HotrodSmurf
Observer
Found a 97 for cheap, with a 5.0! I like it, but haven't really seen any set up for use off-road. Surprised I haven't seen any on here.
Any Ford Explorers?
- Thread starter HotrodSmurf
- Start date
Starkman
No matter where you go, there you are...
I'm building one. The problem is the 5.0 Explorers have an AWD transfercase. The good news is you can swap in a BW 4406 from an F150.
I'm building bumpers and sliders, not complete in the pic. I'm running 33/10.50-15 BFG ATs at this point. I'm real happy with it's offroad performance. The pic was taken west of Denver at about 10,000 feet on a trail called Yankee Hill.
I'm building bumpers and sliders, not complete in the pic. I'm running 33/10.50-15 BFG ATs at this point. I'm real happy with it's offroad performance. The pic was taken west of Denver at about 10,000 feet on a trail called Yankee Hill.
TwoTrack
Buy Once, Cry Once
Here's a pretty cool one: http://www.safaripacific.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=10
LR Max
Local Oaf
Ford Explorers are GREAT platforms to build into a light off roader. I'm seeing them more and more on the trail and doing more than I thought possible. While the aftermarket is sparse compared to other brands, if you are planning on doing a 2~3" lift and tires, there is enough there for you.
Great trucks. Very capable.
Great trucks. Very capable.
Scott B.
SE Expedition Society
Explorers are the same platform as Rangers, and just as capable. Most parts interchange, too, so if you see a nice Ranger setup, you can probably duplicate it on your Ex.
LR Max
Local Oaf
The 3rd and 4th generation trucks are also solid. I've seen a few of them off road and for light work, they are actually great. Originally I was skeptical of the full independent suspension but they work. Seen a few with mild lifts, tires, and rock sliders. Great trucks and obviously great on the road and comfortable.
No they aren't Jeep JKs on 37s. But for your average trail, just fine.
No they aren't Jeep JKs on 37s. But for your average trail, just fine.
LilPoppa
Adventurer
I finally talked my wife into getting a JK this fall, but after having so much fun with our 2000 Explorer this summer, I had to talk her out of it again. It's a comfortable drive, handles logging roads bordering on Gnarly with ease, and if it's just me and the kids, we can sleep in the back. Best of all, I don't have to drop $30,000+.
Also, I kind of want to see where Wranglers and trucks end up going in the next couple years. I have a feeling we're going to see some advances in fuel-efficiency.
I wouldn't mind a little more ground clearance, however.
Also, I kind of want to see where Wranglers and trucks end up going in the next couple years. I have a feeling we're going to see some advances in fuel-efficiency.
I wouldn't mind a little more ground clearance, however.
HotrodSmurf
Observer
I was actually looking for a tahoe, and day dreaming of a bronco that isn't destroyed or over 200k and this little exploder (as my wife calls them) caught my eye. I already know about the awd t case and have read up on swapping it out. Even with the limited after market, I can't get it out of my head. I love the 5.0, my old f150 had one and my real goal here is a family friendly version of that. I'm going to go drive it this weekend and if that goes well test it out before it gets too cold. I'm also looking into options for a SAS, I'm not seeing a lot available for the ifs.
Starkman: sweet explorer! That's exactly what I've wanted to see.
Starkman: sweet explorer! That's exactly what I've wanted to see.
Scott B.
SE Expedition Society
HotrodSmurf
Observer
Well I went and drove it today and if my wife hadn't been at work I'd own it now. 116,XXX miles, pretty clean and they just got it in on trade and haven't cleaned it up yet. Check engine light is on, so I'm gonna have my father in law (mechanic) pull the codes and put it up p on a lift do I can get a better look under it. Not excited to lose my a** on my WJ but I'm stoked to get started on another Ford.
Starkman, what are the specifics on that explorer, that's the size of tire I'd like to run and I'm wondering how you got them to fit.
Starkman, what are the specifics on that explorer, that's the size of tire I'd like to run and I'm wondering how you got them to fit.
I've got a 4th gen, and I think you nailed it.
They'll never be a crawler, or serious offroader, because they have neither solid axles, nor the fancy articulation of the Landrovers. But, for overland travel on rough road, they're wonderful. Quiet cabin, super stiff chassis (torsion rigidity is 440% higher than the Ranger based gen 1 / 2), and high payload.
I think of them as the poor man's LR3/4. They have a good traction control system, but nowhere near as offroad dedicated as the LR's. On road, they also out handle gen1/2s easy, with a tight and nicely damped IFS/IRS suspension. Again, similar to the LR, just not quite as good.
Tbars
Adventurer
..There was a really good article this summer in Peterson's 4wor about buying a used Ford Explorer for offroad.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/131-1306-how-to-buy-a-used-explorer/
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/131-1306-how-to-buy-a-used-explorer/
I plan on building mine up.. its a 2000 xlt 5.0
For being #1 suv ever sold you would think there would be more. everybody calls 'em exploders but you still see more of them then anything else just about and they are usually thrashed so people beat on them as well. when funds are available Ill start on mine with new son, wedding to be planned ,rings, 4bt cummins 96 bronco ,and a 72 bronco im spread cling wrap thin.. maybe just dreamin! ha! but ill definately post up here when I get started
For being #1 suv ever sold you would think there would be more. everybody calls 'em exploders but you still see more of them then anything else just about and they are usually thrashed so people beat on them as well. when funds are available Ill start on mine with new son, wedding to be planned ,rings, 4bt cummins 96 bronco ,and a 72 bronco im spread cling wrap thin.. maybe just dreamin! ha! but ill definately post up here when I get started