2000 Mountaineer Expedition Build FW D44/9" SAS

[nobodyspecial]

Where did you get the bumper?

Oh, and welcome to the site. I feel honored to have your first post be in my build thread.

 

[nobodyspecial]

I promised pictures today, so here are pictures:

 

[97xlt4.0]

Looks great!! Especially that new front bumper....its really making me think about one!

 

[nobodyspecial]

Thanks, I really like it.

Its kinda crazy, it went from this:

To this:

 

[mounty71]

I've always wanted to see a boxed bumper like that on a mountaineer/2nd gen. Can you get pics of the mounting points? Did you need to trim the frame? I've also thought about trimming my front fenders around the wheel well, trying to keep it as clean as possible. It looks like the fender liner hangs right below the opening now. Can you also get some pictures of inside your wheel wells?

 

[nobodyspecial]

I can do that. I am making a special trip to the shop, just for you, but you owe me!

 

[nobodyspecial]

Hows that for service?

Bottom set of holes are for a body lift. I am glad I dont, it give a little more protection for that delicate stuff underneath. As you can see in the last picture, you hack off part (or all) of the factory mounts, so you can slip a nut plate into the frame rail.

 

[mounty71]

Awesome, thank you!

 

[nobodyspecial]

No problem, did they answer your questions?

I also forgot to mention that I folded the pinch weld on the rockers. I have gained about four inches of clearance from when I had the steps on it.

 

[mounty71]

Yes they did, especially the last picture of the top of the frame horn showed exactly what i was looking for. I see that the mounting plates go right up to the front body mount, but i wonder if you trimmed those and drilled more mounting holes forward of the ones already there, and then trimmed a few inches of the frame off, could you mount the bumper back more? It sticks out a little far for my taste. I know you need space for the winch though.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Dont worry about any of that stuff. If you read the thread on pirate by the designer, he says that he makes them to order. somebody already asked for one that is tucked in more. Just talk to the guy and go from there. He is really great to deal with.

I love your Mountaineer, btw. I have read your registry a few times

 

[94 explorer xlt]

Looks really good. Can't wait to see the end result.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I am planning on starting the manual transfercase swap today.

 

[mounty71]

Thanks.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Poor Mountaineer

I feel like there is something missing...

It was just a wittle guy!

 

[my pos mounty]

It might feel all sad right now, but when your done you and it will be soooo much happier than before.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Oh, I know.

 

[nobodyspecial]

First it was all taken apart...

Now its all put back together... (no more chrome, chrome is for girls )

Benching that transfercase up there was a pain! I had to ratchet strap the exhaust over to the side, and clearance the floor with the BFH, and also "adjust" the gas tank bracket and i still had to wiggle it up in there.

Man its nice to have a "truck" instead of a glorified car. Low range is brilliant, and having actually 2wd... Its like a completely new truck, it feels like I added 100 HP, the AWD robbed so much power. Now it all (relatively speaking) gets to the wheels.

 

[my pos mounty]

Welcome to the other side, nicely done

 

[nobodyspecial]

Thanks!

Hey! The grass IS greener over here!