New To ExplorerForum

[GoneExploring]

Well Im new here and just wanted to say thanks to everyone. The info you guys share is awesome. Its because of this site that I got to see the potential my 98 Eb had and how well it might do on the trail. Over christmas I did a TT and rear shackles which I made using the guidelines here. I also put on a new set of rims and 32x11.50 mud kings. Last night as the snow started falling me and some buddies decided to go hit the trail long story short my X did better than his chevy on 35s and even had to pull him out. So I am extremely plesed with what it can do so far. My future mods included 3'' BL, custom roof rack, snorkel, custom bumpers, offroad lights, and manual locking hubs. So thanks again and I hope that some day i will be able to help someone on this site as yall have helped me.

 

[Glen4X4]

Welcome To The Forum! Post some pics of your truck when ya get the chance, and you cannot put manual hubs on your truck, it is a live axle that does not depend on hubs to actuate the front axle. But good plans!

 

[GoneExploring]

Welcome To The Forum! Post some pics of your truck when ya get the chance, and you cannot put manual hubs on your truck, it is a live axle that does not depend on hubs to actuate the front axle. But good plans!

And thats why i love this site cause Im still learning alot about the explorer thanks for the info i guess maybe a front axel conversion then haha

 

[Glen4X4]

What is your reason for wanting to manually control your front axle? If you don't mind me asking

 

[GoneExploring]

Well like i said im new to all this electronic stuff i like to know that it is locked in and working and also the front axel would be stonger and less likely to break IMO

 

[Glen4X4]

The front axle isn't controlled electronically, its mechanically all the time connected directly to the hub assembly so there should never be a failure unless you break a CV joint. Your transfer case is controlled electronically and can be swapped out for a BW 1354 from a 1st gen explorer or ranger. You could also SAS the truck if that's within your budget

 

[GoneExploring]

Ok that makes sense this is gonna sound dumb but are the Cv joints and IFS assemblys on these second gens pretty tough? I know things are bound to break at times I just dont want to have big problems on the trail just doing some mild offroading

 

[Glen4X4]

If you're doing Mild off road and don't run bigger than a 35inch tire because thats pushing it but you should be all right there's a lot of 2nd gen guys here that off road their trucks but if you disconnect the front sway bar you're best to have limit straps so you don't over stress the CV's. Here's a thread to Geralds registry of his explorer he's wheeled with ifs for years http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=15264

 

[GoneExploring]

Ok. Thanks alot for the info I think the biggest tire i really want to run and or need is 33s so I should be fine. I dont do much rock crawling and really have no need to disconnect the sway bar. In your opinion what should be my next mod its a daily driver that doubles as my trail rig.

 

[Glen4X4]

If you're doing trails I would make sway bar disconnects for the rear, it definitely helps. Seeing that your truck is a 98 and you're going to run it on trails and street, I would inspect your shocks, make sure there not wore out and replace if they are. Then depending on how soon you want to go up to bigger tires you may want to start thinking of buying a body lift or suspension lift.

 

[GoneExploring]

When i did my shackles over christmas i did the rears they were wore out and the back of my rig sat 4'' lower than the front bumper so i replaced the rear shocks. but definately gonna do the fronts soon so the bl would be next on the list lol.

thanks again for all the info you have shared

 

[Glen4X4]

Yeah, we all help each other out round here, and I wouldn't know half this stuff if it hadn't been from observation of the forum since I been a member, that and having a passion for what you drive.

 

[GoneExploring]

Yeah i LOVE my X its just funny how my buddy with the lifted chevy was pickin on me about it cause hes chevy and im blue oval ya know then his bigger chevy gets stuck and its the little engine that could so to speak gets him outta trouble lol but i think i will search the site and figure out how to make the rear disconnects sounds like it would be helpful on some of these hills where one side is alot lower than the other

 

[Glen4X4]

Also remember its also the driver that helps keep the vehicle from being stuck so if someone acts like a know it all, it doesn't always work out the same way as someone taking their time watching their ground as they wheel. Also depends on you're gearing, your tread, flex and clearance theres a good write up on here for sway bar disconnects with pins

 

[GoneExploring]

ok cool this site and you guys have been alot of help hope I can help some one out some time

 

[Glen4X4]

Good luck with the truck and lifting it. Remember to search before asking new questions but its alright to post a new thread if you can't get an answer which obviously you do search since you got the tt and shackles done.

 

[GoneExploring]

Thanks alot and as soon as i find my camera i will get some pics of my truck up shes nothing special but i love her lol

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! There is a lot of information on this site. You could learn something new everyday.