So one day, way back in 2009, I went out for a run. Being 15 and all, I had about one thing on my mind: I wanted a car. Fords were quite popular in my family, especially Explorers (92 XLT, 95 XLT, and an 02 XLS), so naturally I felt the connection when I saw Wendy sitting in front of a house with a small 'For Sale' sign in her windshield. It was getting close to twilight on a beautiful Padre Island day, so she looked beautiful against the colorful backdrop. I quickly wrote down the number and sprinted home (not even kidding about that part). The next morning, my dad and I took it for a test drive. It was then I noticed some things about her. Her gray paint was very weather beaten on one side. The roof has large rust spots on it. Her rims were in absolutely terrible condition. She had 186,000 miles. But besides those 'minor' problems, she had good tires, a straight body with no dents, decent shocks, good interior, and her engine and transmission felt strong. So for $2800, my ownership/partnership with Wendy (which is what my girlfriend named her) began.
Her specs as purchased:
1998 Ford Explorer XLT- purchased as base model
4.0L V6 OHV- 207,000 and still kickin'!
5R55E Automatic 4x2
3.73 gears with Towing Package
Power windows, locks, and mirrors.
Additions:
Stock Keyless entry- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84967
Overhead Temp Console-
Automatic Headlights and AutoDim Mirror- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84968
Explorer Sport Instrument Cluster- http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203189
Full Length Center Console Install
Stock Power Mirrors with Puddle Lamps- http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291288
The chrome and plastic bumper from a 1999 XLT
Ford 15" Ranger polished aluminum rims with BFG All-Terrain KOs on them.
Ford/Alpine HU from a Lincoln Navigator with 6 CD Changer, RDS, and Sirius.
Stock sub woofer from a Mountaineer (for Nav stereo)
Clear Headlights and Clear Corners
Power driver's seat, new passenger and 60/40 rear seats from a 99 (more comfy)
Message Center from a 98 Limited-http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80670
Driver's Side Airbag from a 2002 Sport
Fixes:
Painted- Ford Paint Code UJ- Sterling Grey Metallic
Window tracts (they needed to be re-greased)
Door Lock Posts and calibration
Transmission- Completely rebuilt at 197,000 miles.
New Front ball joints
Used rear axle- 3.73 Limited Slip (mine died when four of my wheel studs on the driver side decided to give up and commit suicide at 65 mph)
Cruise Control Deactivation Switch
Future Additions:
stock Fog Lights- in the works
Ford Edge 17" Rims- in the works
'Explorer', 'XLT', and 'AdvanceTrac RSC' emblems from a 02-05 Ex
KKM Intake
Electric Fan from a Taurus SHO
Cat-back dual exhaust
Underdrive Pulleys
EATC
5.0 AWD swap- May have found a donor....
After Painted:
Her specs as purchased:
1998 Ford Explorer XLT- purchased as base model
4.0L V6 OHV- 207,000 and still kickin'!
5R55E Automatic 4x2
3.73 gears with Towing Package
Power windows, locks, and mirrors.
Additions:
Stock Keyless entry- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84967
Overhead Temp Console-
Automatic Headlights and AutoDim Mirror- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84968
Explorer Sport Instrument Cluster- http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203189
Full Length Center Console Install
Stock Power Mirrors with Puddle Lamps- http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291288
The chrome and plastic bumper from a 1999 XLT
Ford 15" Ranger polished aluminum rims with BFG All-Terrain KOs on them.
Ford/Alpine HU from a Lincoln Navigator with 6 CD Changer, RDS, and Sirius.
Stock sub woofer from a Mountaineer (for Nav stereo)
Clear Headlights and Clear Corners
Power driver's seat, new passenger and 60/40 rear seats from a 99 (more comfy)
Message Center from a 98 Limited-http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80670
Driver's Side Airbag from a 2002 Sport
Fixes:
Painted- Ford Paint Code UJ- Sterling Grey Metallic
Window tracts (they needed to be re-greased)
Door Lock Posts and calibration
Transmission- Completely rebuilt at 197,000 miles.
New Front ball joints
Used rear axle- 3.73 Limited Slip (mine died when four of my wheel studs on the driver side decided to give up and commit suicide at 65 mph)
Cruise Control Deactivation Switch
Future Additions:
stock Fog Lights- in the works
Ford Edge 17" Rims- in the works
'Explorer', 'XLT', and 'AdvanceTrac RSC' emblems from a 02-05 Ex
KKM Intake
Electric Fan from a Taurus SHO
Cat-back dual exhaust
Underdrive Pulleys
EATC
5.0 AWD swap- May have found a donor....
After Painted:
