AWD explorer as hot rod chassis...

[5.0]

That is the keyless entry module, the five digit code is on the side of it. You have to use 95-98, or 99-01 models to interchange. There is a cable going into the 95-98 models, I have a 98 version extra.

Thanks. I (eventually) need one for my '97, so his won't work for me.

 

[scruff]

Hah ! Thats classic ! Just like the explorer. I see you had the same trouble with the windshield I did.

As for the wheelspin thing, it mmight not do it with the stock motor, but I have a pretty large turbo ready to bolt on once the basic build is done. Maybe that'll help, but really hard launches are fine with me too.

The keyless entry module is good, I didn't have a remote so I got one and got it working, that will be used for doors on the rod and maybe even poppers for the doors if i shave the handles.

Love that Mustang , wish I coulda driven the stripped ex more.

 

[scruff]

Interesting stuff.
RicerX from this forum just messaged me about a very similar project he started ages ago, it was mentioned in the original post I made before I moved over to the Gen 2 side.

Basically the money caught up with him and he's now selling off his 2002 AWD chassis and his 51 F1.


Three months ago I would have been all over this chassis and my project would have been very different, but that life, I am happy I decided on the Gen 2.

Anyone else wanna buy up and race me to the finish line on this ?

 

[scruff]

Well I cut off the last big chunks of Explorer bodywork today.
The radiator support I cut first, I removed all the wiring to further back in the engine bay and then cut as close to the firewall as I could get with hitting anything worth keeping.
I kept the radiator and the AC condenser all together and attached for simplicity, and that we might use the whole support.

After that it was just a matter of releasing all the lines cables and wiring from the firewall and lifting it clear. As it sits right now it's still resting on the frame until I get someone here to help me move it to the yard.



Sorry about the crap pictures.
Anyone for some wiring ? (not for sale ! didn't mean to mislead anyone)



The last chunk

 

[scruff]

Well I finally got hold of some 16x7 steelies from a place that strips old cop cars. I like the irony in that.
$30 too, which is a whole lot better than the 50-60 ea everyone else wanted.
i appreciate the offer from whomever it was up north, it just wasn't feasible to buy and have the shipped.

The diameter of the Crown Vic sized tires is MUCH smaller, they're still quite high being a 225/60/16 but a good 2 inches smaller in diameter. This will just make it ever so much easier to sit the rod close to the ground.

With the overhang of the cab I may actually get to mount it much higher than I thought, possibly without channeling it over the frame at all.

The stock alloy wheels are for sale in the appropriate section. I put two of the tires on my wifes truck and the other two are for sale. See also the link in the for sale section.

 

[scruff]

Finally the chassis laid bare. 16 x 7 steelies cleaned and wrapped in 235/60/16 Kumhos.





Something wrong here ?



And finally, how could I resist ?

 

[IAmTodd]

Axle shaft looks like my one did. Looks a lot different now.

Do you think it will work for what you plan to do?

 

[scruff]

I have a new (well new to me) set of axles that are ready to go in just as soon as I get the remains of the pinion lock bolt out.
I swapped in a spare axle housing that i mentioned, just for transportation sake, and it'll come back out when the flange end of my good housing is straight.

The chassis is just about perfect, right width, pretty good for height and even the rear to front taper matches to cap nicely. The big test will be later next week when we have the cap sitting on it and see how the dimensions around the engine work out. I am hoping to use Ex radiator support steel somehow mated to the 51 stuff. That way the radiator and AC condensor lines should all either fit or go close to fitting.

We'll see, it's getting exciting.

 

[CDW6212R]

Good progress there, and take your time with planning. I also recommend that you maintain as much of the Explorer features, including the AC and cooling system. The later model cooling systems are far superior to older radiators etc. My 98 Mountaineer has tested on highway with water temperatures below 150 degrees, I have a 180 thermostat in it. I spent a good length of time deciding how to use my 99 and 93 model parts. Gladly I kept the whole 99 system, slightly more cost to do it, but easier overall. BTW, check the used axles, both of mine were bent. Good luck,

 

[scruff]

Thanks CDW, i appreciate the advice.
I am trying as hard as possible to do exactly what you suggest, so far I've planned far ahead of where I am up too. I am also hoping to keep the complete cooling and AC system and the wiring loom complete. It'll mean extra complication at first but a lot less heart ache later I hope.

I got the axle from a very well known mustang supply place, and I have two to choose from now so I hope to get at least one good one.

Is that an outdoor lift your trucks on ? I've never seen that before.

Color is probably the only thing that hasn't really been nailed down in details yet !

 

[CDW6212R]

The wiring will be the most tedious part of your project. If you maintain as much if the donor system as possible, then more will be plug and play, and less research will be needed. I started with a complete 99 Limited, but the body harness had been cut, so I ended up with a 2000 EB body harness. That alone caused a few hours of research to diagnose issues with the memory seats and air bags.

My lift is part of my project, included in my costs, and yes it's outside. I have yet to do any weather proofing, lots of odds and ends to finish. Regards,

 

[Ponycar]

Man this is a great thread. I joined here because I just bought a 96 Explorer 5.0 2WD to swap the drive-train into a 68 stang. I plan to use as much of the explorer as possible. Befor I get flamed, this car is far from original, it was my mother's and I rebuilding it for my wife. It's the first car I ever drove...I can't let it go. I'm going to use the engine and trans for sure. I've heard that the rear will/won't work for various reasons, we'll see. I also want to use the steering and brakes. I figure I can build A-arms and some other parts. I'm putting 06 GTO seats and belts I picked up cheep to sweeten the interior up too...I'll get pics up soon.

 

[scruff]

Hey Ponycar, that project is sure to put the wind up the corral.net guys !
Don't let anyone discourage you, it's your car you can do what you want to it.
I had a lot of resistance to doing this when I was planning it and now everyone thinks it's cool, so I say go for it.

Are you going to use the full chassis ?

Here are some more updated pics of the cabs progress, the chassis goes up there tonight and they should be married together by the end of next week !

Side profile, the roof is 60% back on and stretched to it's new position - I love the way it looks now.





Rear window back in, amazing how much welding is involved.

 

[blackbronco92]

Awesome Progress man. That will surely turn some heads when you're finished!

 

[Spdrcer34]

From my reading of Ponycar's post, he's just using the 'drivetrain' from the Explorer. Not the chassis/frame like you are doing.

Ryan

 

[scruff]

Either way, good to see someone thinking laterally.
There is a lot of good stuff in a V8 explorer 5.0 that was the best specced ever, nice LSD 31 spline axle EEC iv or v..

 

[CDW6212R]

The Explorer rearend can be stuck in an old Mustang. It would just take some work, how much is the only issue. The wiring almost always becomes the hardest part, just to repeat myself. Regards,

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

awsome project so far!

subscribin...

 

[Ponycar]

From my reading of Ponycar's post, he's just using the 'drivetrain' from the Explorer. Not the chassis/frame like you are doing.

Ryan

You're correct, I'm not using the chassis, just trying to make use of everything else.

 

[Ponycar]

Either way, good to see someone thinking laterally.
There is a lot of good stuff in a V8 explorer 5.0 that was the best specced ever, nice LSD 31 spline axle EEC iv or v..

Dude, you hit the nail on the head, there is a gold mine of great parts in the x all the stuff you said, four wheel discs, power rack and pinion, A/C parts easy to come by, well easier that a 40 year old rust bucket. If this one goes good I'm going to build my mom a AWD rig with her 64 f100 body. Ah the sickness.