Explorer Purchase

[Ydnar]

Hi all,

I want to purchase the correct model Explorer. Before I do, I would like to ask the experts a few questions. I would like to end with a trail worthy street legal vehicle - not a rock crawler but not a whimp. So here goes.

I plan on adding the following items
4" suspension lift with coil springs over axel.
3" body lift
ARB AirLockers
Front and Rear custom or ARB bumpers
Advance Adapters Atlas II 3.8:1 or 4.3:1 Ultra Low Range Transfer Case with 32 spline front output shaft
33x12.50x15 BFGoodrich MT's
and a lot of other stuff.

The initial questions are

1) Should I start with a 4x4 or just get an All wheel or 4x2 since I am replacing a lot of the drive train?
2) Which engine/drive train should I start with
2a) Should I get the v8 with the 4 speed automatic transmission or
2b) Should I get the v6 with the 5 speed automatic transmission?
3) Does the Ride adjustment of the Limited really mean anything after I replace the guts of the undercarrage?
4) Should I wait for the 2001 model?

P.S. I am also looking for a reliable shop to perform the work.

Thanks in advance

Randy....

 

[leebo]

You're almost seconding yourself. All of the mods you listed will turn you're truck into a trail machine. That's another story though. If you're wanting to run 33's you can go with a superlift 5.5" and skip the body lift. In some states a combo of body and suspension is illegal. Go with a 4x4. You may be changing the drivetrain...but not the front axle that you need for 4x4. The all-wheel drive truck were for the newer explorers in which have ifs which is a pain in the butt. There is a lift out for ifs but it's costly. For these mods stay away from the 2001. If you're going on the trail you will do some damage. Do you want to damage that expensive of a machine. As for the shop....where do you live???

 

[Ydnar]

The only lift I know for a later model Explorer (1999 or 2000) is the new Trailmaster 4" that's why the addtl body lift. Its all I could find at SEMA 2000. But I will check on the legal limits - thanks for the heads up.

Hey, damage can always be fixed. My philosophy is - if it gets damaged, it needed to be modified anyway

I live in southern California - Orange County - Laguna Niguel. But I have another car (a 1985 Mazda GLC with 242,000 miles) so I can leave the Explorer almost anywhere for an extended stay (drive it, leave it, bus back). I really want to deal with an honest and capable shop - and I would even love to help. I have the time; just don't have a garage or the proper tools to perform the work.

 

[leebo]

if you're willing to do some driving there is a few shops here in Vegas you could use. Check http://www.4wheelparts.com That's the shop that I commonly use.