Trail rig mod suggestions for a 2wd 98 xsport.

[justiss99]

I recently got into a fender bender which is going to require some new metal up front. I figured while I'm at it I might as well look into some mods. My x is a daily driver that spends occasional weekends on the trail. I"d really like to improve its off road handling and performance. All suggestions are welcome. Thank you.

 

[Dannyboy]

welcome to the site. The best mod for a 2wd Explorer to become more offroad worthy is a locker.

What metal needs replacing? If it's the fenders, go with fiberglass and run some 32s!

 

[justiss99]

I need to replace the whole front clip (i.e. both fenders, hood, header, grill, bumper, etc.). I smashed the r-side front corner and the l-side was damaged courtesy of a hit and run. I looked at fiberglass at Perry's and Fiberwerx. The fenders are about twice the cost of stock fenders ($300 vs. $160). How much of a benefit is the weight loss and will it make my x less stable in high winds on the freeway due to the reduced weight? What tire size would I have to use?

 

[Dannyboy]

I need to replace the whole front clip (i.e. both fenders, hood, header, grill, bumper, etc.). I smashed the r-side front corner and the l-side was damaged courtesy of a hit and run. I looked at fiberglass at Perry's and Fiberwerx. The fenders are about twice the cost of stock fenders ($300 vs. $160). How much of a benefit is the weight loss and will it make my x less stable in high winds on the freeway due to the reduced weight? What tire size would I have to use?

It's not about weight loss, it's about tire clearance.

I'm thinking you could maybe adjust your torsion bars a little and run a 32 or 33" tire with a glass fender. In the rear you could do a shackle or add-a-leaf.

Depending on how much off roading you want to do, you can look at new spindles. A great guy to look at is Carlover's Desert Beater. He has glass fenders, spindles from Camburg and new upper a-arms to handle the abuse from the whoops. In the rear the best way would be a new leaf pack with more thinner leaves and great shocks all around.

You got a budget on this?

 

[justiss99]

I've got a wife (whom I love) which is a lot more stringent than a budget. Any place I could look for used fiberglass?