Build up on a budget

[nkfootballboy]

So yesterday I bought a another 94 xlt, with 96k on it and absolutely NO dents or scratches. Basically a grandma bought it new, and only drove it to the store. I paid $700, then all the license crap and tabs. So at as it is now, bone stock, no problems, fresh tuneup by yours truly, and I am itching to get started. :
I have alotted myself exactly $2000 for it.

Now I dont know where to begin! So a brilliant idea came to mind...ask!
If you had $2k and a new Ex, what would you do?? Remember the strict budget of $2000. I have access to all the tools I will need, and know how to use a wrench.

Let the build ideas flow!

 

[Freshmeat]

4x4 or 4x2?

 

[Albino 94LTD]

Buy this immediately!

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259234

Then SOA in back. and run 33's

With all the little parts and pieces that should eat up your $2k.

 

[nkfootballboy]

It is a 4x4 with auto hubs, the lady said she only used the 4x4 a few times..
The hubs are in near perfect shape, and I did a little test drive on my property
4x4 hi is fine, and 4x4 low I hear the click, feel the little jolt and it is great!

 

[Dannyboy]

I'd buy everything used on this forum and you'll get a great deal

that Duff kit is a good deal,

craigslist for your wheels/tires..or just run big tires on stock wheels

Brian1 has manual hubs for sale here

add a big tranny cooler and trans temp gauge

Is this your first wheeling rig? If so spend a couple hundred bucks on a few good totes, straps, clevises, spare fluids, tie down straps.

and post some pics of this thing!

 

[nkfootballboy]

It is my first designated wheelin rig. I have an identical ex but it is my daily.
I was jackin the ex up last night to remove the spare, and I noticed it had gabriel gas shocks... are these stock? I looked on my other ex, and they were different.

Oh and ill post pics later, as Im at "work" right now

 

[Dannyboy]

shocks are likely replacements.

Also for gears, a nice upgrade is to grab a complete 4.10 rear axle from a junkyard explorer for $200. You get a disc brake upgrade and also have the gears already setup, otherwise you'll typically pay $500 front and another $500 rear by the time you buy gears, install kit and labor.

If you're going 33s or 35s, I'd highly suggest skipping over the 4.10 mod and going right to 4.56 or 4.88s.

 

[crazyflights]

Yep, buy my lift, and do sping over in the rear, u would still have enough money left to find used wheels tires on craigslist, go with 15x10 + 33-12.50-15s, get lock outs, tranny temp gauged, tow straps and c/b your set.

 

[nkfootballboy]

What would the shipping look like on that kit? Im in Poulsbo,WA

Oh and another update, I bought another one... so now I have 3!
It was only $275, and as it looks right now, the only problem is the starter or solenoid.... she said it makes a "clicking" sound but wont turn on, then she let it sit for a while, and she now says that the starter is frozen?... Im picking it up tomorrow, dont know if Ill use it for parts or what.
Its a 92 xlt 5 spd, with manual warn hubs, moonroof, around 300k on her, but she looks fine, a few dings but nothing bad.


What do you guys think is a better wheelin rig, an auto or 5spd?

 

[Freshmeat]

When my auto crapped out I converted to the 5spd. If an auto fails, you're screwed. If a 5spd fails, nine times out of ten you have four other gears that can get you off the trails and home. I prefer the control of the 5spd, but my auto was also having some serious problems before it died, so I'm not sure if it was due to those problems that it didn't seem right on the trails.

Either way, the A4LD needs a lot of work to be reliable on the trails while the M5OD just needs a thorough cleaning, a $35 "shifter rebuild" kit, and new plugs on the back side and you're set.

Bronco2's kit is a killer deal, by all means. I may get it myself, but I won't be butthurt if you beat me to the buy.

I'd say a 4-6" lift and 35x12.50s. I'm clearing 34s with 2" and some trimming- 35s would be a cinch on 4-6". I'd honestly tell you to go with the cheap 2" coils and add a leaf to the rear, but I've recently come to the harsh realization that the wheelbase on our rigs forces us to use a lot of throttle on the break-overs. I'd be a lot happier if I had about 2" more lift. I'd recommend against a 10" wide wheel, though. The 8" wheel will keep your bead tighter and will keep the tires inside the wheel wells better.

Whatever you do, good luck with it.

 

[Limited02]

Heck, buy my Ranger and use the axels, wheels/tires, lift, etc.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=249588

 

[nkfootballboy]

This a good deal? All I can find is 33" and up, everybody around here wants the 31"s

4 BFG mud terrain KM tires 32x11.5x15. About 50% tread $150

 

[Albino 94LTD]

This a good deal? All I can find is 33" and up, everybody around here wants the 31"s

4 BFG mud terrain KM tires 32x11.5x15. About 50% tread $150

YES

Check the build date though. If they are older than 10yrs, the major chains (discount/schwabb) won't mount them.

 

[nkfootballboy]

Im taking alook at them in the morning when its light out. I think Ill get procomp 15x8 steelies, and mount them on those. I shouldnt have a problem with the size of the tires right? The rearends a 8.8 with 3.73, but they said earlier that 33"s need the 4.10's... WOuld the 3.73 be fine with the 32s?

 

[Albino 94LTD]

You'll be fine running 32's with 3.73. If you did go to 4.10, your gearing would be closer to stock but you're not going to break anything. (I ran 33's with 3.73 for several years, the only reason I just re-geared is that I tow a tent trailer back and forth over the Cascades)

Those tires will fit on stock rims, that's the widest tire that will without out generating some handling issues. They would be better on 15x8 but the wider rim is not a requirement.

 

[YBCold]

i personally am going to paint mine, put some rims, lower,add some offroad lights, just got a bull horn / police siren . get a stereo system.