Glen's 96 XLT

This is my 96 Explorer D.D. slow moving project, was bought in September of 07. XLT model which is like XLS model, power windows/mirrors and that's it.

Mods:
Removed the running boards
Brown-Wire-mod but have swapped in a 97 GEM so I don't drain my battery anymore. And have disconnected the plug under my hood to have a "live" axle type setup for now until a locker is installed and until I decide when to put a manual t-case in. (manual case in now) 4-29-11
33" tires
4.88 G2 Gears
Swapped in different hvac controls.

Sony Headunit
Boss 1200W Class D Mono Amp
Pioneer 12" 1200W Sub for a little bass


I plan to have it a little more off-road capable nothing extreme just enough to be able to tackle some descent trails and be a descent truck on the highway.

Here she is.

^2nd day of having it, she looked good.

^3rd Day of ownership, wanted a good picture shot.

And Put A Forum Decal On The Tailgate Need To Order A Couple More

Well today 3/9/10 is a really nice day so decided to finally remove that bumper valance so it looks better and gives a better approach.

3/25/10 Decided to lift it a little.

I finally had enough of the blue bezel and only did that temporarily and never replaced or repainted and its not a ricer so I decided I wanted black again (for now) so went to the junk yard and got a 99XL bezel so that the 4wd panel matched what it actually is now 6/4/10

 

[Glen4X4]

I cleaned the Ex up today on the outside! What you are about to see only happens once in a great while because I don't have much patience for this task lol. I do not go as far as clay bar like other folks for detailing, just a good hand wash and Nu-Finish 2 or 3 times a year. So not as clear reflective as others but looks descent. Note: front cover is missing due to being re-painted.

Also found a mark on both sides of the roof on both sides toward the front where its a straight line and then looks like over spray or something, kind of odd, neither of the other 2 have it. Wish I had carfax I would see if anything had been reported in the past, curious now.

 

[gmanpaint]

Nice and clean there Glen

Will look real nice at AFN with the rest of the group.

 

[Glen4X4]

Thanks Gregg

 

[cybergasm]

Cleans up pretty good there

 

[Glen4X4]

Cleans up pretty good there

Yepp, and found a few scratches that weren't there before :

 

[BrianDye]

Lookin great

 

[lynchy wa]

X2 Look's sweet. Hope you have a great trip.

 

[easymc]

Glen I have to say x3 looks good

 

[Glen4X4]

My 2nd gens side by side.

AFN

 

[cybergasm]

Where is them wheeling pics at ? :

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

Looking good man! One day I will make it to AFN

 

[sport97]

Looks like you had a good time out at AFN. Maybe next year I will venture out there. I can pull it as a day trip if need be.

 

[Glen4X4]

Ugh well I'm not too sure what to think about this truck at the moment.....I have an attachment to it and while under it yesterday putting the hitch back on I seen part of the rear frame was rusted through And its beside where I had the frame cut and replaced before so just not sure what to think....It sucks....

 

[sport97]

Ugh well I'm not too sure what to think about this truck at the moment.....I have an attachment to it and while under it yesterday putting the hitch back on I seen part of the rear frame was rusted through And its beside where I had the frame cut and replaced before so just not sure what to think....It sucks....

Well that does suck. The body looks pretty clean for the frame to be that bad. Then again we do live in PA, I know what that rock salt does to stuff.

 

[Glen4X4]

Yeah besides the rockers being shot which I replaced the rest of the body is in good condition well around the gas lid its bubbling but was going to have that fixed like factory this year but idk now.... :/

 

[sport97]

Yeah besides the rockers being shot which I replaced the rest of the body is in good condition well around the gas lid its bubbling but was going to have that fixed like factory this year but idk now.... :/

Is it patchable? How many miles do you have on the ex now?

 

[Glen4X4]

The Ex has 183k on it right now on it. I don't know that patching is worth it again, because if it rusted through where it did 2 yrs ago who's to say where it's going to happen again and at how soon.....don't know if I want to do a frame swap or not, that will be hard finding a really good frame....

 

[sport97]

The Ex has 183k on it right now on it. I don't know that patching is worth it again, because if it rusted through where it did 2 yrs ago who's to say where it's going to happen again and at how soon.....don't know if I want to do a frame swap or not, that will be hard finding a really good frame....

I don't think a frame swap is worth it. Plus then you have the VIN issues since the VIN on the frame and body are different. You can find a decent explorer with 100-150k for probably 1200-1500 that needs minor work and just put the 2 together and swap your stuff over. Just search hard for a clean body/frame.

 

[Glen4X4]

Yeah...it's been crossing my mind but there's an attachment with it in a couple diff ways. So idk....we'll see I would like a V8 Ex....this Ex still has the original Engine, trans, axles and other things....But yes a frame swap is involved....

 

[sport97]

Yeah...it's been crossing my mind but there's an attachment with it in a couple diff ways. So idk....we'll see I would like a V8 Ex....this Ex still has the original Engine, trans, axles and other things....But yes a frame swap is involved....

I hear ya there. I almost pull the trigger about a year and half about on a 2000 limited. Really wanted that V8, but im sticking with what I have for now.