Hello everyone!
It's been a while since I've posted but I have a few questions that I think some of you can help me find answers to. I have a '91 ex that I fixed up and has been my daily driver/commuter/road trip vehicle for the last two years. You can read more about the car here:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/91-ex-budget-build-4-0-or-4-0.426232/
So It's been 30k since I finished and the ex is still running pretty good, I'll average 20-22mpg and even saw over 24 on my most recent trip to yosemite! I've had to do some maintenance and stuff along the way but nothing out of the ordinary, overall it's been pretty reliable. This last camping trip has inspired my gf and me to take a longer (1-2 month) road trip next year, we want to drive the western US and hit up a bunch of national parks and cool spots, while sleeping/camping in the car. Our mattress fits perfectly in the back so I have some ideas about making a platform for storage and sleeping etc.
However I am thinking about upgrading to a newer 2nd gen as I think that it might add a bit of comfort and reliability for the trip. The interior on my car is really showing its age, the door pulls have all broken save the drivers. The cooling system also needs to be taken care of as it can run hot (no AC up hill or if it's over 100* ambient) and I'm not sure it would survive going through the southwest desert. The current setup is somewhat optimized for road use and light towing, keeping fuel efficiency in mind.
My 91: 4.0 OHV, M5 trans, 3.27 8.8 open diff, & 235/75/15 no name low resistance tires, tow hitch.
I think that the extra 50hp of the SOHC 6 and stopping power of rear disc brakes could really help the road manners of the ex, along with the IFS, however as far as I can tell, the SOHC never came with a manual trans. I really like driving manual as I think it adds excitement to what would normally be a boring drive to work/get groceries. I've only ever owned manual cars.
So my question is, should I stick with the ex I have, or look for a 2nd gen for a bit more creature comforts? My planned use would be daily driving, ski trips, and the big trip next year. For the trip I am thinking of doing a mix of 80% paved, 15% dirt and service road, and maybe 5% trails. Anything too difficult we would turn around or hoof it, we're big on hiking/backpacking so no need to climb mountains with the truck. I think I would at least need some 31's with good tread and an LSD rear diff on either generation. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Bonus pics of my ex in yosemite!
http://imgur.com/a/ljC1V
It's been a while since I've posted but I have a few questions that I think some of you can help me find answers to. I have a '91 ex that I fixed up and has been my daily driver/commuter/road trip vehicle for the last two years. You can read more about the car here:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/91-ex-budget-build-4-0-or-4-0.426232/
So It's been 30k since I finished and the ex is still running pretty good, I'll average 20-22mpg and even saw over 24 on my most recent trip to yosemite! I've had to do some maintenance and stuff along the way but nothing out of the ordinary, overall it's been pretty reliable. This last camping trip has inspired my gf and me to take a longer (1-2 month) road trip next year, we want to drive the western US and hit up a bunch of national parks and cool spots, while sleeping/camping in the car. Our mattress fits perfectly in the back so I have some ideas about making a platform for storage and sleeping etc.
However I am thinking about upgrading to a newer 2nd gen as I think that it might add a bit of comfort and reliability for the trip. The interior on my car is really showing its age, the door pulls have all broken save the drivers. The cooling system also needs to be taken care of as it can run hot (no AC up hill or if it's over 100* ambient) and I'm not sure it would survive going through the southwest desert. The current setup is somewhat optimized for road use and light towing, keeping fuel efficiency in mind.
My 91: 4.0 OHV, M5 trans, 3.27 8.8 open diff, & 235/75/15 no name low resistance tires, tow hitch.
I think that the extra 50hp of the SOHC 6 and stopping power of rear disc brakes could really help the road manners of the ex, along with the IFS, however as far as I can tell, the SOHC never came with a manual trans. I really like driving manual as I think it adds excitement to what would normally be a boring drive to work/get groceries. I've only ever owned manual cars.
So my question is, should I stick with the ex I have, or look for a 2nd gen for a bit more creature comforts? My planned use would be daily driving, ski trips, and the big trip next year. For the trip I am thinking of doing a mix of 80% paved, 15% dirt and service road, and maybe 5% trails. Anything too difficult we would turn around or hoof it, we're big on hiking/backpacking so no need to climb mountains with the truck. I think I would at least need some 31's with good tread and an LSD rear diff on either generation. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Bonus pics of my ex in yosemite!
http://imgur.com/a/ljC1V