MrQ's Red Flyer

[black91EB]

Thanks man. If you do jump it just make sure you don't have any loose items lying around in the cabin.

And that you have a good battery hold down. (Don't ask how I know)

 

[MrQ]

And that you have a good battery hold down. (Don't ask how I know)

Haha, would love to hear the story behind that one...

 

[black91EB]

Haha, would love to hear the story behind that one...

well, this story actually predates all things explorer, I have an 86 full-size bronco with an EFI 302 and a 4 speed. Seems that the short, wide wheelbase and decent power made it a natural jumper. In one of the fields behind my house there is a terrace that is perfect for jumping, and when I hit it one night doing about 35, when I landed, the battery bounced up, hit the hood, shorted, pulled the terminal off, and split the battery case when it landed back in the tray. Fortunately I was able to get the terminal back together and get the truck restarted. The SAS'd '80 f-150 in my thread has a hold down made from a seat belt, a lesson learned from my jumping experience.

 

[MrQ]

Well, Red is back on the road with a vengeance!! She is not happy about being cooped up and is still running rough due to her battery being disconnected for a while. But she is back!!!

Note to the wise: Remember fan is on water pump and produces some vibration. Double check your wp bolts after a drive.

On another note, it's been a full year since I got my ex and joined this forum. I can't believe what a ride it has been!! I have learned more about the mechanical workings of a vehicle than I had in 10 years. Sure, I have had issues and problems, but they have all been overcome thanks to EF and all its members! Here is to another year of awesomeness...

 

[MrQ]

You know, sometimes I could kick myself. More than once actually. This time I really should. There are 12 bolts holding on the water pump. Guess what? I left one off. Now I have to take off the shroud and fan, probably the belt too, to get that other bolt in and finish this install. Unfortunately, I have very little time to do this. I am finishing up high school tomorrow and then I have a 4 maybe 5 days of work during Thanksgiving week. Well...Red has done so well, I just need her to hold on for a little while longer.

 

[MrQ]

Bolt's in and water pump re tightened. Finally got around to fixing the power rear windows. And yes it was the bushings. Apparently the "worm gear" likes to eat chopped bushing in fine grease. It was in every nick and cranny of that housing. So I put it on a diet of fresh silicon and gave it a good cleaning. The "worm" will no longer prey on the bushings, they are penned into the gear. All in all not a bad fix, however eating nearly $20 dollars on 6 little polyurethane bushings gives me a stomach ache.

(If this thread seems a little weird...then...well...it is. I blame the pizza.)

 

[black91EB]

Bolt's in and water pump re tightened. Finally got around to fixing the power rear windows. And yes it was the bushings. Apparently the "worm gear" likes to eat chopped bushing in fine grease. It was in every nick and cranny of that housing. So I put it on a diet of fresh silicon and gave it a good cleaning. The "worm" will no longer prey on the bushings, they are penned into the gear. All in all not a bad fix, however eating nearly $20 dollars on 6 little polyurethane bushings gives me a stomach ache.

(If this thread seems a little weird...then...well...it is. I blame the pizza.)

It made me hungry. Too much about eating in there. Lol.

For future reference, ebay is a great place to get the plugs, I fixed all of my windows for $9 as I recall. There was a page I saw at one point that suggested replacing each of the rubber plugs with a stack of 3 1/4" nuts. I dunno how good that would be for your motor, but you sure wouldnt have to replace them.

 

[MrQ]

I read about that and then a few posts later found out that the guy destroyed his motor with them.

Also, it is snowing. In Houston. In December. Right when it should. I should call my global warming advocate. :

 

[black91EB]

I read about that and then a few posts later found out that the guy destroyed his motor with them.

Also, it is snowing. In Houston. In December. Right when it should. I should call my global warming advocate. :

Snowing, right when you have abandoned your conversion again. Perhaps this is a sign?

 

[MrQ]

Alright! I give, I give.

Back to work on Red then for me. You are gonna make me stick to this aren't you?

 

[black91EB]

yeah, well, what are friends for.

 

[MrQ]

It's been over a week since I updated this. I must be getting soft...or tired. Right now Red has had no major changes and really no small ones either. Money is tight right now. I am barely getting over a $100 a week. The store where I work has really hit a rough patch and sales are not good. So I am "exploring" the possibility of a new job. I hope something comes up soon.

 

[MrQ]

New mud:

and a new toy

Garmin Nuvi 255w

 

[MrQ]

Maintenance day:

-Fixed the slop in my steering wheel. About 1/2 a turn for the adjustment screw and everything has tightened up. Thanks DeRocha! Just lovin' this site.

-I have finally, hopefully, prayerfully, fixed my coolant system. One of the water pump screws was not tightened all the way and the lower hose from radiator to wp had a loose hose clamp. Now no drips.

-Also pulled off that lower valance, dirt catcher, and general PITA plastic piece under the bumper. I am big guy : and this was more of a workspace change than a cosmetic one. With it on I can't get under my truck. With it off I can go all the way back to the I-beams.

 

[Paraphoe]

Maintenance day:

-Fixed the slop in my steering wheel. About 1/2 a turn for the adjustment screw and everything has tightened up. Thanks DeRocha! Just lovin' this site.

Link? My steering could use a little tighten if this works for 2nd gens.

-Also pulled off that lower valance, dirt catcher, and general PITA plastic piece under the bumper. I am big guy : and this was more of a workspace change than a cosmetic one. With it on I can't get under my truck. With it off I can go all the way back to the I-beams.

My 'dirt catcher' has been off since 2004 with no ill effects, and I ditched my lower valence with the busted up fogs back in '06.


Nice clean truck, Q. Keep on keepin' on.

 

[MrQ]

Thanks man!

There is no gearbox on the 95 and up, so, unfortunately, this mod really won't work for you. I guess it's due to the suspension change. Maybe there is a something similar in the 2nd gen section? :scratch:

Yeah, that plastic piece is supposed to be a dirt guard and improve gas mileage. I'll take the loss of +/- 1mpg for the ability to get under my truck without a jack any day.

 

[Paraphoe]

Yeah, that plastic piece is supposed to be a dirt guard and improve gas mileage. I'll take the loss of +/- 1mpg for the ability to get under my truck without a jack any day.

I've got two separate ones on mine - the first piece I removed was the plastic piece under the radiator that was supposed to direct more airflow through it. Never noticed a difference. And then there's the lower valence. I'll have to dig around for a steering fix for mine. Thanks.

 

[celly]

I've never had a chance to look at your Elite registry. That is one clean Gen 1.

My first Exploder was a '93. I have a soft spot for the 1st gen.

 

[black91EB]

No steering box at all on second gens, they use rack and pinion steering. Pretty nice that you have all those little issues fixed, almost all mine will be fixed shortly when I get the engine back in my truck (my thread has details)

 

[Mirge]

Beautiful truck Absolutely love it... I'd like to get another Ex when money becomes available... a second "backup" vehicle.