Joe Dirt's 2000 Ex-El-Tee "Deuce"

Welcome to the registry for Wedgie 2.0, who has been affectionately named "Deuce"

From Shad's info to save keystrokes:

Here is the run down:

2000 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0L - AWD
Deep Wedgewood Blue
Gray Leather
Yada, yada, yada...

Highlights:

• Transmission rebuilt at 160,000 miles, and filled with synthetic
• Lifted 2" in front with torsion keys
• Lifted 3" in back with Add-a-Leaf and Warrior Shackles
• New Superlift shocks at 166,000 miles
• 31" x 10.5" tires
• As much rust as some southern trucks- she's clean...

Interesting fact- it was an XLT fitted with air-ride shocks from the factory. System was disabled with the kit and shocks were put on to avoid costly repair.



Next to Wedgie:

Today 1/28/11 was the first car wash.

And yes, it needs to be cleaned...

Um... This is going to be my biggest challenge to date.

But it's going to be fine. It's an incredible place to start- the steering wheel isn't even gummy or rolled. I'm very pleased with the canvas...

Anyway, after the car wash, I snapped some pics for starting point reference.
So, here are our obligatory before pictures...

Door seams always oiled

Hatch looks brand new as well!

Nothing on the rocker seams ...but a paint chip

Rockers nice. No rust even at the back- just grime and ice. I think the mudflaps really helped...

 

[Joe Dirt]

I've decided to keep the shackles and keys/twist, and I'm going to order some new shocks once another major purchase is on paper...

Magic Erasers are indeed getting more expensive...

 

[lynchy wa]

Are you getting more magic bang for your buck?

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Magic Bang? What clubs are in Grand Rapids?? I want to go!!!

And, major purchases are vehicles, houses, and wives, in ascending order from lower cost to higher cost.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I already have vehicles, and we enjoy the tax benefits of being classified as 'single' on our tax returns...

 

[Joe Dirt]

Ok, ordering parts today.

Once in a while, a slight coolant whiff, and now seeing some coolant below the passenger side plastic tank on the rad. Figure that the seam is letting go, so I'm just going to replace it before it blows out when it's 10 degrees outside.

Ordering a new rad, new upper and lower hoses, and a new cap just because.

I'm ordering the Spectra Premium radiator to support my Canadian friends.

List:


Radiator SPECTRA PREMIUM Part # CU2308

Radiator Upper Hose GATES Part # 22310 1 15/32" x 23 11/16" Does Not Contain Spring Molded

Radiator Lower Hose GATES Part # 22452 1 1/2" x 1 3/4" x 18 13/16" Does Not Contain Spring Molded

Radiator Cap MOTORCRAFT Part # RS76 {#E9SZ8100A, F87H8100AA} lbs.: 16

 

[rickybobby]

you staying in GR, or did you find something in Holland?


good call on the radiator, i got to replace one in the driveway last winter because of a cracked tank i let go a bit too long and it would no longer hold coolant more than 10 minutes

 

[mounty71]

Have fun with that radiator!

 

[vroomzoomboom]

I'm ordering the Spectra Premium radiator to support my Canadian friends.

hey, thanks eh!

*throws joe a slab of back bacon and a elsinore

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Joe likes Tulips??

 

[lynchy wa]

Only to tip toe through while playing the ukelele

 

[GRNMACHINE]

You have to sing it with a real high pitched voice! Seriously, Holland Michigan is really really nice! Awesome Irish Pub (if its still there) and a yearly tulip festival (although that I have not seen, flowers aint my bag baby).

 

[Joe Dirt]

Oh yeah- CURRAH is still there. We were there last week actually.

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Yeah! Thats the place & thats the Song!!

 

[corkey]

2nd Canuck thanking you Joe,,

support our economy too, we vacation in the U S ,, ,

 

[Joe Dirt]

Just about moved... The last shelf to pack?

 

[vroomzoomboom]

Just about moved... The last shelf to pack?

i will also add, the one shelf with all the important stuff, and prob had the most stuff on it from what i remember!

 

[cybergasm]

Wonders if that is Lighter Fluid next to the Extinguisher? :scratch:

 

[lynchy wa]

Probably the best place to store lighter fluid, come to think of it

 

[Joe Dirt]

Nope- just gear lube for the outboard...

 

[Joe Dirt]

Who might want an Ex in the spring?