Evolution of an Explorer XL - How ExplorerForum.com got started

[GJarrett]

I couldn't hear her "oh shit!" but I definitely heard Rick's high-pitched tenor yelp "STRAP!"

That was funny. To me, anyway. Probably not for them at the time

 

[NHarris]

Actually that was taken at Truck Haven in Southern California That was the run Ford brought their 2000 Sport Trac out to be desert tested by our members

That sport trac sure sticks out from all the first and second gens.

 

[Char]

Thanks to all of you for the great memories over the years!!!

Thank you, Rick for the site and all the adventure! I think my life would have been very dull, if I had not moved to AZ to be with you.

 

[GJarrett]

... and our lives would be so much less without the blessing of your morning exhortations Thank YOU, Char

 

[leebo]

and if my memory serves me correct Char we wouldn't have the title "Diff Whack Daddy and the Roll-Over Posse" either.

And who could EVER forget the famous words......
DRIVERS MEETING!

 

[wollimann]

Happy Anniversary!

 

[tdavis]

and if my memory serves me correct Char we wouldn't have the title "Diff Whack Daddy and the Roll-Over Posse" either.

A member from Sacramento made that up at Truckhaven, when DWD literally bent the front diff, and rolled the same weekend..

Ah, the memories..

 

[FROADER]

A member from Sacramento made that up at Truckhaven, when DWD literally bent the front diff, and rolled the same weekend..

Ah, the memories..

Remember the white door with the red cross on it after that? Haha! Oh, Kevin...

 

[Rick]

I checked the door sticker on the Pumpkin today. It was built in November of '92.

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Incredible Rick! I remember the old format/website, was great even then. Cant believe the following since and the fact I am still driving an 18 year old Explorer!! This is where the inspiration began. THANKS!!!

 

[Rick]

I was taking some photos of new mods for another thread, and thought it would be nice to show some current photos of the battle scarred Pumpkin.

 

[Rick]

I still need to get a shot of the dents on the roof from when I flopped it

 

[Scott B.]

Time for some new sheetmetal and fresh paint!

 

[Maniak]

Rick,
Did you see fourwheeler is asking for updates on vehicles they have featured. I "think" it was four wheeler that featured your truck back in 2002 or so (as Orange Crush?)

~Mark

 

[Rick]

I did see that, but it was Offroad. See the post above.

 

[MONMIX]

MAN !!
Be careful !!! There is some sharp edges on that sheet metal.

 

[Rick]

I've really been going over in my head where I want to go with the Pumpkin at this point. I don't want to do anything more extreme trail wise than I have already done. In fact I am back to enjoying more of the regular trail riding that I used to do when I first started. Nothing like a great day on old mining roads...

I've thought about redoing the bodywork, and narrowing the rear end of the truck to better negotiate tight spots. As you can see from the photos, I've always managed to get the front through cleanly, it's the rear that doesn't like to follow through the super sharp turns. There's always rear steer, but that's just more stuff to break as far as I'm concerned. More knuckles, u-joints etc... etc...

Then there is the just leave it and wheel it as is doing mods as necessary.

So many choices!!!

 

[Scott B.]

You sure it's the truck, and not a "senior moment" on the driver's part? LOL

 

[Rick]

Oh yeah, very sure... Arizona's rock gardens are unforgiving Now that the dents are piled up on top of one another, I just say f' it and I drag the back end through "whatever" without even worrying about it.

 

[Maniak]

I did see that, but it was Offroad. See the post above.

I thought four wheeler did it too..

http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/0102or-1993-ford-explorer-4x4-xl/

~Mark