Explorers

[blueeyeddevil]

Has anyone built a 1st gen explorer worth mentioning?
I'm currently abusing a 1993 explorer-4.0L/auto.
I've been Thinking about changing plans from a dezert pre-runner into a dezert touring/expo family rig. Any ideas/pictures would be great.
Thanks

 

[02TahoeMD]

I would look into modifications / accessories for the Ford Ranger series pickups in your body year. Probably would be a good starting point for what you are thinking of..... I have seen some Rangers done up in pretty cool off road versions from off road capable to pre-runner.

 

[chrslefty]

if seen a few with some trick long travel suspension ! i think that you could have your cake and eat it to with the right set up ! just rotate your tires if you go big and do a lot of on road driving !keeping the ttb sett up that is !have you looked at / for some of the explorer web sights ? if you got one post some pics !

 

[blueeyeddevil]

bump.

 

[masterplumber]

I remember a doctor used to write in Four Wheeler about exploring the southwest in one. I believe Currie Enterprises also built one when they first came out with of course a 9'' ford rear end. I think Currie is located in Brea CA for a place to start.

 

[ntsqd]

I'm guessing that you already know what is possible suspension-wise. Any of the 4runner, Xterra, Jeep XJ, or similar builds will have ideas that you could also use.

Define the end use(s) more sustinctly.
Then you can work out what you need (or want) in the way of mods.

Just remember that 8" of well damped wheel travel will run away and hide from 16" of poorly damped wheel travel, and unless you're going to Expi at true Pre-Run speeds that 8" is very likely more than enough.

 

[blueeyeddevil]

I'm just looking for some alternate ideas for storage, racks, tire carriers, etc... I'm fully aware of what can be done if I want to just pre-run or race class 1450 or 3100. But, I'm gearing towards an overlanding/camping/ explore this state and surrounding states with the wife and kids.
I'm more than capable of the fabrication and I have most of the items planned out, or a good idea of where I'm going to start. Maybe I just wanted to see if anyone else is or has put money in an expo, instead of following the herds of Jeeps :smileeek: , or cashing out and buying a Toyota.:bowdown:

 

[gonegonzo]

Explorer

I'm running a 92 Explorer off road as a trail ridder and to work as well.

Am building a roof rack for gear and spare tire etc. and tube bumpers capped and sealed to be used as air tanks supplied from the compressor that once served the air conditioning.

I have to wanr you if you haven't found out yet that the week link in the whole rig is the tranny. I'm just put one in that came out of a junk yard as I've rebuilt the original 3 times. Yup , I'm gambling either way but the junker was cheaper than the 1800 dollar rebuild.

Eventually I want to put solid axel FWD and a beefed out tranny in.

Good luck on your build.

Tom D

 

[blueeyeddevil]

yeah that A4LD is a slush box. Add the best and biggest cooler and fan you can fit, and a deep dish pan.
If you got the cash the best guy to build an A4LD is here in AZ.
Doug Hamby.
Doug's transmissions
480-964-3832.

Get a 2.8l bellhousing, flywheel, starter and you can put a C4 in the ol' Expo.

Sorry, to see that you are in OHIO.
I'm originally from Jackson if you know where that is.

 

[4Rescue]

One of your only real limiting factors is gonna be the TTB front end which although some will argue with me, is complete garbage IMO. Another issue is that I don't belive there's a terribly large aftermarket. Although the Gen 1 has the most out of the lot of'm.

But I remember seeing some articles in Petersens 4WD years ago about an Exlporer only group and alot of thier trucks were kitted out for more expo type wheeling(and this was long before I was ever into exploring, mostly just rock crawling) . All their trucks looked like they were handling some good abuse and still going strong.

On another good note, as you know the trucks aren't tiny and you can haul a fair amount of gear in them. You've got a good solid platform to mount a rack and maybe a RTT and really, they'll go most anywhere you'd want to go exploring.

I'll be interested to see what you build, at the very least it'll be unique and I always like seeing new builds espescialy on platforms you don't see very often. Have at it and most importantly post pics.

Cheers

Dave

 

[nickm347]

Here is a link with some lifted/modified 1st gen Explorers, to give you a couple ideas

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130931

 

[Zorro]

Kinda bringing back this thread for a couple observations.

I've gone through 2 A4LDs. Swapped for an M5OD, couldn't be happier. The truck came alive after 130k miles ... hahaha

TTB front end ... well, ups and downs. Many downs. Pathetic front wheel bearings ... always loose, always water logged. Steering wheel feels completely disconnected once you start using the suspension travel.
Ups? It's tough. I drove through a foot deep (and 3 across) ditch at 40mph (never saw it coming) ... and it didn't budge.

If you're willing to put in a solid transmission and SAS, you'll have a good truck.

I did the transmission swap ... not sure I want to go SAS. Getting rid of it for something "more ready from the factory".

 

[preacherman]

what was involved in the tranny swap?

 

[Stumpy]

what was involved in the tranny swap?

You need a flywheel and clutch, clutch peddle and line, and a PCM for a manual transmission.

The swap is straight forward and only takes a dedicated couple days to finish.

Well worth it!

 

[Stumpy]

Kinda bringing back this thread for a couple observations.

I've gone through 2 A4LDs. Swapped for an M5OD, couldn't be happier. The truck came alive after 130k miles ... hahaha

TTB front end ... well, ups and downs. Many downs. Pathetic front wheel bearings ... always loose, always water logged. Steering wheel feels completely disconnected once you start using the suspension travel.
Ups? It's tough. I drove through a foot deep (and 3 across) ditch at 40mph (never saw it coming) ... and it didn't budge.

If you're willing to put in a solid transmission and SAS, you'll have a good truck.

I did the transmission swap ... not sure I want to go SAS. Getting rid of it for something "more ready from the factory".

Makes me wonder what you torqued the inner locknut to? I've never had a problem with my wheel bearings loosening up. (the factory spec is waaaay too low) Try 180-200 ft. lbs.

The TTB is a great setup for street/offroad use. Not so great for rockcrawling or massive amounts of articulation.

The Dana 35 will hold plenty of abuse up to a 35 in tire with a locker. The only real issue is fixing the bump steer problem with either the correct length drop pitman arm or swapping for the superrunner steering set-up.