Nice rig. Most overland rigs are not needed to be hardcore. I think this is the way the OP should go. the Rancho quick lift. add some steelies and bfg ATs, and some other goodies like roof rack for carrying stuff, a powered cooler or fridge, and nav equipment. I suggest using an android tablet with topo maps. your tablet can be all sorts of good for on the road.
Good point. Way too often, we see trucks here getting built into "trail rigs" instead of "overlanders". 4 - 5 inch suspension lifts, huge articulation, etc., is good for day trips on a difficult trail, but not covering 1000 miles in the middle of nowhere.
For strictly overlanding, the Explorer is actually not bad, as long as you don't go international (parts availability). I highly recommend F350's mod of Rancho quicklifts. Not only do you gain a moderate height, but also, precious suspension travel and damping adjustments. None of these are available if you go for a spacer mod (which often over-stresses ball joints and CVs).
If you're really serious, you can rip out the mid and rear seats and build a platform. I have a 4th gen, and with seats removed, have a solid 1500 lbs payload. That's enough to spend a week out here in the mountains of BC, with my dirt bike.
Start with maintenance - change all your fluids if you haven't already: front rear diff, transfer case, transmission + filter, engine + coolant depending on age. Decide where you want to go and start with some forestry roads to get a feel first. Do a simple overnighter, pretty soon you'll know what you need...
