1998 Explorer 5.0 “Restoration2021” project

[SuperGordo]

Once I get the engine running again I'll have to plan to reinstall the door panels, the seats and finish installing the interior. Nothing really terrible left to do inside. I still have to clean up the wheels, and plan on the new tires. None of the existing tires are roadworthy in any way at all. The last things I want to do is get it on the lift and replace the rear wheel bearings and seals, and new gear oil. And after that see how bad the rear main leaks. When I first started it it was dripping on the ground and the cat. But none of the PCV system was correct. I have no issue doing the rear main. But that will happen on the lift. But If I pull the trans I'll overhaul the 4r70w at the same time. Then there would be almost nothing to worry about driving wise. Also I'm going to rekey the door locks and tailgate lock to match the ignition. On the tailgate I'm installing a new wiper arm because its just gone. And I'm going to replace the lock actuator back there. I figure that once those things are done I can reinstall the trim panel and not have to go back in there for years. The actuator back there works but some times you have to hit the button a couple times to get it to lock. Don't want to leave it that way.

And If I can muster the budget I'll take this to my exhaust guy for a complete new exhaust system, minus that 3rd cat assembly

 

[DintDobbs]

@SuperGordo 10/10! Truly excellent restoration, my guy! Gives some hope for the ones of us with ailing old 2nd gens. Where there's a will, there's a way, at least with these tough cookies!

 

[SuperGordo]

@SuperGordo 10/10! Truly excellent restoration, my guy! Gives some hope for the ones of us with ailing old 2nd gens. Where there's a will, there's a way, at least with these tough cookies!

Thanks! I figured this is a great car. Easy to get most parts, reliable, the 5.0 and a 4r70w are almost unbeatable. Low cost to register and insure. Great SUV to haul a newborn around in. We are almost to the payoff.

 

[SuperGordo]

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Here are two pics of the upper control arms after we were done.

 

[c96drumm]

You're not joking about the "Super" part of "SuperGordo"! You're really gettin' er done! Fine job!
Yep, that 302/4R70W combination is hard to beat. My 96 AWD has been my daily driver for almost 20 years and over 350,000 miles with nothing done to engine or transmission but routine maintenance.

 

[SuperGordo]

You're not joking about the "Super" part of "SuperGordo"! You're really gettin' er done! Fine job!
Yep, that 302/4R70W combination is hard to beat. My 96 AWD has been my daily driver for almost 20 years and over 350,000 miles with nothing done to engine or transmission but routine maintenance.

Wow, that’s awesome! Maintenance matters!!

 

[SuperGordo]

Well I had a bunch of work to get done today so no real progress on the Ex. But I did successfully obtain a proper left side motor mount. Going to get the motor back on the frame tomorrow. MY buddy is going to come help me, so hopefully we get the plenum back on as well. Keep your fingers crossed!

 

[SuperGordo]

Got the motor mounts in. Installed the rear door panels with new clips. Got the balancer on. Starter reinstalled.

 

[SuperGordo]

If any of you guys following this thread can find or have good used door panel armrests, I'm interested. Let me know please. Thanks!

 

[SuperGordo]

Say the word and I'll grab the hood up tomorrow....no reimbursement for time / labor ( I"ll troll for my Explorer / Jeep parts while there)
It's $51.46 plus tx / fees...$60 total tops. Viewing your first photo versus the main one I was looking at it, it does appear to be a match.. and considering diminished gloss. Reimbursed via paypal.... don't leave me hanging with a grey hood. Or as discussed, go with the vinyl wrap.
What's the two-letter paint code on your door sticker?

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I still may want to take you up on that hood. Just trying to get this thing driving again first.

 

[EB4X]

I still may want to take you up on that hood. Just trying to get this thing driving again first

Just so happens I did end up going there trying to score $800 like new AT tires for $64 but a "customer" got them before me supposedly ( I arrived no more then 90 minutes after vehicle pic was listed) .... anyway, got pics of your Explorer.....(door sticker exterior paint code doesn't jive but check to see what yours states)
Unfortunately there is one small chip on hood (dead center pretty much) ...other then that it's pristine... see pics:

 

[SuperGordo]

Just so happens I did end up going there trying to score $800 like new AT tires for $64 but a "customer" got them before me supposedly ( I arrived no more then 90 minutes after vehicle pic was listed) .... anyway, got pics of your Explorer.....(door sticker exterior paint code doesn't jive but check to see what yours states)
Unfortunately there is one small chip on hood (dead center pretty much) ...other then that it's pristine... see pics:View attachment 423825
View attachment 423826 View attachment 423827

I Keep forgetting to snap a pic of the VIN. I'll do that today. Thanks for looking it over. Any good door panel armrests out there??

 

[SuperGordo]

Here are a couple pics of the old oil pan gasket. It's worth noting that the pan gasket came out in 4 pieces. It was in real sorry shape.

 

[CDW6212R]

Well done, that was a good idea to replace the pan gasket. Mine all have leaked a hair, my last two mostly around the front corners. People pull the water pump and do a piss poor job resealing the pan, if they even do anything.

The door panel pieces you can get from any 95-99 model with the same color, all option levels should match on 4dr's.

 

[SuperGordo]

Well done, that was a good idea to replace the pan gasket. Mine all have leaked a hair, my last two mostly around the front corners. People pull the water pump and do a piss poor job resealing the pan, if they even do anything.

The door panel pieces you can get from any 95-99 model with the same color, all option levels should match on 4dr's.

Well here in Las Vegas most of them are total crap. So hopefully someone in a milder climate might have access to some that are nicer. In Vegas nothing rusts, but the sun and heat kills paint and interior.

 

[CDW6212R]

If you have a good tinting place nearby, be sure to have all of the glass tinted that is near interior you want to protect. The 90% tint is fine for windshield, and the rear too. I have it on one of my cars, my 91 Lincoln, and you cannot tell it's there unless you are hunting for the seam. The OEM tint doesn't block UV rays, it may be good to do the rear that is already tinted and match the fronts to that.

 

[SuperGordo]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

 

[sandsprayer]

Yeah
Happy Thanksgiving to all
The animals have already had a taste of smoked turkey
Cannot wait for our turn

 

[sandsprayer]

You taking the day away from the toolbox @SuperGordo ?

 

[EB4X]

You taking the day away from the toolbox @SuperGordo ?

Only until the tryptophan from the turkey overwhelms him and he has to take a power nap, only to then be revitalized to go work on it some more!