off and shows the whole world that the Explorer REALLY lives up to its name!

[carlover]

Thanks, so far its been a very fun vehicle. But it's a long way off from being complete. It's kinda discouraging sometimes to see the amount of time and money put into it and know how much more is left to do.

[carlover]

Buying a currie HD 9" housing this week. Also ordering a 22 gallon fuel cell. Got prices for King shocks and springs and will order them soon also. I guess there's no turning back now......

[mounty71]

That's quite the shopping list you have going on. Can't wait to see progress...when's the work starting?

[carlover]

End of next month more than likely. I still need a 3rd member for the 9", hydro bumps, and a few other things i cant think of off the top of my head. Going the simple way though, 4 bar 4 link with coilovers off the axle, and because im buying everything new from King they will do all my spring and shock fine tuning for me for free.

[Dannyboy]

why not FOA this time around? Whats the plan for the cell? You going to have to build a bulkhead in the rear cargo area to seperate it from the cab? There was one fuel cell in Summit that was around that size that would have fit where the spare tire originally fit but I never knew exactly how I would run the filler neck.

[carlover]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy

why not FOA this time around? Whats the plan for the cell? You going to have to build a bulkhead in the rear cargo area to seperate it from the cab? There was one fuel cell in Summit that was around that size that would have fit where the spare tire originally fit but I never knew exactly how I would run the filler neck.

While Kings are alot more money than FOA's the quality is also hand down superior. Nothing against FOA at all, they are a good shock at an awesome price, but im not going to spare any expense building this thing anymore. With a 4 bar 4 link the spring rates and valving is very very tricky due to the almost 1:1 shock/travel ratio, and the fact that the coil carriers are right on the axle. By buying the Kings they will tune and setup in house which is more than worth the extra cash being spent.

The fuel cell will be mounted under the floor in the rear with a hole only for the filler neck. Im trying to keep it out of the cargo area, and it should be do able.

[IZwack]

Mmmmm.. coil carriers & bypasses, bring on the seks.

[carlover]

Originally Posted by IZwack

Mmmmm.. coil carriers & bypasses, bring on the seks.

hahahahaha, i want to do a mezzanine arm pretty bad. But that would require a custom built axle and $700 fiberglass and much more. So it would run at least $2000 extra. No thanks, im already spending enough as it is. 18" coilovers and bypasses arent cheap. The coil shock will have valving in it so it wont be just a coil carrier so to speak.

[carlover]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy

why not FOA this time around? Whats the plan for the cell? You going to have to build a bulkhead in the rear cargo area to seperate it from the cab? There was one fuel cell in Summit that was around that size that would have fit where the spare tire originally fit but I never knew exactly how I would run the filler neck.

damn dude i totally forgot to ask you how you liked the race?? and the view from the rock pile??

[Dannyboy]

it was a good time, really a great experience. My buddy was in the process of building a class 1 car but now is considering picking up one of the 7200 trucks that looks like a pretty good deal.

I can't believe how many DNF's out there, that course was eating trucks alive. I have an awesome video I need to edit and post on youtube from the rockpile. I had my camcorder setup outside the snowfence right near the landing area.

[carlover]

Yep the DNF's are like that every race. A 7200 truck would be a sweet ride, basically a mini trophy truck right there. With the way things look right now the explorer will be done and race ready by the next night race. I decided to kinda slow down and do it right with the best parts i can afford. Even if it takes longer it will be way better in the long run.

[carlover]

And the parts pile keeps growing. Picking up some beard suspension seats and crow 5 point harnesses tommorow.

[mounty71]

When are those suspension seats being installed? I have a friend in need of either a driver or passenger car seat and he may be making a trip out in your direction soon.

[carlover]

all i have left is the seats themselves. I mounted the beards to the stock sliders so i can have a little bit of adjustability.


Little update though, we will be doing a full cage in 2 weeks finally. It will be a full on race legal cage, all of 1 3/4 .120 DOM.

[IZwack]

Originally Posted by carlover

all i have left is the seats themselves. I mounted the beards to the stock sliders so i can have a little bit of adjustability.

What and no pics? Pics of GTFO!

[carlover]

Originally Posted by IZwack

What and no pics? Pics of GTFO!

hahahahaha pics of seats arent very exciting lol. but man ohhhh man those suspension seats are soooooooo damn comfortable. but they are a pita to get in and out of lol.