Not so new guy, first intro.

[jimmyznutz]

Hey Guys N Gals. I'm not new to the forum, been around for a while since I had my '97 Ranger. Now that I have an X I have been doing more research. I've found numerous threads to help with upgrading my ride. Currently have a '99 X Sport, 2wd, sohc, in Tropic Green. Snagged it on an excellent deal. It came with just the basics as far as options. Manual seats, shorty console, no OHC, no fogs, no running boards, etc. I've had it a little over 3 months now and after doing every maintenance item I could think of I'm now upgrading to the options it did not get from the factory. So far I've got the full center console, OHC, fogs and fog light radio bezel, running boards, rear cargo shade and a few customizations. Torsion drop in front, new head unit, sub & amp, and covered some interior pieces in micro-suede. I'm basically transforming my Sport into an XLT or EB with all the options I'm adding. Next on the list is working out the wiring for a message center and doing the pass. side auto down feature for the window. I've got the 20 hole rims that are in excellent shape but I'd like to find some teardrops and put some 31s on it. I also plasti-dipped my emblems black and added some sport emblems to the front fenders. From time to time I still run across an option or mod that I would like to do. No pics yet but I'll snap some soon and update this post. If there are any options I'm forgetting let me know so I can research them. Thanks for all the info and help I've gotten so far.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard!!

Be sure to check out the 2nd Generation Sub-Forums:

Stock 1995 - 2001 Explorers
Questions related to non-modified 1995-2001 Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger and '02+ Sports and Sport Trac. Problem solving, maintenance, TSB, service bulletins, owner reviews, specifications.

Modified 1995-2001 Explorers
Questions related to modified 1995-2001 Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger and 2002+ Sports (2dr). Aftermarket accessories and modifications. Bullbar, running boards, floor mats, cargo mat, DVD headrest, wheels, tires, stereo upgrade, headlights, mud flaps, torsion twist, lift kits, engine swap, transmission swap.

Good luck and Happy Exploring!

 

[jimmyznutz]

Finally took a few minutes to snap a couple pics. Wish I would have taken more before I did work to it.

He was just basically stock all the way around.

Very 1st mod was a full center console swap from the shorty.

Then I found a deal on some step bars. Got them installed with the side skirts still on. Definitely a tight fit but looks good IMO.

Gave it the factory drop removing torsion bolts and swapping rear leaf springs inserts and replacing the factory bump stops with ES bumps.

He didn't come with fogs so I found a set in the JY with another radio bezel.

I know a lot of people prefer to keep the rear wiper but mine was just an annoyance so I deleted it. I also plasti-dipped some parts and the emblems.

I know there are a few smaller things I've done to him since I've had him, they just don't pop in my head at the moment other than the basic maintenance. Definately more to come in the near future.

 

[swshawaii]

Best suspension upgrade after tires and shocks. (Street only)

http://www.explorerexpress.com/swaybars-9803-explorer-sport-xspec-sway-rear-p-575.html

http://www.zabteck.com/swaybar.htm

 

[jimmyznutz]

I haven't updated this thread in quite a while. I've done a few things since. One of the first was dipping my wheels. I like the 20 hole rims but I thought they needed a slightly different look. They came out pretty good.

Next up was some interior pieces that needed some attention. The stereo surround and console pieces had seen better days and the rubber coating was chipped and peeling pretty bad. So I pulled them and removed all the factory coating. After sanding, painting with flat black and 3 coats of matte clearcoat they look better than they did new.

Next up was some extra fog lights to brighten my way at night. Used some small 55w lights in the lower grill area and used a nifty little switch mounted in the bucket to control them.

The latest mod was giving the front end a little refresh. My bug guard was faded and looked like poo and my grill was looking rather rough. I pulled both pieces and painted the guard flat black with some coats of matte clear and also coated the grill in matte clear. While those pieces were off I did a headlight restore to help bring it all together.

My ride will be a work in progress as long as I have it. I'm happy with where it's at and where I'm going with it.

 

[BrianDye]

Nice upgrades! Im in a similar boat with my 2006. It was "decently" equipped, but ive added alot of nicer trim level OEM parts recently.

Those wheels look good dipped like that. Any plans to tint the windows or anything? I think that would look great on yours.

 

[jimmyznutz]

Nice upgrades! Im in a similar boat with my 2006. It was "decently" equipped, but ive added alot of nicer trim level OEM parts recently.

Those wheels look good dipped like that. Any plans to tint the windows or anything? I think that would look great on yours.

Yeah, tint is definitely next. I've been procrastinating. Going to give it shot myself. I have a buddy that does tint and I've learned a good bit from him. He gave me a deal on 30 sq ft. of some 3m tint. Going to do 5% on the back 5 windows and 35% on the front two. Will post up when that's done.

 

[BrianDye]

Nice. Ive done a few flat rear 2 door windows on vehicles, its pretty straightforward, but I wouldn't want to try a curved window or one where you'd have to tuck the tint into the weather stripping part or whatever thats called.

The stuff I used was pre-cut as well, so props if you can do the job on your own with sheets. Takes a lot of patience lol

 

[Mike65]

Nice looking Sport, from another 99 Sport owner. I like that green.

 

[jimmyznutz]

Nice looking Sport, from another 99 Sport owner. I like that green.

Thanks, I like the Topic Green also. It has a very slight metal flake to it. It polishes up real nice.

 

[beepinX]

Beautiful upgrades man, excellent job on black. I dig those wheels