Best mods for $1,000

[bills96xlt]

I have a 1996 Exlplorer XLT with 48,000 miles (my wife drove to the store for 9 years). I want to improve taction in soft sand and improve gas mileage and would like to keep the cost around $1,000. Suggestions for the most bang for the buck?

 

[aldive]

For hints on gas mileage improvement, take a look at Dead Link Removed

 

[IAmTodd]

Intake/Chip/Exhaust.

 

[David Suesz]

You'll need a Traction-Lok diff to get any useful off-road traction.

 

[jp450]

Here is a free mod for better traction on soft sand... Air down your tires to 10 PSI. You would be amazed... I have been doing that on my 99 Sport since it was new and my 93 ranger since it was new. (Dont have the ranger anymore...) Your motor will not have to work as hard too...

 

[sdrone]

Does his link:
Dead Link Removed

Work for others? It doesn't work for me.

edit: Please ignore. The one in his sig works.

 

[sdrone]

...but while I'm here...

Can I assume that the changeover to synthetic oil/filter didn't make much difference? That it was probably the intake/catback/etc. that made the biggest difference?

I'm considering a changeover to Mobil 1, though my Explorer already has 80k miles on it. It's hard to really find concrete justification to do it, though.

 

[aldive]

A switch to full synthetic fluids is a prudent move.

 

[Explorer#2]

trust aldive if you want better mpg he is the man

 

[jah81592]

Trust me if you want shi??y gas mileage. But I will help you go fast....

 

[jester6]

Far as soft sand goes, set of all terrian tires will be the least expsensive & will make a world of difference.

Only set Ive ever had was the Pro Comp a/t's. They worked pretty good but the sidewalls were pretty thin so had to watch for sharp rocks. I would say go with SuperSwamper Trxus STS but they dont come any smaller than 33x12.5 for 16" wheels.

 

[Explorer#2]

if you want better mpg you dont want bigger tires.

 

[jester6]

Dont need bigger tires to play in sand but better tires do help greatly.