Been following along! Can we get an update?
Les
I've created a photobucket account with all the pics. They are in random order and not named anything.
http://s986.photobucket.com/albums/ae344/mike12pt/Explorer Pics/
Anyway, there were some snags along the way. Here is a brief outline of what has been done:
-Rebuilt engine .020 over using a Flatlander racing rebuild kit.
-Replaced heads, old ones cracked.
-Installed Aussie locker in front axle.
-Rebuilt (alternating clutches) & Installed rear posi unit.
-Rebuilt transmission (contracted out - 1 year warrenty).
-Added 3" body lift and warrior shackles.
-Added rockers & pushrods from Delta cams.
-Replaced front upper controls arms.
-Created oil pump priming tool.
-Trimmed fenders to fit.
There is a ton of tid-bit stuff, so I'll just keep the list short.
All work was done by me except for the trans rebuild (I bought the manual, but ran out of time). Consequently, the trans was the only issue (lost reverse - band broke), but the builder was a good guy and had it turned around in a few days. I had to pull and install it again, because it was a bench build (bummer).
After he picked it up and drove it down to Texas. He complained about a few things, which we will have to take care of:
-Do the "brown wire mod", he does not like the locker in front activating everytime he touches the gas, causing the front to jerk momentarily. I did not like this either. We're hoping this helps with the bumpsteer too.
-Change gear ratio AGAIN! He changed the gear ratio while he was here to 4:10's. He had a shop do it (I volunteered, but it was his decision and I really had no time). I also had a set of 4:10 gears laying around to help make his decision easier, but I told him 4:56's. He complained it did not want to stay in overdrive on the highway and the mileage was terrible (paid $250 in gas to drive to Texas before project and the trip recently cost $400). He was pulling a small trailer with a 125 dirt bike on it though.
-Alter new hitch to match higher bumper.
-My advice is to make the overdrive switch/light go on by default, instead of the other way around (factory way sucks, puts more strain on trans by switching gears in the city and ultimately cruizing at too low rpm, again causing more strain).
All work was done using a simple Haynes book, previous experiance and articles on Explorer Forums (thank you!!)
All in all, I think it turned out well, but I feel it needs another 1" or 2" of lift. That's it for now, hopefully the above link works....
Mike
What rims and tires did you end up with?
