ExplorerEB96's X under the knife

[JDraper]

Here's the list of things done during the project:

1. Superlift 4" with New Front Driveshaft and New Rear Springs
2. Custom Skid Plate
3. Custom Snorkel
4. Tranny Cooler
5. Rear Swaybar Quick Disconnects
6. Rear Shock Mount Skid Plates
7. Replaced Front Axle and Re-Geared it
8. 34 x 10.5-15 Super Swampers on Rock Krawler Rims
9. 1 Rated Torsion Bars
10. Front and Rear Powertrax Lockers
11. Extended all Breather Tubes
12. Relocated Radio Antenna
13. New Passenger's Side Half Shaft Assembly
14. 2WD Low Switch Installed
15. Removed Factory Front Valence and Factory Fog Lights.

All this took about 65-70 hours of time to do.

For those that are interested, the other offroad modifications to Karol's truck are:

1. Warn Winch and Winch Mount
2. Surco Roof Rack
3. KC Hilites Lighting
4. Herculined Rockers
5. Zimmerman Rock Sliders
6. Energy Suspension Bushings
7. Custom Trail Pinstriping and Denting

 

[brendan]

looks beautiful!

 

[BenS]

How about some closeup shots of the winch mount. I'd like to see how it bolts up and shots of the winch. Shots of the rock sliders and how they bolt up would be cool too. The truck looks awesome!

Ben

 

[TarHeel085]

wow that looks BADASS, nice work Jeff! and you got an awesome rig there Karol!!

 

[ExplorerEB96]

Wow looks great!!!

Thanx....but I got Jeff to thank for almost all of it..... The winch mount that I have is the Warn Trans4mer...

Karol

 

[ExplorGM]

Looks Great!

Awsome job Jeff!

I didn't notice a body lift on your list? Did you have to modify the inner or outer front fenders/bumper to fit the 34s or did using the 10.5s eliminate the need for cutting?

Rick

 

[JDraper]

Inner fenderwell might need to be slightly trimmed to fit the tires, we'll find out after the alignment is done. Caster and camber are pretty far out right now. The tires fit quite well with just the suspension lift. There is no body lift.

 

[JDraper]

Well, the Snorkel top FINALLY got here. Only took JD's Offroad a couple of months !!!

Here it is installed:

 

[JDraper]

Pix 2:

 

[JDraper]

Pix 3. Karol, if you don't like the way it angles forward, lemme know, I can change it really easily.

 

[rocket 5979]

Looks like a really fun truck now. Wish i could afford an offroader.

 

[sapogmxr]

WOW! That truck Looks REALLY Tough... I Love it. Great Job.

 

[NOTAJP]

That looks really nice. I sure like the 2nd Gens body style.

 

[Doug]

looks good jeff, I remember matt saying it took JD's forever to get his snorkle top as well, aparently they had to order it directly from ARB so it had to be shipped from Australia.

 

[JDraper]

Thanks everyone. It's almost done now. Just have to install the front and rear lockers, the new right side axle shaft assembly, a radio antenna, and then get it aligned. This thing oughta work REAL well off road when it's done. The new tires on it are real agressive and should bite into just about anything.

 

[Nfuriate]

Maybe i missed it, but how much did you pay for how much of the total kit? Just the front right? I know it's been beat to death, but it's the same or basically the same kit as a 98+ ranger kit right? Can i assume there'd be the same deal on the cost of a ranger kit or can i use this one?

 

[ExplorerEB96]

Yeah sorry Jeff!

I would like it angled back just a bit....but it looks awesome.... I'm missin my truck terribly! It's like one of the family!! I have to send a darn check to Central 4 wheel .....my Mac/Visa is taking too long to get here.. (they said 8-10 days).... they won't take the checking account # over the phone..aahh it's always something... I'm gonna send out the half shaft parts to you tomorrow..... Thanks guys, Jeff is one great guy to do this for me... I can't wait to see his Sami when it gets all done up too....now that will be one awesome lil Tonka!

Karol

 

[JDraper]

Well, making progress again. Got the rear Powertrax installed. As expected, the factory LS rear was shot. Tomorrow, the front Powertrax and the new CV joint, and it should be done!!!

 

[JDraper]

Whoo HOOO!! It's finally driveable. Got the front powertrax and new half shaft in on Sunday. Took it out for a spin and everything works fine. Boy does it climb with both axles locked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Before the front was locked, this was as far up this dirt mound as it would go before I lost traction.

Yesterday, I could have easily put the truck right on top of the pile 'cept I would have high centered it. I got the nose to start over the top before I stopped.

Only things left to do are install the switch to turn off the xfer case, sawzall the rear portion of the front fenders a little for clearance, and get it aligned.

On another note, those SuperSwampers really whine!!! You can hear the truck coming from about a mile away

 

[ExplorerEB96]

ok I'm about to jump in the Bronco and

head straight on up there lol.... Can't get there until my birthday .....but what a great birthday I'm gonna have..... Jeff I'm gonna have to insist that we do a little offroad adventure... I don't care if it's just at the shale pits can't wait....

Karol