So you picked up a 1st gen Explorer for a screamin' deal of $800 and you can't wait to modify it with a lift kit, bigger tires, and more power. Those are all GREAT ambitions and I'm all for it, but not so fast!!
Before you start spending all your cash on go fast goodies, and everything you will need to get those 33" tires under your rig, you better take a good look at your 20 year old investment.
Here is a short list of things I can think of checking which should always be done before placing more strain on the rig with larger, heavier tires and wheels, power adders etc.
#1 Brakes
Hydraulic hoses don't last forever, neither do metal brake lines, ESPECIALLY IN THE RUST BELT.
Check your wheel cylinders and caliper seals for leakage.
Check for stuck brake pistons in the calipers and wheel cylinders.
I bought a high mileage F-250 in the rust belt which had 3 of the 4 brakes frozen. Weird thing was it still stopped straight and fine, with just one rear brake... On dry pavement. First time it rained I nearly died. I lived to tell the tale and to pass on the experience for others to learn from. Of course while you're at it, check your rotors for cracking, and your pads and shoes for wear.
#2. Wheel Bearings - Suspension
On a 20 year old vehicle I would like to know that my wheels aren't going to fall off
Re-pack your front wheel bearings. It may be the first time in their life that they have been touched... And that's usually not a good thing on a vehicle with 100,000+ miles.
Inspect ball joints, tie rod ends, the rag joint in your steering column and your leaf springs for cracked leafs. Keep an eye out for blown out suspension bushings.
#3 Fluids
Check the fluid levels in your differentials, transfer case, transmission and of course engine.
#5.Charging System
How do your battery terminals look? Time for a new set of cables? A large percentage of "no crank" problems and other gremlins are due to badly corroded cables and terminals.
#6 "The other guys add ons"
Check the previous owners work. Don't assume he did anything right.
#7 Structural Rust
Any rust which affects the frame, shackles, floor under the seats etc, should be cut out and replaced with solid metal.
Do it right the first time!
If anyone would like to add to this, please feel free.
Before you start spending all your cash on go fast goodies, and everything you will need to get those 33" tires under your rig, you better take a good look at your 20 year old investment.
Here is a short list of things I can think of checking which should always be done before placing more strain on the rig with larger, heavier tires and wheels, power adders etc.
#1 Brakes
Hydraulic hoses don't last forever, neither do metal brake lines, ESPECIALLY IN THE RUST BELT.
Check your wheel cylinders and caliper seals for leakage.
Check for stuck brake pistons in the calipers and wheel cylinders.
I bought a high mileage F-250 in the rust belt which had 3 of the 4 brakes frozen. Weird thing was it still stopped straight and fine, with just one rear brake... On dry pavement. First time it rained I nearly died. I lived to tell the tale and to pass on the experience for others to learn from. Of course while you're at it, check your rotors for cracking, and your pads and shoes for wear.
#2. Wheel Bearings - Suspension
On a 20 year old vehicle I would like to know that my wheels aren't going to fall off
Re-pack your front wheel bearings. It may be the first time in their life that they have been touched... And that's usually not a good thing on a vehicle with 100,000+ miles.
Inspect ball joints, tie rod ends, the rag joint in your steering column and your leaf springs for cracked leafs. Keep an eye out for blown out suspension bushings.
#3 Fluids
Check the fluid levels in your differentials, transfer case, transmission and of course engine.
#5.Charging System
How do your battery terminals look? Time for a new set of cables? A large percentage of "no crank" problems and other gremlins are due to badly corroded cables and terminals.
#6 "The other guys add ons"
Check the previous owners work. Don't assume he did anything right.
#7 Structural Rust
Any rust which affects the frame, shackles, floor under the seats etc, should be cut out and replaced with solid metal.
Do it right the first time!
If anyone would like to add to this, please feel free.
