Advice for new Explorer trailrig project

[stretch]

PICS!!

 

[AlaskanJack]

wow!! I didn't realize you were cutting the top on this thing.

I may have to make a run down to the penenisula to check this out.

I am trying to find someone on the Northern4x4 coard to take me dip netting down there since I have never gone dip netting before.

I would definitely go with the 4.88's chad put the 4.88 in his Ex after upgrading from the 4.27's which I now have. He was also running 36's and he said it was a huge difference.

I don't know if full width axles would really be that big of a deal up here since on most trails the Ex will be too wide anyways. Dang Jeep trails!!!

 

[AlaskanJack]

Oh and they are right on mating up the d20, its not easy. I have decided to just go with an EB c4 and d20 combo but you have to get a c5 bellhousing off a BII with a 4.ol engine

Best bet is to talk with Andrew I am drawing a blank on his screen name I think it is akbroncoII. he has so much bII and early bronco stuff laying around its not funny.

 

[Name Brand]

I'll try to get pics up in a few days...it's pretty sick!

AlaskanJack - I am in Anchorage if you want to stop by; I just list Homer becuase I lived there for about 20 years. (The apartment address I gave you on Northern4x4 (in regards to the interior plastic, which I still have for sale and is taking up workspace) is no good since I have now moved. If you stil have it, throw it away! My phone is still not hooked up yet, so I don't even know if that number is good either) I'm always eager to get advice, info or critiques.

I've never been dipnetting before either

I need to get some axles too, have to really start looking, I've been very busy for the last couple weeks. I'm not in a rush since I have enough other things on the Explorer to keep me busy for some time. Started plotting placement for a rollcage yesterday...

 

[AlaskanJack]

Looks like badasscrewcab is gonna take me and enduseraf out dip netting on the chitna and he said the more the merrier.

you should shoot me your address. kcarpenter@sbsalaska.com
or give me a call 230-2490 Kurt

I will bring my digital camera in with me today just in case.
Finding axles is really not that hard up here. There are so many people that have vehicles laying around their property out here in the valley. I find vehicles dumped all the time and they have good axles on them but maybe blown motors or trannies.

 

[rino351]

just found this while searching.
Any updates???
This sounds pretty sweet.

 

[Name Brand]

Sorry everyone for the lack of updates. Work is kinda slow on the Explorer, but progress is being made and things are being well thought out.

I was able to get a Dana 44 from a 77.5 F-250. This axle is high pinion, has a 4.09:1 gear ratio (which means I don't have to get a new carrier for lower gears), flattop knuckles, disc brakes and an 8 lug bolt pattern. Condition is very good, the gears are beautiful, there is no rust/chips/shavings inside. The outside covered in years of oil which protected it pretty well from rust. Nothing more than surface rust anywhere. I've started tearing it down and will be replacing the seals, bearings, hubs, rotors and brake calipers.

I've decided to run a Dana 60 in the rear. Just waiting for a good deal on one, there's plenty to do so I'm not in a rush to pay too much.

I believe I will run a 5.13:1 gear ratio. Traction devices are yet to be determined.

For now I will keep the 4.0L and the A4LD. I traded the rear window for a Borg Warner 1354 manual transfer case. The plan is to use this case and the electric 1354 in the Explorer to make a doubler similiar to this one;http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/dualtcase.htm

A 3-link front suspension looks to be about the best choice for this rig. I seroisly looked at the possibility of running airbags but the large diameter just makes it difficult to find locations to mount link attachments and shocks. Also I want to run wheels with a deep backspacing to reduce my width as much as possible. I will be leaving the axles full width. I'm still consider coilovers, but will likely go with shocks/coil springs for the low price.

In the rear I'm going to try reversing the main leaf. This would move the rear axle five inches rearward. This way I won't have to cut into my rear doors for clearance. I'd like to run only as much lift as I need and cut the body where I need clearance. (Keep it lower, more stable) I will likely have about 7 inches of lift and a wheelbase of around 120 inches. I am planning to run a tire in the range of 36-38 inches.

I also stripped out all the wires that I won't be needing from the back of the vehicle up to the firewall. (This includes all the wires from the power windows, rear wiper, defroster, interior lights, etc...) All that is left is the wiring for the tailights, door locks and speakers.

The body has been roughly sanded; it won't get a final paintjob till I finish all the body work including finishing the tailgate, replacing the rocker panels, and cutting the fenders.


That's about all I can think of now, I'll try to update this thread more often for everyone too (I kinda forgot about it). I won't post an update every time I turn a bolt, but whenever I get somthing cool done.

-Kurt

 

[bmxking5]

Sounds like you've got a nice project. Can't wait to see some pics. Keep us updated

 

[Con Seann3ry]

you get any pics yet?

 

[Racerx70]

I traded the rear window for a Borg Warner 1354 manual transfer case.
-Kurt

That's funny... I traded a t-case for a back window.

Just bumping this for updates??

I'm thinkin hard about full-width for my X when the tax check gets here.

 

[brnbomr]

full width is the way to go. I love it on mine.