BKennedy's 1994 Explorer

[BKennedy]

Very nice! Do you have any better pics or specifics on your rear bumper? I'm planning to have a rear built soon am looking for ideas to steal. Anything you would do differently next time?

Thanks.

The rear bumper is made from a 7X7" square beam that is 1/4" thick. The back half was cut down with a plasma cutter so its much like a regular bumper, just a lot stronger. The swing out carriers are made from 2x2" (I think) square tubing, 3/16" thick, with trailer spindles as the pivots. The sides are tubing added on later.
If I was going to do this again (which I am not) I would make it with thinner material so it was not sooooo heavy. Actually, I would just make it out of tubing so it was lighter, did not take up so much space, and was not a mud catcher.

 

[reapereviltwin]

You have one hell of a nice X there Brian!!!

 

[BKennedy]

You have one hell of a nice X there Brian!!!

Thanks. The only modifications I have done to it in the past year are;
The Throttle Cable Modification, and blown a front shock.

 

[DeRocha]

Your 1st Gen is Very sweet indeed..

 

[whitetrash96]

Okay, I have a couple more bumper questions. Who manufactured your front bumper? Its from a cherokee right? How does it fit width wise? Thanks.

 

[BKennedy]

Okay, I have a couple more bumper questions. Who manufactured your front bumper? Its from a cherokee right? How does it fit width wise? Thanks.

Its from Protofab in Arizona. I found it on a web search. It fits fine. If you want a bumper from an XJ to fit an Explorer, you have to cut the frame of the Explorer off at the first body mount, then weld a cross plate for new bumper tabs.

 

[BKennedy]

I finally did some upgrades to the Explorer!
New leaf springs and tires;

This was prompted by having bald tires, and a broken leaf on the right side. Made a set of leafs from two stock leaf packs. More information here;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3093948&posted=1#post3093948

 

[Rick]

Looks like a nice tread pattern on the tires. We'll get to try them out real soon

 

[BKennedy]

Looks like a nice tread pattern on the tires. We'll get to try them out real soon

It has been a long time since I sprung for new tires. I backed up on that rock in 2WD so fast I almost went over it. The BFG's dropped in price and Discount Tire matched Tire Rack's internet price. Can't beat that.

 

[BKennedy]

New leaf springs;
Modification thread is here; http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372601

 

[Gopher]

Brian!

How's it going? Who's doing all your welding? I need to look at getting my steering and my front spring/shock mounts handled. By handled, I mean my springs are still SUPER bowed!!!!

and yes i'm still alive, just my truck is a sitting piece that needs work.

 

[BKennedy]

I am doing my own welding. I have a 110v Lincoln welder that I do small stuff, and tacking up with, and have access to a Hobart commercial MIG welder that a friend of mine has. Don't know the model, but its big and heavy, and lays down a index finger sized bead in nothing flat. He bought that, and a plasma off a fab shop that went under.
Nice to hear you are still alive; what's it been, five years??

 

[Gopher]

Yes Sir! Now married, looking for homes, and studying for my Professional Engineer license in California.

The explorer is my weekend driver that I've just about had it with the front-end and want to look at getting it fixed.

I'm back to checking on the board so I won't miss out on upcoming trips.

Maybe I'll see ya in October when I take my exam at the Del Mar Fairgrounds!

 

[BKennedy]

SAS in progress...............
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=387037