2000 Mountaineer Expedition Build FW D44/9" SAS

My DD has turned into a project vehicle. I am building it up to be a capable overland/expedition rig for long range trips to include camping and all around adventuring. We have a few trips tentatively planned already. I just need to get this thing going as we have much that we want to see.
I will be making a roof rack to carry a few items, but most will be carried in a trailer, so to keep from putting too much weight up top. Also, it will be nice to have the roof top tent set up on top of the trailer, so I can unhook and leave the "base camp" in place and go wheeling.

Here is what I have so far:

2000 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0
BW4406
Black Rock 942 16x8 steel wheels
255/85/16 BFG KM2s load range E

Still needed:
Rear bumper, spare tire/fuel carrier
Winch
Roof rack
Trailer (have plans made up, but have other priorities)
and a lot more stuff...

Well, thats it. Stay tuned for updates.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Oh but it isnt. The arms bolt directly to my axle, and the crossmember will locate the arms where they need to be. all I will have to do is modify the crossmember. I am not buying the kit for the crossmember, I am buying it for the arms and the crossmember just comes along for the ride. There is stuff in there I wont use, but for the price of the kit, it still works out better than the IronMan arms.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Just ordered 5 TA KM2s, 255/85/16 (33.5x10)

 

[crazyflights]

I think i might work pretty good, in RC prices are good.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Look what showed up on Friday. They measured 33.25 unmounted. Now I am just waiting on the wheels...

 

[CDW6212R]

The trans/TC connection is a standard 6 bolt Ford, it matches most of the bigger TC's Ford has made. I don't know about the trans you mentioned.

If you will tow with it at all, the trans cooler is not good enough. These mid sized SUV's tow fine for short short distances, but will overheat on long drives with heavy loads. Install a big big cooler like a super duty model if you will tow much. Have fun.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Thanks for the tip, I am pretty sure that the loaded trailer will weigh less than 2000 lbs.

 

[CDW6212R]

That's good, you can do fine with a stock cooler, or another added to it.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Yes, you can fit 5 255/85/16s (33X10.5) in a Taurus.

Replaced front wheel bearings, and I am gonna do some more cutting on the rears tomorrow, and build new splash guards for the inner front fenders. When I took the tires in to get them mounted today, the guys at the shop did not believe these were going on a 2000 Mountaineer, and made me promise to bring it by the shop when it was done.

 

[Slowlyvverot]

looks great! good job gettin those 33s in the taurus! Anxious for more pics

 

[nobodyspecial]

I will get the other two on today. I quit last night since I had been up since 4ish and just wanted to get to sleep.

 

[nobodyspecial]

This weekend, I hope to get some "action" shots. Its only rear wheel drive right now. I dropped the front drive shaft in anticipation of the transfer case swap.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Forgot to mention that with 8.5 ounces of high quality 30 gram airsoft BBs per tire, they balance beautifully up to 70, and thats as fast as I have taken it, as I usually never get past 65.

 

[nobodyspecial]

I twisted the torsion bars, cut the rear fenders a bit and got rid of the steps:

For your listening pleasure (not the best quality, but better than a lot of the exhaust clips, it didn't record too well when it reved, but nice idle) Don't mind the truck rolling backwards, with out the front driveshaft, the AWD case will crawl when its in park.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Looky at what I gotst in the mail!

Stay tuned for the finished pics tomorrow probably.

 

[Slowlyvverot]

sweet! i take it thats a RLC bumper?

 

[nobodyspecial]

Yes sir!

This is a top notch bumper. The welds are amazing, way better than anything I could do, and the price was great. I am very pleased.

 

[spudm0nst3r]

Where did you get the bumper?

 

[explorinitup]

suscribed

 

[section525]

Where did you get the bumper?

sweet! i take it thats a RLC bumper?

Yes sir!

This is a top notch bumper. The welds are amazing, way better than anything I could do, and the price was great. I am very pleased.

Updates??

 

[nobodyspecial]

Updates??

I will have new pictures tomorrow, I think you guys will like what you see.

I bought it from RLC Welding, I found him on Pirate. Here is his 2nd Gen Bumper thread: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=804730

Great bumper, great price, and a great guy to deal with.