ZMagic97
Explorer
This truck is just so clean and simple i love it!
Thank you!
This truck is just so clean and simple i love it!
3 inch lift. Ya got to love it... Have you thought about checking out a BDS suspension kit for your truck? Their stuff rocks...
The lack of power is a 4.3 in a fullsize! :coffeedrink:
I have the a same setup and it's unbearable trying to pass at highway speeds with a full tank. After 9 years of owning my 2006, I've recently started running premium fuel. The power increase is noticeable and I no longer get the instant "pulled timing" feeling when accelerating and rattle from running 87.
Eventually a V8 swap will happen, but for now I cannot justify replacing a functioning drivetrain.
For shocks, I am using Bilstein's HD units, which were very hard riding for a few thousand miles in my shortbed. I recently installed a Hellwig rear swaybar kit, (pn 7800) which really helped the body roll/steering feel and rear stability over rough patches of highway.
I'm enjoying this build too, I have a somewhat similar truck... 2002 std cab 6.5' box, although mine has a 4.8 v8, 5spd and 4wd... Bought new and I've got every mile, receipt, dent and scratch accounted for .. I'm actually a little jealous of your ride height--easier to get in, load etc and I'd like to think a little better mileage and handling too? Speaking of, what kind of mileage are you getting?
It's been fun watching you retrofit some of the nicer model goodies. Mine is an LS but I have been wanting to add that temp/compass mirror.
When it came time for shocks, I went with the edelbrocks. They're a pretty neat design.... Monotube but with an inertia valve in the piston; the theory is that they should handle like a stiffer valved shock but ride a little smoother over bumps (wheel forces like bumps should open the inertia valve, but body forces like cornering won't open the valve). In reality I think they're a little rougher riding than the OEM shocks but it does handle a bit better than stock. I'm really curious how they compare to the bilsteins.
I would really look at used V8 takeout. The gen III Chevy motors are great. I've been quite happy with mine, though I'd love to put in a LQ9 (6.0L HO) . Being that yours is 2wd, if you think you could live with the tall gearing I'd personally think about a T56 6 speed (out of a camaro or similar). I've been happy with my NV3500 but it is a bit notchy and isn't known for strength. I'm probably in the minority but the manual really makes this truck fun.
So much so that I am seriously considering going through the work to convert a Tahoe over to a manual. Two kids and two car seats works fine but there's no place for my wife to ride! Love the truck just need something the exact same size with four seats. It fits with about 8" to spare in my garage.
What I like about this truck is using GM factory parts from other GM vehicle. One of the guys on the ranger forum I'm on used all ford ranger and explorer parts on his truck. Here he has an explorer center counsel, explorer cluster, explorer HVAC controls, Explorer Overhead counsel and explorer seats. I love the look of using factory parts just like this build.
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I really like your thread. As you can see in my signature line I'm a fan of the GMT800 series myself.
If you don't mind, what spray adhesive did you use on the headliner? Mine is starting to come loose in front of the drivers side visor. Looks like I'll be needing some headliner repair pretty soon myself.
Any updates on your rig?