Charlie
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- August 10, 2006
- Messages
- 4,157
- Reaction score
- 5
- City, State
- Wisconsin
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2000 Limited
So I'm not a new member, but I haven't been active in a while, so I'll re-introduce myself here.
So, a month ago, I didn't have any plans to buy an Explorer. Well, that's not true, I've been wanting to get one again for a while, but just never really bothered. Anyway, so the a few weeks ago I bought a 2000 Ranger with a blown motor, maybe because I was bored, maybe because I was sick of the cold weather, who knows. So my plan was to pick up a 302, build it up and make a drag truck. So I parked it in the garage, and ripped the engine/trans out.
So now, I needed to find a 302. Plus, I needed a 8.8 axle instead of the little 7.5 in the ranger. So I realized, it would be best to find an explorer I could tear apart for the engine and axle. After some searching, I found a 2000 limited. Engine ran well, so it would make the perfect donor. And the price agreed upon was a 3 figure number. So I picked it up, and drove it 100 miles home. But then something happened on the drive. I realized it was in too good of shape to strip parts out of then send off to the scrap yard. What can I say, I fell in love. The thing ran great, it was loaded with every option, and was in great condition. I would call it a 9/10 for condition.
So, I've decided to keep it as a run around vehicle. But this left me in a bad situation, because I had a sad ranger in the garage with no engine, and no leads. So my search for a donor continued. A few days later, my friend called me up, because his neighbor was selling a 98 explorer with the 5.0, eddie bauer package (complete with LS rear diff), and was also very cheap. Luckily this one was in much worse shape, so I don't feel bad using it as a donor. But, the engine runs well, and has the GTP heads, returnless fuel system, and same PATS system as the ranger, making it the perfect donor. So now I've got it lined up and ready to start pulling the motor. Here's that one. It's not the prettiest, but that's what I need.
So now, my project can begin. I will probably be having a build thread to document the progress on the vehicles. Although, the plan for the ranger has changed...but it's top secret for the time being. All I can say is the plan involves frame cutting and a cage..
All I can say, is it feels good to be back with an explorer...or 2.
So, a month ago, I didn't have any plans to buy an Explorer. Well, that's not true, I've been wanting to get one again for a while, but just never really bothered. Anyway, so the a few weeks ago I bought a 2000 Ranger with a blown motor, maybe because I was bored, maybe because I was sick of the cold weather, who knows. So my plan was to pick up a 302, build it up and make a drag truck. So I parked it in the garage, and ripped the engine/trans out.
So now, I needed to find a 302. Plus, I needed a 8.8 axle instead of the little 7.5 in the ranger. So I realized, it would be best to find an explorer I could tear apart for the engine and axle. After some searching, I found a 2000 limited. Engine ran well, so it would make the perfect donor. And the price agreed upon was a 3 figure number. So I picked it up, and drove it 100 miles home. But then something happened on the drive. I realized it was in too good of shape to strip parts out of then send off to the scrap yard. What can I say, I fell in love. The thing ran great, it was loaded with every option, and was in great condition. I would call it a 9/10 for condition.
So, I've decided to keep it as a run around vehicle. But this left me in a bad situation, because I had a sad ranger in the garage with no engine, and no leads. So my search for a donor continued. A few days later, my friend called me up, because his neighbor was selling a 98 explorer with the 5.0, eddie bauer package (complete with LS rear diff), and was also very cheap. Luckily this one was in much worse shape, so I don't feel bad using it as a donor. But, the engine runs well, and has the GTP heads, returnless fuel system, and same PATS system as the ranger, making it the perfect donor. So now I've got it lined up and ready to start pulling the motor. Here's that one. It's not the prettiest, but that's what I need.
So now, my project can begin. I will probably be having a build thread to document the progress on the vehicles. Although, the plan for the ranger has changed...but it's top secret for the time being. All I can say is the plan involves frame cutting and a cage..
All I can say, is it feels good to be back with an explorer...or 2.
V8 Explorers are not to find here in Norway
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