1998 Mountaineer / Red Dragon (SAS & SOA Project)

Hello there,
I have been a long time follower here on Serious Explorations. This site has helped me out countless times with my explorer. I don't usually post much, but now that I am starting a project I would love to share it with everyone. Over the next year or so i'll posting my progress with the Merc (Red Dragon).

Stats on the Merc:
1998 AWD 5.0 V8, everything is stock .....for now!

Plans for the Merc:
SAS
SOA
BW 4406 t-case swap
dana 44 front
stock 8.8 rear-with adapters for now, planning on doing an ultimate 8.8 kit in the future (scrapped my rear dana 44 idea with some thanks to fellow members)
front off road bumper
rear bumper with tire carrier
4.88 gears
lockers front and rear
winch
and probably countless other mods

 

[ShinySquirrelXLS]

Dana 44 front axle

Went poking around on craigslist and found a waggy 44 for a decent price. It needs to be cleaned up a bit , but it came with some extra goodies that made it worth picking up.

Its a front dana 44 from an 1986 jeep wagoneer. Stock gears with welded spiders. Supposedly it has chromoly shafts (haven't checked this yet)

Came with series 4 carrier and a mini spool.

Next on my list are some flat top knuckles, 4.88 gears, and 5x5.5 conversion.

 

[ShinySquirrelXLS]

Update on Red Dragon

Ive been busy with the full time job. Not a lot of time to dedicate to this project right now. I started another project that will be easier and cheaper to complete hopefully before christmas.

On the bright side i'm still collecting parts for the Merc. Found a great deal on the entire shift assembly on ebay.

 

[ShinySquirrelXLS]

Project that i started 2 weeks ago and need to finish....