1998 Explorer 5.0 “Restoration2021” project

[SuperGordo]

Anyways, going to try and see if I can start this one tomorrow.

 

[SuperGordo]

No pictures today. However i did get more detail work done. I installed fiberglass heat shield boots on the ends of the plug wires. Routed the plug wires pretty nice after that. Finished installed the Power Steering pressure hose. Had to transfer the hold down bracket that on the hose that attaches to the AC compressor stud. Installed the Wiper/coolant tank. Installed the Cruise control unit.

At this point the list of what is left is as follows. Attach AC condenser to the radiator. Install Radiator/condenser including the rad hoses. Attach AC hoses to the condenser. Install air cleaner box, and intake tube.. Fill with coolant. Install cooling fan and shroud. Need to replace the coolant temp sensor connector. And I need to repair/remake the small vacuum lines that go from the vacuum reservoir to the intake and to the purge valve. And I think the last thing is to drop the battery tray back in. I do think that's it.

 

[SuperGordo]

Well the Holidays are always good, my sons are home from the Army and Navy for a little bit. But There is never enough time to get some things done. And now I'm on a deadline to finish this EX project. I'll update you all soon! This thing will drive before 2022!

 

[EB4X]

I finished installing a cylinder head (inline 6) on CHRISTMAS EVE a few years back! ...were talking 11pm Christmas Eve night!

 

[SuperGordo]

I might be doing similar things

 

[SuperGordo]

Very close to start up.

 

[EB4X]

That's one sweet engine compartment with all those new parts...

Before crank over: "Drum solo please....."

 

[SuperGordo]

I made it. Just started the EX! So far everything is smooth. No leaks at the moment.

 

[EB4X]

I got my comment in just before you! ...
CONGRATS ! ! !

Now tell your daughter you'll be "right back" .....

 

[SuperGordo]

 

[SuperGordo]

I got my comment in just before you! ...
CONGRATS ! ! !

Now tell your daughter you'll be "right back" .....

You sure did! Nano seconds!! Its running pretty smooth, though i think the IAC valve isnt perfect. If i rev it a bunch, it cant keep up so well and died a couple times. Also the new thermostat housing i installed has a plug on top where a sensor could go. Well i should have pulled that and put some teflon on the threads. Im getting a tiny leak there. So ill have to seal that up. Could be worse. Also need to vacuum the AC system and charge that up. As well now it needs more gas before I go for a spin.

 

[SuperGordo]

Then time to button up the interior. Install a radio. And a nice set of tires.

 

[CDW6212R]

Very nice, now it's time to button it up and drive it for a day or so. Give the engine a gentle spraying of a water hose, after some engine degreaser. That will clean it up and even it out well.

Check the master cylinder cap too, for any looseness. I've had my last two leak there, the last one because the MC locking top perimeter is partuially broken off. The caps though have rubber seals that don't work so well after 20 years, a new one is a few dollars. I replaced the oil cap too on one, it was worn a lot on the top as well as the seal section. Your daughter should appreciate all of that hard work, I hope she does.

 

[SuperGordo]

Very nice, now it's time to button it up and drive it for a day or so. Give the engine a gentle spraying of a water hose, after some engine degreaser. That will clean it up and even it out well.

Check the master cylinder cap too, for any looseness. I've had my last two leak there, the last one because the MC locking top perimeter is partuially broken off. The caps though have rubber seals that don't work so well after 20 years, a new one is a few dollars. I replaced the oil cap too on one, it was worn a lot on the top as well as the seal section. Your daughter should appreciate all of that hard work, I hope she does.

Great ideas, thanks! Its the details that will get you in the end! The current tires are total crap. I need to finish cleaning up the Ranger wheels i picked up and get some nice rubber mounted. I still want to service the tranny and the Differential. But im behind schedule and a bit over budget. So ill have to schedule those items in over the next couple months.

 

[SuperGordo]

For what its worth the EX actually has nice Brakes on it. So thats a plus.

 

[SuperGordo]

The list for the near future includes. All new shocks, new tires, trans service, diff service, new stereo. And reinstall the interior.

 

[CDW6212R]

I know how the costs add up, take it slow and do important stuff first. Take time choosing shocks, those are random which are garbage versus reliable. My last choice was poor, the front's lasted under a year before I noticed the front end bouncing too much on bumps. Ask the guys here, many use the heavy duty high end brands, plus aftermarket brands with no application part numbers(select by length etc). I'm out of the mail delivery soon, I won't need a severe duty shock soon, most people don't of course.

 

[SuperGordo]

I know how the costs add up, take it slow and do important stuff first. Take time choosing shocks, those are random which are garbage versus reliable. My last choice was poor, the front's lasted under a year before I noticed the front end bouncing too much on bumps. Ask the guys here, many use the heavy duty high end brands, plus aftermarket brands with no application part numbers(select by length etc). I'm out of the mail delivery soon, I won't need a severe duty shock soon, most people don't of course.

Far as the shocks go, probably just get Bilstein. Hard to go wrong there…

 

[donalds]

Nice

 

[CDW6212R]

I have liked the Bilsteins I put on my 98 Mountaineer, those are very good for street use. The Edelbrocks that came with the Explorer Express kit were good too, but that's not their forte, I went to the Bilstein's after about seven years.