1998 Explorer 5.0 “Restoration2021” project

[donalds]

Keep it up

 

[SuperGordo]

Keep it up

Thanks Donalds, We will get this one done! Too close to stop! can't wait!

 

[CDW6212R]

Fair enough. I need to hit the yard for one of the plastic parts that holds the condenser to the radiator. So ill get the o rings from the fitting.

While there look for a V6 Explorer, and buy the bracket that holds the bottom of the condenser. That is much better than the V8 mounting onto the radiator. I haven't gotten one yet but the two V8 radiators I've changed in the last 18 months tell me I should have done it sooner. I have a SOHC 99 also, so I know how easy that was to R&R those parts before.

 

[CDW6212R]

Also, as far as the drill sizes go for the Jmod on a truck VB. You simply use the same size the Jerry 101 article states. Ive Jmodded plenty F150s, the truck VB has a couple different springs inside that vary from passenger cars, but that doesn’t affect the JMod.

That's great, it helps to not be so worried about going too far to start with. I have lots of parts to build 3-4 of the 4R, one a close ratio with the AODE sun gear/shell etc, for my 92 Lincoln.

What do you know of the 6R80? I learned just enough to know I want to swap one behind my best project Explorer, a 337 later. I thought the 10 speed was most of the same trans, with changes needed to gain four gears from the same basic guts. A member on the Corral thinks they are all different internally. I don't want things more complicated, but I'm open to learning.

 

[SuperGordo]

While there look for a V6 Explorer, and buy the bracket that holds the bottom of the condenser. That is much better than the V8 mounting onto the radiator. I haven't gotten one yet but the two V8 radiators I've changed in the last 18 months tell me I should have done it sooner. I have a SOHC 99 also, so I know how easy that was to R&R those parts before.

i'll look for the bracket!

 

[SuperGordo]

That's great, it helps to not be so worried about going too far to start with. I have lots of parts to build 3-4 of the 4R, one a close ratio with the AODE sun gear/shell etc, for my 92 Lincoln.

What do you know of the 6R80? I learned just enough to know I want to swap one behind my best project Explorer, a 337 later. I thought the 10 speed was most of the same trans, with changes needed to gain four gears from the same basic guts. A member on the Corral thinks they are all different internally. I don't want things more complicated, but I'm open to learning.

Don't have much experience with those at this time. As they hit a certain age they all come to me. But at this point I'm not sure the expense of the trans and a controller accounts for the cost of swapping one of those trans. But in the end it's up to you and what you want..

 

[CDW6212R]

Don't have much experience with those at this time. As they hit a certain age they all come to me. But at this point I'm not sure the expense of the trans and a controller accounts for the cost of swapping one of those trans. But in the end it's up to you and what you want..

Gotcha. The six ratios are great for a wider speed band with big power, the 1st is 4.17:1, and the rest are fairly close after 2nd. With decent power, the 3.73's and 4R run out of rpm in 3rd gear. The 6R will demand a big R&P change, 3.08 is my plan. The cost will be at least $4k by my guessing at costs, for many things required to do it.

 

[SuperGordo]

Gotcha. The six ratios are great for a wider speed band with big power, the 1st is 4.17:1, and the rest are fairly close after 2nd. With decent power, the 3.73's and 4R run out of rpm in 3rd gear. The 6R will demand a big R&P change, 3.08 is my plan. The cost will be at least $4k by my guessing at costs, for many things required to do it.

I know some people don't like the big 6 speed plus trannys. They describe them as "hunting for gears" all the time. But it's certainly up to the owner. If it makes you happy, do it!

 

[SuperGordo]

So I found out that the 96 limited I'm looking at is 2wd, but today I found a 98 Red Eddie bauer also 2wd with the 5.0. Guy is asking 700. The Trans is bad. Going tomorrow morning to see it and make an offer. Gonna offer 500, but the paint is really nice still. So maybe I'll go high as 700. Then I get to have a 5.0 Ex too after I'm done with this one.

 

[CDW6212R]

So I found out that the 96 limited I'm looking at is 2wd, but today I found a 98 Red Eddie bauer also 2wd with the 5.0. Guy is asking 700. The Trans is bad. Going tomorrow morning to see it and make an offer. Gonna offer 500, but the paint is really nice still. So maybe I'll go high as 700. Then I get to have a 5.0 Ex too after I'm done with this one.

That's good. Plus if you really want the AWD, it's not complicated to hunt the several front drive parts, and swap it. Since the trans would be out, you can handle the two trans parts to swap out, and finding a solid AWD(BW 4404) or 4WD(BW 4406-big) TC might be fun for you.

 

[SuperGordo]

I remove the metal plug wire protectors and I run the fiberglass heat socks you can get at auto part stores
My trucks run Taylor wires and headers so I don’t have any good pics of routing them on a stockish truck but I will look through my pics and see

I ordered the heat socks. Those arrived today. After assessing all that has been done and what is left. I think I can button the engine work up and fire this thing back up on Sunday. Worked all day today. Working most of the day tomorrow.

 

[SuperGordo]

That's good. Plus if you really want the AWD, it's not complicated to hunt the several front drive parts, and swap it. Since the trans would be out, you can handle the two trans parts to swap out, and finding a solid AWD(BW 4404) or 4WD(BW 4406-big) TC might be fun for you.

That makes sense. But the Awd isn't a deal breaker. Especially in Las Vegas. Just working on this 98 has renewed my love for the 2nd Gen EX. And I really like the 5.0/4r70w combo. So why not have one for myself while I can find one, or two....

 

[CDW6212R]

Ditto, they are fun to drive for an SUV, small enough to get around easily etc. I have the front drive shaft out of my black 98, after the AWD locked up that made it 2WD. It's harder to drive that given the mild tire spin. With AWD it cannot spin the tires ever except on snow or ice. In the rain you just hammer the gas whenever you like.

Find another one, good idea, it's nice to have identical vehicles from time to time.

 

[SuperGordo]

Ditto, they are fun to drive for an SUV, small enough to get around easily etc. I have the front drive shaft out of my black 98, after the AWD locked up that made it 2WD. It's harder to drive that given the mild tire spin. With AWD it cannot spin the tires ever except on snow or ice. In the rain you just hammer the gas whenever you like.

Find another one, good idea, it's nice to have identical vehicles from time to time.

I had a 98 Navigator for many years that had selectable AWD. Was fantastic in the rain in Vegas. Very sure footed.

 

[CDW6212R]

I had a 98 Navigator for many years that had selectable AWD. Was fantastic in the rain in Vegas. Very sure footed.

Funny, that's the BW 4406 I got for my truck years ago. I also found the GEM from one of those, thinking to make the switch four position, which had a 2WD selection.

 

[SuperGordo]

Funny, that's the BW 4406 I got for my truck years ago. I also found the GEM from one of those, thinking to make the switch four position, which had a 2WD selection.

View attachment 424701

That's a beautiful Transfer case!

 

[SuperGordo]

Going to see a 98 Eddie Bauer 5.0 now. Wish me luck.

 

[SuperGordo]

Well the 98 Eddie Bauer is decent. Trans is bad, thats no problem. I would have bought it but the people bought it 6 months ago, signed the title and never had the title transferred. So they need to go to the dmv.

 

[Kidd7]

Once they get the title work done, are you getting it. Cuz you need a new project soon. LOL

I just picked up another project, has to go to another forum. 91 Jeep YJ.

 

[SuperGordo]

Once they get the title work done, are you getting it. Cuz you need a new project soon. LOL

I just picked up another project, has to go to another forum. 91 Jeep YJ.

I wish, they sold it already. It was in pretty nice shape outside. Dirty inside, but not horrible.