Some mod info needed

[Defiant_Doug]

I am going to slam my 97 AWD 5.0X and I wanted to solicit an opinion. SHould I keep it AWD or convert to 2WD?

I do not like how it feels being AWD, it feels like I'm driving a tank.

ALSO, any suggestions for a tranny mod to get this beast to pick up the gears a bit quicker? Got smoked by a Volvo the other evening and was pretty embarassed. LOL

And my last question is, does anyone know where to find a list for street legal items for California?? I'm in love with the headers, supercharger and some other groovy stuff, but the SMOG TECHS get a reward for turning you in if you modify with illegal stuff.

Thanx everyone. This site has severely wet my lust for my ride modifications!

 

[j602]

Look up boominXplorer and BeauJ. As far as I know, boomin's already completed his 2wd swap and Beau's is either in the process or coming soon. They can give you some good information. For tranny mods, you can try a shift kit, but the best mod would probably be a custom tuned chip, to change the shift points.

 

[Defiant_Doug]

Much appreciated! THANX!!

 

[MONMIX]

with out question the best mod for the money is a custom tuned chip.
I reccomend www.bamachip.com

get one and that Volvo will be sorry !!

 

[off-road97Xplor]

I wouldnt be that embarrassed if you raced him stock.

 

[rocket 5979]

By far and away THE BEST BANG for your buck will be rear gears. Chip, TB, exahust, intake and so on so forth will not give you the power value that gears will. It lowers the powerband, which is what these heavys trucks need. Ask any musclecar guy who knows their stuff and they will tell you that gears are by far and away the best bang for the buck for a naturally aspirated vehicle. Especially a heavy one like the Explorer. They usually come stock with 3.55 open diff. Go with some 4.10's and you will thank me. In town gas mileage will benefit too. Highway and high speed gas mileage will suffer a little though. But it seems like most travel in town anyways.

 

[aldive]

with out question the best mod for the money is a custom tuned chip.
I reccomend www.bamachip.com

get one and that Volvo will be sorry !!

I concur.

 

[off-road97Xplor]

By far and away THE BEST BANG for your buck will be rear gears. Chip, TB, exahust, intake and so on so forth will not give you the power value that gears will. It lowers the powerband, which is what these heavys trucks need. Ask any musclecar guy who knows their stuff and they will tell you that gears are by far and away the best bang for the buck for a naturally aspirated vehicle. Especially a heavy one like the Explorer. They usually come stock with 3.55 open diff. Go with some 4.10's and you will thank me. In town gas mileage will benefit too. Highway and high speed gas mileage will suffer a little though. But it seems like most travel in town anyways.

Me and my Dad have been rebuilding musclecars for years.
Listen to what hes telling you its so true.

 

[MONMIX]

is grears in a AWD a wise swap ?

 

[section525]

As long as you do front and rear.

 

[MONMIX]

that is what I was thinking.
Thanks for comfirming.

 

[BeauJ]

As long as you do front and rear.

On my 20s (27" tires) I had to put the spare on (29") one day and the gears did not like it very much. I've got a tailsection to the tranny just need a driveshaft and then I'll do the WHOLE front end conversion like Chris did.

 

[section525]

Geez. Why didn't you guys just buy your Explorers the way you wanted them?

 

[BeauJ]

Geez. Why didn't you guys just buy your Explorers the way you wanted them?

Mine didn't even say AWD on the sticker ass. I found out a month later when I changed the oil

 

[boominXplorer]

im still waiting on a tailshaft and driveshaft. Its pretty much a driveway queen for the next few months so I'm in no rush. I can vouch that if you swap to 2wd up front you will gain at least 2mpg on the highway. Do the basics like intake, exhaust, chip and headers if you can. You will notice a huge diff

 

[rocket 5979]

As long as you do front and rear.

What he said.







Oh by the way Beau I think Section was kidding with you all. Did you see what he has done to his explorer? Total joking sarcasm.