how good are explorer's off road ?

[simon_rs]

hi im looking at buying a ex but was manily going to use it for on road but after looking at the pics ive done off roading alot in past with my range rover but didn't think the ex would be that good but they look like they are a proper off road 4x4 to am i right ?

thanks simon

 

[nooberiffic]

older explorers yes. Newer ones, probly with more significant modification.

 

[97sprt4x4]

it all depends on how much you want to pay. the older ones and the newer ones are probably the cheapest to lift.(both have coils in the front) the second gen (95-01) are kinda hard to lift because of the ifs in the front.

depending on what you mean by "off roading", if you mean casual trails and some hills, then any one of them can be made off road ready for under 3-500 dollars. if you're talking about rock crawling or mud bogging, you're costs are going to be 1st gen, second gen, third gen (cheapest to most expensive) to do solid axle swaps and such.

Glad your picking an ex, and good luck

Justin

 

[Tbars4]

...You might ask these guys...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252544&highlight=green+laning

 

[simon_rs]

im from england so with be a 2nd gen only one they made hear a real shame cant wait to have one are they as good as a range rover/ land rover then ?

 

[Tbars4]

...Did you click on the link in my last post?

 

[97sprt4x4]

with a two inch lift (shackles and torsion bars), 31s, a rear locker, and sliders. will put you on an even playing field with just about anything other then seriously done up rigs. it's mainly all up to the driver.

here's another thread of an england based explorer, well australia, but you guys got the same truck. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227344

 

[simon_rs]

thanks just had a look once ive got one ill take it off road its only 2/ 3months and we will have lots snow be great fun in a ex i think

 

[corkey]

any of them can be made into capable off roaders,, it's just how far off road you want to go,
Off Roaders can be from a tt and shackles, to full on full width Dana 60's on both ends rolling on 40's, or even Rockwells,

 

[smurfxlt]

in my opinion theyre awsome! me and my buddy both have 2nd v8s and we both love them! we both do some pretty buck nasty trails (big rocks, big puddles, mud) even when mine was stock it was better than some of my friends trucks! but just so you know, the v6s have 4x4 and the v8s either have AWD or 2wd so the v6s will probably do better off road. but id take a v8 over a v6 any day

 

[simon_rs]

id love a v8 but with stuped fuel costs in england and they only gave us the 4.0 looks like ill be stuck with a 4.0 lol

 

[arco777]

The 4.0 is a good motor whether OHV or OHC version. The OHV is extremely reliable, and the OHC produces a suprising amount of power.

 

[dkchrist]

I have a 4th gen ranger (essentially a 2nd gen ex), they are very capable offroad. If you don't feel comfortable with an obstacle get a spotter. With creative wheel placement and a little experience, you will be impressed.

 

[explorerguy89]

my 2nd gen ex gets through some serious stuff that other truck even jeeps get stuck in so im stickin to ex's

 

[jrowe6]

i agree with explorer guy. my friends are all about their wranglers. i bought my ex and it puts them to shame big time. even with their ridiculous off road tires vs my worn out highway tires. i've driven loads of wranglers and i feel like the back end is so loose on those things. they want to spin in circles. ex feels planted and balanced. ive gone through some nasty mud boggs in my ex and its basically stock with crappy old tires.

 

[ProjectAviator]

IMO Explorers are capable offroad. I have taken mine on carnage canyon with no problems.

Tim

 

[mounty71]

Not to single out the original poster, because there are tons of people everyday that repeatedly ask the same questions, but did you even look around the site before asking? Just a few minutes of searching and you would find that there are a wide range of modifications, from simple to very involved and custom, that will make your truck capable off road to the degree that you want. This site was basically built around the idea of taking explorers off road, so i wonder what kind of answer you were even expecting in the first place besides a resounding "YES".

Edit: There is nothing wrong with this question. (mrboyle)

 

[Rick]

http://www.explorer4x4.com/ricks_galleries.html

Why the Ford Explorer works so well offroad

With the Ford Explorer being the #1 SUV in America for over a decade there is certainly no one in the US who is un-familiar with this vehicle. The trouble is that most people equate a Ford Explorer with soccer moms and shopping malls rather than off road trails such as the Rubicon and Terminator.

The Ford Explorer may be the best kept secret in the off-road world. When these rigs are stock they are capable off-road performers. After a few modifications they become nearly unstoppable.

From 1991-1994 the Ford Explorer platform came with a full ladder type frame based on the tough Ford Ranger platform, an extremely tough 8.8” 31 spline rear axle, Dana 35 Twin Traction Beam (TTB) front suspension (axle diameters and U-joints are the same as a Dana 44), choice of a manual or electronic shift BW1354 transfer case with low range, manual or automatic locking hubs, and a torquey, super reliable 4.0L V-6.

In 1995 Ford changed the front suspension on the Explorer to an IFS system (Independent Front Suspension). Although the IFS systems offer less wheel travel than the TTB systems, they have proven themselves to be extremely reliable off-road. 2002 brought more changes to the Explorer 4 door. The most noticeable change is the addition of an Independent Rear Suspension system in place of the live axle suspension all previous Explorers shared.

So, what does it take to make the Explorer “really” off-road worthy? The same type of modifications as any other rig. Large tires for flotation and ground clearance. A lift to accommodate the big tires. Re-gearing to compensate for the larger diameter of the tires and a locker or two for putting the power to the ground. Approach and departure angles can be maximized by installing aftermarket bumpers, and the break over angle is excellent since the transfer case is tucked well up within the frame rails.

Example of 2nd gen:
http://www.explorer4x4.com/gjarrett.html

Example of first gen:
http://www.explorer4x4.com/tech.html

 

[jrowe6]

what are sliders?


i just answered my own question with google.....but i dont know how to delete this post. why does the edit button say edit/delete but theres no obvious way to delete???

 

[Rick]

but i dont know how to delete this post. why does the edit button say edit/delete but theres no obvious way to delete???

Our Elite members can delete their own posts, but regular registered users cannot.