Mountaineer or Explorer (liftable?)

[CrmScntst]

Hi,
I'm a new member to this site, I used to own a 1994 Explorer, and am considering buying a newer one with v8, installing a lift and running at least 33's.
I saw a sweet 98 Limited with a lift in the before and after section, and was curious if that lift would fit onto a 98-99 mountaineer, since they seem to be more plentiful and at more reasonable prices than the explorers. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

thanks all,
Chuck

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hi Chuck,
Welcome to the site.
Well first off since you are wanting to put 33's on, would be be correct to say that you want to take it off road? If you are going to do any off roading, you need to know that the V8 models don't have a 4LO gear in them, which does inhibit you from really going places where you would need to have a 4LO gear.I gues you could always try and put in another T-case in, but this is not as easy as just putting one in. There is a problem with space.If you are thinking about getting into off roading alot, I would suggest against getting a V8 and going to a 4.0L engine. It's all up to you what you want to do.V8's are really good for towing and as a street machine, but not as good for off roading. Just my $0.02.
Oh it will be easier to lift a 98 model than it will trying to lift a 95-97 model. It can still be done, just not as easy. It took a little bit of modifying to lift my 97. There is no differance between the Mountaineer and the Explorer when it comes to lifting them.
Hope you find this site as informitative as the rest of us do.

 

[Jason_25]

Sane as ray said except for the v8 thing. Unless you're gonna be rockcrawling it alot, the low end torque from the v8 alone is about like the stock v6 in low range. Also, if you do decide to put another transfer case behind it........IMHO it would be an extremely rewarding experience. Also keep in mind that the v8 explorer's tranny is ALOT more reliable than the v6 tranny's.

 

[BislamJoe]

If you get the V8, then later decide that you need the low range too, Advance Adapters can put a Dana 20 t-case behind the 4R70W (v8 tranny). That should fit without too much trouble, and their adapter may make it possible to keep your drivelines, but I really don't know about that.

 

[GJarrett]

Originally posted by Jason_25
... the low end torque from the v8 alone is about like the stock v6 in low range

Sorry Jason, I have to disagree with that. There is no way a V8's low end torque can even begin to approach the advantage of the power and control of a true low range in the transfer case. If you're gonna really fourwheel, then you need to have a low range, rockcrawler or not.

 

[rustytr]

Originally posted by GJarrett


Sorry Jason, I have to disagree with that. There is no way a V8's low end torque can even begin to approach the advantage of the power and control of a true low range in the transfer case. If you're gonna really fourwheel, then you need to have a low range, rockcrawler or not.

Man I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Robert]

I agree. The V8 has 288 ft/lbs at 3300 RPM. The SOHC which would be the V6 that a late model Mountaineer comes with puts out 250 ft/lbs at 3000 RPM for a '98 (240 ft/lbs at 3250 for '99 and up). With a typical low range reduction of around 2.3 to 1, the SOHC would be turning 3000 RPM in 1st compared to 1300 RPM for the V8. I am certain that the V8 will not be putting out the 250 ft/lbs that the SOHC would be putting out at 1300 RPM. Even the OHV would still be putting out 225 ft/lbs at 2800 RPM. The V8 would probably be in the neighborhood of 170 ft/lbs or so. Yeah, the V8 will peak at a higher RPM, and RPM to RPM the V8 will have more. But, not when there is a factor of 2.3 times the difference.

I've gone offroading with a friend that has a '98 GMC Jimmy. His had AWD and did remarkably well in the sand. However, once we started climbine moderate grades he had to keep his RPMs up at such a high RPM that he had to go up the hill totally out of control. Going down is the same thing. He had to ride the brakes going down hill, whereas I just put it into 1/Low and stayed off the brakes. The V8 torque won't help you there, you need gear reduction.

 

[CrmScntst]

thanks

Thanks guys,
I am leaning towards the v8 since I have had all sortsa problems with ford v6's. The main wheeling i'm gonna be doing is on the beach. I don't really plan on heading deep into the woods very often.
I called AA and they said they could hook me up with a spacer conversion thingy that would make it possible to use a regular v6 case w/ the v8 so hopefully if i do end up needing low range i can just add that.
Thanks a lot on the info, I had been told you couldn't lift the newer explorers and thusly was looking at jeeps and durango's,
One newer question though, does anyone know if its possible for a guy with limited automotive repair abilities to install this lift himself?
I installed a lift in a 77 F150 and a 79 bronco, but if welding is required I'm a tad nervous.
Thanks,
This site rocks

 

[Robert]

The Trailmaster 4" suspension lift is suposed to be a bolt on. It is made for '98-'01 Explorer/Mountaineers. It can be made to work with '95-'97s but some minor welding would be required. The 3" PA body lift can be put on by someone with limited knowledge with the help from a friend in a weekend. It can be made to work with any Explorer/Mountaineer up through '01. Do a search for more information about it if it interests you.