1st gen Explorer Project

[redneck4x4]

Bought my second 1994 4Dr earlier this month and have started to get the project underway. The end goal is to add custom steel bumpers, roof rack, roof visor, lift it add some flares and eventually pull out the 4.0L and replace it with a 5.0 from a '94 F150. The body is nearly perfect it has rocker rot and a small rust blotch on the drivers rear quater panel. The current motor has 170,000 miles with no leaks and the tranny is solid. The only drivetrain mod so far is the addition of a larger tranny cooler to alleviate future problems. Due to some experience from my first explorer with turned out to have frame rot Ive decided that instead of repairing the rockers im going to cut them even with the body patch them cosmetically and add adding tube rockers. I bought a tube bumper and brush guard which i welded directly to the frame. I also bought a steel square tube rear bumper which I havent attached yet. I have a lund visor for the roof but couldnt find one for my explorer so I bought a f150 visor and ive begun to cut it and fiberglass it back together. I hve several lights for the roof and front I want to add but Ive yet to make a clean switch box to run them. This is where I'm at so far and thoughts or suggestions I'm more than open to. Cant figure out how to do photos so I made a photobucket account and Ill add more as time goes on


http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/reynolds212/library/

 

[Maniak]

Since your not an elite member you can't attach pictures but you can add them to your post.

When your looking at the picture on photobucket there is a link button above it. Copy the IMG link and you can post that and have it put the picture inline..

Here is one I did from your album.

BTW.. I like the idea of replacing the rocker panel with square tubing. That is on my list of things to do to our X. They aren't rotting out... they are just really banged up.

~Mark

 

[redneck4x4]

Thanks. The only problem I've run into so far is welding ive only got an oxy acetylene setup which I'm finding out is not the best way to go

 

[colintrax]

Haha yeah, don't use oxy for rockers. Pick up a tig/stick off craigslist and start practicing.

 

[redneck4x4]

Yea my shop is lacking in a lot of tools for this project. I'm just starting out so I'm learning what i need as i go

 

[Albino 94LTD]

That's a monster bumper.

Your approach angle will be terrible but if you're a mudder, it won't matter.

 

[redneck4x4]

I'm a newbie so what is an approach angle?

 

[Maniak]

Best described with a pic.

From howstuffworks..

~Mark

 

[redneck4x4]

Damm, I didn't keep that in mind at all. I have to chop the support bars to it so its closer to the grill

 

[anglehanks100]

BTW.. I like the idea of replacing the rocker panel with square tubing. That is on my list of things to do to our X. They aren't rotting out... they are just really banged up.