What do you guys think... First gen sleeper.

[thorney_5]

While I agree with the above, that fast is a relative term in an explorer, this sounds like its gonna be an awesome build, and a fun one to watch.

1) Cam- I really don't know much about cams either, but neither do a lot of people. Cams are a very complicated thing- duration, lift, profiles, and how it all plays out in the performance of the engine. I think you'd be best off calling up a cam manufacturer (comp cams for example) and talking with one of their support guys to see what's best for your application.

2) if your talking about a first gen, I am not familiar enough with the driveline to know how to properly remove the 4 wheel drive system.

3) To lower a second gen, do a reverse TT In the front and put 2" blocks in the rear. Top it all off with edelbrock IAS lowering shocks.

Here's installing the blocks:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97403

 

[1996BLKBauer]

While I agree with the above, that fast is a relative term in an explorer, this sounds like its gonna be an awesome build, and a fun one to watch.

1) Cam- I really don't know much about cams either, but neither do a lot of people. Cams are a very complicated thing- duration, lift, profiles, and how it all plays out in the performance of the engine. I think you'd be best off calling up a cam manufacturer (comp cams for example) and talking with one of their support guys to see what's best for your application.

2) if your talking about a first gen, I am not familiar enough with the driveline to know how to properly remove the 4 wheel drive system.

3) To lower a second gen, do a reverse TT In the front and put 2" blocks in the rear. Top it all off with edelbrock IAS lowering shocks.

Here's installing the blocks:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97403

I contacted Comp Cams, and I am waiting on a reply, so we will see what they say Bout it. As far as the 4x4 to 2wd conversion I would need the spindles and such, found that out my self. I also typed wrong I meant to ask lowering a first gen explorer, the rear is pretty easy, but the front I am worried a out the alignment with drop springs. So I still have most of the question. But thanks for your input. I am still kicking around the idea of lowering my second gen, lol.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

For what it's worth, the truck that was tearing up the slalom course at the Goodguys show in Des Moines last month was a DRASTICALLY lowered - get this - '72 International Scout. When I saw it, he was about 20 seconds faster than any other truck. It sat just a few inches off the ground, handled like it was on rails, and the guy could flat out drive, too. Probably had a full custom built frame, but it shows what can be done. I mean, who ever saw a fast Scout?

 

[1996BLKBauer]

For what it's worth, the truck that was tearing up the slalom course at the Goodguys show in Des Moines last month was a DRASTICALLY lowered - get this - '72 International Scout. When I saw it, he was about 20 seconds faster than any other truck. It sat just a few inches off the ground, handled like it was on rails, and the guy could flat out drive, too. Probably had a full custom built frame, but it shows what can be done. I mean, who ever saw a fast Scout?

I don't think I need to go that crazy, just low enough to make it not tippy, and, possibly help a little with lifting up, by air getting under it. IDK, I think it would also look a little bit better too.

 

[mr cribb]

To lower a 1st gen 4x4 Explorer ---- skip the hassle and find a 2wd, travel out of state if you have to find a cleaner body.


But if you really want to know how to convert it... You will need all 2wd components springs twin I beams (for in place of TTB) steering linkages, spindles, bearings, brakes, everything from a 2wd.

To lower: I believe there are lowering springs (coils), I have seen lowering beams (may have to look up ford ranger).

To put is simply don't buy a 4x4 if you're looking at lowering it because you would waste 2x as much money to get it where you want. Also, I am not aware of any lowering kits for a TTB 4wd.

 

[4pullingGM]

Yep, the 4wd to 2wd swap is pretty straight forward, I've converted a 2wd to 4wd before. You just have to have all the parts.

 

[jd4242]

I contacted Comp Cams, and I am waiting on a reply, so we will see what they say Bout it. As far as the 4x4 to 2wd conversion I would need the spindles and such, found that out my self. I also typed wrong I meant to ask lowering a first gen explorer, the rear is pretty easy, but the front I am worried a out the alignment with drop springs. So I still have most of the question. But thanks for your input. I am still kicking around the idea of lowering my second gen, lol.

You need more than spindles.your need everything from a 2wd.radius arms forward and new driveshaft.2nd gen would be a better starting point.

 

[jprentice94]

I would not use blocks even if you stuff power into a rear end with blocks that is going to have some axle wrap like a **** explorers already seem to have that problem so I would look into a more sufficient way maybe a 4 bar bit more expensive but you want a suspension capable of handling how much power you wan just my 2 cents

 

[1996BLKBauer]

You need more than spindles.your need everything from a 2wd.radius arms forward and new driveshaft.2nd gen would be a better starting point.

I would still prefer a First Gen, I feel that it would more of a sleeper, I don't need to buy the first truck I see either, so I am being patient, Plus if I go into a second Gen, then I have to meet emissions, which I don't want to do, I mean unless I find a 2wd Sport from '95...

I would not use blocks even if you stuff power into a rear end with blocks that is going to have some axle wrap like a **** explorers already seem to have that problem so I would look into a more sufficient way maybe a 4 bar bit more expensive but you want a suspension capable of handling how much power you wan just my 2 cents

Thanks for the input, despite your input, which I appreciate, I will still most likely run some lowering blocks, and then further down the road, probably with the upgrade of a 302 Stroker, then I will deal with upgrading the suspension further, I was already thinking about traction bars though, if at all possible. Plus I don't think it will really have that much power to make it go real crazy.

 

[Pollarican]

I would not use blocks even if you stuff power into a rear end with blocks that is going to have some axle wrap like a **** explorers already seem to have that problem so I would look into a more sufficient way maybe a 4 bar bit more expensive but you want a suspension capable of handling how much power you wan just my 2 cents

Honestly this is the best piece of advice in this whole thread. I would put money into this setup before doing anything motorwise - you will get nice crisp power transfer this way. Both of my first gens I've owned have W'd the springs - one with a stock 4.0, the other with a lightly built 4.0, however I'm spring over with no blocks.

 

[jprentice94]

Sound like it will be cool. Maybe do a trac bar to solve axle wrap . When i first got my license i slid my explorer a few times i loved dirt roads. And wet pavement they have alright power more lowend then high end also you can get a significant gain just changing gears but cant wait to see the progress

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Sound like it will be cool. Maybe do a trac bar to solve axle wrap . When i first got my license i slid my explorer a few times i loved dirt roads. And wet pavement they have alright power more lowend then high end also you can get a significant gain just changing gears but cant wait to see the progress

I'm getting excited, getting pretty close to picking out an Ex, then an engine.

 

[jprentice94]

Ya you going to rebuild a motor or add some power enhancements. Like bore stroke etc.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Ya you going to rebuild a motor or add some power enhancements. Like bore stroke etc.

For now, I am only going to do a cam, new valve springs, and a few bolt ons(CAI, Headers,fuel injectors, underdrive pulleys, ect.), and a good tune. Then maybe after a year or two, I will either blow the engine up, or rebuild it, then make it a stroker, and have some fun then. Final plan, probably 5+ years from now is a 351, that will be procharged. Hoping to keep up with some of the more hardcore SRT8 Jeeps when I get to that stage though, lol.

 

[jprentice94]

Sounds like a good plan you should be able to keep. Up with the things your going to do espasially if you find a v8 ex

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Sounds like a good plan you should be able to keep. Up with the things your going to do espasially if you find a v8 ex

Hopefully I can keep up on it, just got to have the time and money at this point. I am hoping to get it running and on the road by the spring, but I doubt that will happen, so I am at least shooting for mid July for my hometown car show, even if it runs, and is not 100%, such as exhaust, suspension upgrades, ect. I will still go to the show.

 

[jprentice94]

Money money money lol you giong to do anything with aesthetics

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Money money money lol you giong to do anything with aesthetics

Make it appear to be as stock as possible, some "upgrades" will be a bug guard, tinted windows(5%), and some Family oriented stickers, so that it looks like a Family SUV, not what it actually is.

 

[jprentice94]

Lmao