$2k to spend on my stock 92 Explorer

[CONDOR58]

I've been wanting to do this for some time. This summer I'll begin.

I have 2k to spend this year. IF you could go back, what would have u done differently to make ur money more efficient?

This car will see little off road use, but I'd like it to look like it's ready for off road use. I'm in no rush. I want this truck to be tall! KInd of in a safe way though (if such thing, LOL!).

Motor is ok and trans was rebuilt 7 years ago. I'm ok there, so that's a department that I don't need to worry about this year/round.

My Explorer has a bit of rust on the rear panel. I'm taking a Welding course (expensive!) in July for 3 months to counter that issue. Can pivots work instead of welding? Bondo ends up masking most of that so I don't see why not.

 

[little x]

You really need 4 things to all go together at the same time to make a good driving, efficient off road vehicle: lift, tires, gears, and lockers. To get all of them on your budget your going to have to buy used parts. A decent lift from James Duff or Skyjacker runs $1200-$1500. Gears are about $500. Lockers around $550-$600 if you go with Aussies, the cheapest, but a really good locker. Tires, depends. I'd keep your eyes peeled for a used 6" lift and used 35" tires. Then assuming you can do all the work yourself, you should be able to get everything done for somewhere near your budget.

 

[KPSquared]

I think he wants a mall crawler... not an actual capable off-road rig.

If you've got 2K, pick up some nice rims and rubber, throw on a 2 or 3" body lift and you'll look kinda off-roadish...

If you "want this rig to be tall" then you're gonna need more cash.

Tires, rims, gears, and a lift. If you're not a mechanic, this is gonna get really costly really fast. If you can twist a wrench, you'll save a bundle. Depends on what "tall" is to you. I have 35" tires, 5.5" lift, and 4.88 gears. I'm into that stuff for about $3500 at this point and I did everything myself.


As far as using rivets go, don't bother. Learn to weld and learn to do it right. Body filler is not supposed to fill big holes, it's just to skim over minor imperfections. Rivets would need a lot of filler to cover, and you don't want a lot of filler.

 

[CONDOR58]

Thanks!

I'm also in the process of rebuilding a small boat, so I'm not going to have more then 2k for this project.

I can see how I need to do four things at "once". Big tires won't work with stock suspension and a nice suspension won't be right with stock tires and even with both of those, my acceleration will completely blow due to gear ratio.

I think I will just look for good quality used parts this year and fix up the body and interior. No way I could do all four mods with my budget. LOL! yeah, my car will unfortunately be a mall crawler. MD doesn't have much places to test out my truck. I'll take it to where it out to the hills where it belongs, but it won't be much.

If I should change anything, let me know:

Year 1: BUDGET 2k

a) Exterior and Interior
b) Get a quality used James Duff or Skyjacker body lift. Install is next year.


Year 2: Budget $2k

a) 35in wheels
b) Aussie Lockers (Maybe)
c) Gears (4.30's?? Should I go higher with 35in tires?)


Year 4 to 5: Budget $3500.00

A) V8 long block and electricals (I have a mildly modified modular 4.6 I want to use, but haven't heard of much people choosing this option. Is the older 5.0 a better fit?)
B) Transmission

 

[little x]

Performance Accessories makes body lifts, Duff and Skyjacker are suspension lifts. If I remember right Maryland doesn't allow body lifts, so you may have to scratch that idea unless you know of someone who will inspect it and pass it for you. There is a thread around here somewhere with lots of info on lift laws, you can find out for sure there. If it's a mall crawler don't wast $ on lockers, but they are simple to put in when you do the gears. You'll want 4.56 or 4.88 gears for 35's.

 

[CONDOR58]

OK.

Damn, no body lift. I wonder if I can get away with a one inch one. Is it possible to get like a 5 inch suspension lift?

 

[little x]

I think duff makes a 3.5" and 5.5", skyjacker makes a 4" and 6" (but most people find that the 6" sags to around 4-5 after a few months.

 

[KPSquared]

Keep you're eyes open for used stuff for sure. I saw a complete Dana 35 with a 6" Skyjacker suspension lift go for $300 on another forum the other day... That would get you a LONG way ahead budget wise. Anytime a guy decides to do a Solid axle swap, there's usually a TTB lift kit for sale. Watch the "For Sale" sections on all the Ranger, Bronco II, and Explorer forums you can find.

Don't go any higher (lower numerically) than 4.88's. I still am not entirely sure where my speedo is at, but I'm still a little less than stock rev's at highway speed once the tranny drops into OD. 4.56's would be that much worse with 35's.

Again, don't bother with the lockers if you are planning to make this a 95% street rig... they will affect streetability... not a lot, but if you're not gonna wheel this thing, it's not really worth it at all for you.