Gen 1 version 2.0 build

[1sicbronconut]

Been a Ford tech for over 30+ years and have always loved the first generation Explorer's, owned a 1993 four door from 1998-2013 but the evil called rust overwhelmed it and I sold it, but it's still running around with 275,000 miles on it! I recently found a one owner 1992 four door with a manual transmission and minimal rust so I picked it to build as a mild wheeler to pull behind our class A motorhome. This weekends chore was a 2" lift, new coils, rear leaf springs, shocks, and 265/75 16" tires. Future plans 4.10 gears (currently 3.73 LS) LS for the front with a E-locker in the rear with disc brakes, and a 5 on 5.5" conversion also need to round up the parts to put a manual shift transfer case in it.

 

[Rick]

That's a very nice looking Explorer. Sounds like a great project

 

[shran]

Looking good, dude!

I'll try not to let my Ranger roll backwards into this one...

 

[eblightning]

I like the spring perches. Do you mind sharing where you got 'em? I'm planning on a SOA conversion and I may opt for these.

 

[Rockwood]

Been a Ford tech for over 30+ years and have always loved the first generation Explorer's, owned a 1993 four door from 1998-2013 but the evil called rust overwhelmed it and I sold it, but it's still running around with 275,000 miles on it! I recently found a one owner 1992 four door with a manual transmission and minimal rust so I picked it to build as a mild wheeler to pull behind our class A motorhome. This weekends chore was a 2" lift, new coils, rear leaf springs, shocks, and 265/75 16" tires. Future plans 4.10 gears (currently 3.73 LS) LS for the front with a E-locker in the rear with disc brakes, and a 5 on 5.5" conversion also need to round up the parts to put a manual shift transfer case in it.

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Nice looking explorer. I have a couple questions for you. Are those 17" gen 3 wheels or 16" Ranger wheels? I never realized the front hub would fit through the center bore. Also, the rear spring plates, are the flipped upside down and reinforced or did you purchase them somewhere?

 

[Brian1]

Looking good, such a clean Explorer!

I like the spring perches. Do you mind sharing where you got 'em? I'm planning on a SOA conversion and I may opt for these.

They are not designed for a SOA, you lose all the benefits of them. See more below-

Also, the rear spring plates, are the flipped upside down and reinforced or did you purchase them somewhere?

1sicbronconut got them from me, I build and sell them specifically for 1st and 2nd Gen Explorers, info here: For Sale - Ubolt & Shock Skidplates

 

[1sicbronconut]

Nice looking explorer. I have a couple questions for you. Are those 17" gen 3 wheels or 16" Ranger wheels? I never realized the front hub would fit through the center bore. Also, the rear spring plates, are the flipped upside down and reinforced or did you purchase them somewhere?

They are 16" ranger wheels I used a hole saw and bored out the centers to fit the front hubs Those spring plates are made by and sold by Brian1 a member here.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Looking good, dude!

I'll try not to let my Ranger roll backwards into this one...

Yea that would be nice Had actually forgot about that until you mentioned it.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Have a rather large pile of parts staged for the 92' Power trax 4.56 for the Dana 35, 01' explorer rear 4.56 with rebuilt LS with carbon fiber clutches, Manual transfer case, and getting rid of the factory lock out and less than idea front wheel bearings!

 

[410Fortune]

so dana 44 outers and new axleshafts in the back for the 5 on 5.5 conversion?
Weel done so far!

 

[1sicbronconut]

so dana 44 outers and new axleshafts in the back for the 5 on 5.5 conversion?
Weel done so far!

Just going to run some one inch adapters in the back and matching spacers in the front.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Out with the old in with the new!! 4.56 gears, rebuilt LS rear with carbon fiber clutch packs and a Powertrax grip pro up front. Spent a few hours at work installing the rear end with disc brakes and went over to a fellow forum members place on Sunday to put the front diff in, thanks for the help shran!!! he only lives two blocks away

 

[1sicbronconut]

Also swapped over to a manual transfer case!

 

[ryboj]

Very nice project with solid goals. Really liked the manual TC swap too, definitely something I ought to add to the ever growing list of things to do. The thought of the 4WD module or dash switch going, which we all know happens, while on a long run, no bueno! Very cool.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Really never had any issues in my 93' Explorer that I put 225,000 miles on but this one will be towed behind our class A motorhome so the manual transfer case swap was a must!

 

[Travisfab]

What case did you use?

 

[1sicbronconut]

All factory BW 1354 parts but I did run across this little manual shift conversion set up I thought was pretty slick. Borg Warner Transfer Case, Electric To Manual Shift Conversion

 

[1sicbronconut]

Did a little trail leading on my clubs annual event the Dakota Territory Challenge over labor day weekend. Took the Explorer to run the mild trails 5/6 out of a possible 10, fun being the leader of a group of mostly Jeeps with a few Rubicons thrown in

 

[1sicbronconut]

Old school cool Con-Ferr roof rack went on today, almost a bolt on with the vintage Con-Ferr mounts. I also add a Duff front bumper since the last update. I'll be adding a few mounts to the roof rack and will have it powder coated in the future.

 

[Paul]

Been following along on this thread, awesome work on this project. Great find with the Con-Ferr! ! !, I have one as well, circa 1999, but with slightly different mounting system - - good to see a few still left out in the wild. . . Also like the Duff front bumper - - I had the earlier version (with rounded tube corners), and am in the market again as that did not survive the wreck of my '91 Sport.

Well done.