1994 explorer prerunner builld!

[Fix4Dirt]

2 XR2s must be real fun! Since Ive seen them usually on 17' or so bass boats, so twin on a 21 must be amazing! Haha. And yes! We have a 3 blade and a high five usually we run the HF cause its more fun haha For an 18 yes it is deeper than usual but its real fun! Also makes the ski lockers have more space haha

 

[dezertranger]

Got some good hours on the car this weekend.
Got the radius arm pivot brackets bolted on to the frame. The crossmember for the brackets also doubles as a transmission mount so that’s pretty awesome.

After that I started gettin the new beam pivot brackets on. These things are BEEFY! The welds are also pretty damn glorious on em. Super happy with how they fit also. All this stuff is from cookcraft fabrication by the way

Beams are on! I forgot to go get heims for the radius arms this weekend so I’ll have to go get some tomorrow and then I can mount those. We’re So close!!

 

[dezertranger]

Had an idea and brought it to life. 3D Printed this panel that replaces the ashtray. It holds s spod switch system and it also a usb charger and 12v socket for whatever I may need.
I’m Super happy with the final design. I love doing little things like this.

 

[donalds]

That looks really good

 

[Fix4Dirt]

Suhweet! What software? We use Solidworks.

 

[dezertranger]

I also use solidworks!

 

[Fix4Dirt]

I also use solidworks!

Yes!!!! I love SW so many more features than Fusion etc.

 

[410Fortune]

Dangit
I really need to get a 3d printer

Well done! Looks fantastic
This Cookcraft stuff is absurd, Absolutely works of art, like functional jewelry for your suspension

 

[dvdswan]

Amazing build so far. Keep up the great work.

 

[Kirby N.]

Rad build! 35x10.50s are a great tire size. I am a big pizza cutter fan.

 

[dezertranger]

I’m not typically a pizza cutter fan but it’s my only option haha

 

[dezertranger]

Dangit
I really need to get a 3d printer

Well done! Looks fantastic
This Cookcraft stuff is absurd, Absolutely works of art, like functional jewelry for your suspension

If you’re looking at them I highly recommend a model from bambu labs. I have 2 of yhe x1-c models but they have cheaper options. Everything I print is made of abs plastic or ASA not that cheese PLA stuff that the Amazon printers will be limited to.

And yea the cookcraft stuff is beautiful. He’s a long time friend of mine and amazing fabricator. If you have Instagram you should check out his page. He’s building a tube chassis “tundra” right now that’s bonkers. His Instagram is cookcraft metal

 

[dezertranger]

Yes!!!! I love SW so many more features than Fusion etc.

Fusion isn’t bad for beginners though. Solidworks and autodesk inventor are both very solid professional platforms. I know both, well, a lot of others too, but I’m drawn to Solidworks 90% of the time. I do a lot of cnc parts for my side business and inventor has cnc side integrated into it which is cool too.
solidworks sheet metal assembly tools are undefeated makes for drawing off-road parts seamless.
I draw a lot of stuff for a bunch of clients in the offroad/ desert racing industry.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

Fusion isn’t bad for beginners though. Solidworks and autodesk inventor are both very solid professional platforms. I know both, well, a lot of others too, but I’m drawn to Solidworks 90% of the time. I do a lot of cnc parts for my side business and inventor has cnc side integrated into it which is cool too.
solidworks sheet metal assembly tools are undefeated makes for drawing off-road parts seamless.
I draw a lot of stuff for a bunch of clients in the offroad/ desert racing industry.

Oh definitely Fusion is more intuitive and easier but in terms of industry I prefer SW.

 

[dezertranger]

So I’ve got a few updates. Some steps backwards but that’s ok and was kind of expected.

First of all, I found a local chromer with decent prices so I had the stock limited wheels done up and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I finished them off with some custom center caps that are designed to mimic a big race style floating hub.

While we’re on the subject of the wheel and tire I determined that I don’t like the look of the 35s. They look too big and will rub on the upper structure of the inner fender area at full bump and full lock on the steering. Also will require substantial trimming of the bumper which I don’t really want to do so I’m gonna step down to 33s

Aside from that I’ve been making slow but good progress. Knuckles are back from powdercoat. I’ve got all the axles and driveshaft repainted and re assembled with new u joints throughout.
Started assembling hubs and wheel bearings and got the radius arms and beams on the car.

 

[410Fortune]

Have you considered the 95-97 ranger knuckles? Dual piston calipers and no rubber slide pins

Everything looks beyond nice!

 

[dezertranger]

Have you considered the 95-97 ranger knuckles? Dual piston calipers and no rubber slide pins

Everything looks beyond nice!

Good to know! If I feel I need more brakes I might look into that

 

[410Fortune]

Night and day difference
I thought I had good brakes on my bii
Then I went to the 95 knuckles and dual pistons waaaaay better

 

[dezertranger]

Lots of random stuff done! She’s pretty much a roller now. I’m currently renting a house with no 220 in the garage so I’ll be putting the car on a trailer and taking it over to my buddies shop to build shock towers and install the cookcraft swing steering!
Here’s some random pics. It’s all loosely assembled with all the axles in place and everything so we can check clearances throughout the travel.
New brake master is in which has the ports on the inside to make room for the shock mounts. Also fitted with -3 AN conversion fittings.
New locking hubs, bearings rotors ball joints you name it it’s all new
I don’t think 35s are gonna fit on the front. They hit the inner fender core support structure really bad at full bump can’t steer it at all if the wheels at bump
Aside from that, I’m super happy with how it’s turning out.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

When I first saw this I thought of the Enkei mesh rims hahaha! Really nice!