$700 1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer/Project Frankentranny II | Page 9 | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

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$700 1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer/Project Frankentranny II

Plagorizer, I know...:D
I recently acquired this ugly 1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4X4 with 197k, for $700. It has some things that it needs, but then again, what would you expect from a $700 Explorer?
-Needs a Transmission, or reverse ring (reverse is out)-FIXED
-Roof liner is toast-FIXED
-Rear drivers side quarter panel is crumpled from guard rail hit
-Both bumpers are junk-FIXED
-roof has 2 dents-FIXED
-roof rack is all bent-FIXED
-Front drivers side fender is pushed out (common problem from the "Wal-Mart Kid" jacking vehicle up in wrong place).-FIXED
-Grille is crap-FIXED

I could keep going for another 30 things.

If you saw my thread, I had a chronicles going on putting a 5R55E transmission into the place of my old 4R55E transmission. I had to find out the hard way, got the 5R55E from the JY then found out it wont fit. Look's to be in good shape so I'm gonna sell it anyway. Still looking for a 4R55E transmission for under 400 bucks.

I will post up the entire list of crap it needs, (small things like a lug nut, headlight ect) I am type A and cannot stand broken things, misfit things, ugly things...I know, then you say "then you shouldn't of gotten an Explorer". :D I think it's a piece of art, rust or not. (guess what mine has the case of...yep, you got it.)

This thread, I will keep all of you people informed and updated on my Explorer project, which I like to call, "project Frankentranny II" :) I will also post up small fixes, and corrections that I found out myself personally that maybe some people don't know anything about.

Be aware, skeletal and freaky ugly pictures are about to stare you in the corneas, but don't be frightened, so much progress can only reveal how nice this Explorer can shine. It seems like junk yard find, but indeed, it is a diamond in the rough.

These are some pictures of when I first purchased it. Cost me $700 delivered to the door. Enjoy, and subscribe to this thread if you want to see this ugly Aunt Agatha turn into a beautiful piece of art and machinery, that will sell for less than KBB! Read ahead.

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Thats a nice picture, it's looking good!
 



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Thats a nice picture, it's looking good!
Thanks. I've been working my rear off on this Ex and I'm happy to hear it's not an eyesore...lol
 






Ok I know I havent worked on this truck in awhile. I bought some brand new ATF, 10 stinkin quarts of it and am going to refill it. I know its most likely not the case, but it could be a tranny fluid issue. I know the SSC is the correct part so IDK what else to do. I will get it working and sell it for 2k. Or so.
 






Poked around in the VB and found two possibilities, but very minor. Hoping one of these were causing the issue. 1 loose SS1, and 2 exposed probes due to TCC solenoid not in all the way...? IDK im not sure if it was or not, hoping this is the case.

If not, gonna pay the 50 bucks to have a tranny shop diagnose it. THEN I can stop wasting time and just fix it...also replaced the tranny pan gasket because old one broke in two...figures lol
 






Filled tranny with fluiid test drive cominjg up
 






Ok sorry for the long wait I was busy. Test drove it for about 30 minutes. Wasn't perfect, but was pretty stinking close. There is still that one annoying shift flare, even with a new SSC, and sometimes when I go like 5 MPH, when accellerating, it starts for a nano second in 2nd instead of 1st. All in all, it's the most success I've had with this thing.

No OD lights, overdrive shifted in smoothly, floored it and it was smoother than the chevy up at 5k. Hard to believe it has 200k...anyways, successful. It has been fluid the entire time!


Still wondering why there is a shift flare...some solenoid is still slow. Also reverse clunked when shifted into the last time...thnx for any additional input!
 






So now that this vehicle is (for the most part) fixed mechanically, lets see the list of cosmetics left to fiddle with on this buggy. I have owned this Ex a lot longer than I had hoped to.

-primer, paint, and clear body damage area

-Replace rear brakes (maybe rotors) ....sqeak...sqeak...

-Fasten JBL speaker panel to side of trim

-If I get picky, replace antenna with a working one


I might as well do some "before and after pictures" as well. Tell me what you think! Here are a couple.
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If anybody missed it, the problem was an issue with lack of fluid...

anyways, project Frankentranny will be posted up for sale either tommorow or thursday! Then when it sells, that will be the close of a struggle but a farewell as well. Then keep an eye out for my next Explorer project thread! ;)
 






I hate to see it go, but I guess it's time. Try to get yourself a SOHC project this time, nothing like PITAs to make life great
 






I hate to see it go, but I guess it's time. Try to get yourself a SOHC project this time, nothing like PITAs to make life great
SOHC...heck no! Dont wanna get one of those. Heard bad things about the V6 SOHC.

Might buy an 03 Nissan Pathfinder for my next project. Just needs a new front bumper and stuff in the front. (was in a small wreck)

It's official, the Explorer is now good enough to be a commuter. :thumbsup:
 


















Well I dunno then, I guess just look around and see what you find
 






Well I dunno then, I guess just look around and see what you find
Almost traded my Explorer for a 2001 VW Beetle turbo diesel...! 232k...not gonna happen.
 












Why would you do THAT?
Out of pure desperation...:D

So I've gotten a few bites on my listing. One test drive...few calls...priced at $2900 OBO. If any of you guys want to buy it feel free...:)
 






Here is the "after" photo gallery. Please LMK what you think!

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Gotten a few lookers, test drives, ect. That shift flare scares them all away so Explorer is going into the shop today, for a diagnosis. I'veremoved that bloody pan more times than I can count to 10. I just hope the shop doesnt screw it up...but seriously, the truck drives great. I drive it all of the time. :)
 






So the shop tells me "you need a new tranny". They say that internally there's a gear ratio put together incorrectly or something due to the P0734 and P0153 code. Then they go and quote me 2k for a new one. Not too happy right now...all those codes didnt exist before at all, what are they doing?
 



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Selling listing on HOLD. 2 rear lug nut studs broke off clean when going about 20 MPH.

Sigh...life with an Exploder with 200k. Aint pretty, I'll let you know.
 






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