1997 Explorer to modify

[jmdoc66]

Just joined.
I have a 1997 Explorer Limited AWD with a V8.

Not sure if I want to raise or lower this beast.
One thing is a given, is I can't leave any vehicle alone.
I bought this to take out the V8 for my ranger, but the vehicle is just too nice to part out. Paid $400. It does have a bad head gasket, but drove it over a 100 miles and it only ate a quart of water.
Black with tan interior. 200K+ miles.
The suspension needs to be rebuilt, but pretty much everything works. It does need some TLC, but that's cheap.

 

[Rick]

Not sure if I want to raise or lower this beast.

That's a dilemma most vehicles don't have as there are very few which work equally well lowered or lifted like the Explorer

As you can see from my profile photo I'm more of a fan of lifted, but we sure do have some nice street trucks on the forum too

 

[jmdoc66]

Looks like the explorer will be our "Hurricane Vehicle"
The wife likes the idea of 4x4, (AWD). She has an honest fear of going through water on the road.

So, next weekend my son and I are going to remove the heads and have them rebuilt, and I'll start on rebuilding the suspension soon. Looking for wider wheels and tires for it.

This is going to be a low budget build, so any cheap trip tricks with be welcomed.
I consider myself a backyard mechanic and fabricator so I'll tackle most things.

I'm already loosing sleep thinking about the things I want to do.

 

[Mbrooks420]

If you ever plan on actually crossing and deep water, extend both axles breathers up. The front can go into the engine bay, and the rear can go up near the filler neck.

Extend the transfer case and transmission as well.