trueblue02
Member
- Joined
- April 27, 2015
- Messages
- 31
- Reaction score
- 2
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1991 exploder
Hey y'all,
So I am starting to get more into overlanding and back country camping trips, and want to track the progress of my new-to-me explorer as I build it for a cross country road trip this summer. I originally wanted to do the trip in my 91, but the transmission has been slowly eating itself, and there multiple leaks forming as well. I didn't think it was worth it to fix the issues as I don't have a good shop right now, and tried an axle swap once that went badly. So on to my new 2000 XLT SOHC:
It's in pretty good shape, only 110k and a clean interior after some scrubbing. It's got some rear leaf sag but the 4wd works and it's nice and quiet on the highway. Took it to Tahoe the day after buying and it was great, 75 up the mountain no problem! My 1st gen would have been struggling to do 55... Side by side with the 1st gen:
It's interesting how even though they are about the same size, the 2nd gen feels a lot bigger from the drivers seat!
First up on the list of gear is getting a roof rack, some drawers in the back, and maybe an awning. My girlfriend and I are planning on sleeping in the back of the truck for most of the trip, so a bed frame will get made eventually too. I'm also planning on getting some 265/75/16 AT tires, and a 2" lift at least to fix the sagging. Anybody have recommendations for light bars or tire brands?
So I am starting to get more into overlanding and back country camping trips, and want to track the progress of my new-to-me explorer as I build it for a cross country road trip this summer. I originally wanted to do the trip in my 91, but the transmission has been slowly eating itself, and there multiple leaks forming as well. I didn't think it was worth it to fix the issues as I don't have a good shop right now, and tried an axle swap once that went badly. So on to my new 2000 XLT SOHC:
It's in pretty good shape, only 110k and a clean interior after some scrubbing. It's got some rear leaf sag but the 4wd works and it's nice and quiet on the highway. Took it to Tahoe the day after buying and it was great, 75 up the mountain no problem! My 1st gen would have been struggling to do 55... Side by side with the 1st gen:
It's interesting how even though they are about the same size, the 2nd gen feels a lot bigger from the drivers seat!
First up on the list of gear is getting a roof rack, some drawers in the back, and maybe an awning. My girlfriend and I are planning on sleeping in the back of the truck for most of the trip, so a bed frame will get made eventually too. I'm also planning on getting some 265/75/16 AT tires, and a 2" lift at least to fix the sagging. Anybody have recommendations for light bars or tire brands?