Tbars
Adventurer
..X2..What year Ranger and where is that?
Ford, Mercury and Mazda Owners: Let's see your Rigs
- Thread starter Tbars
- Start date
..X2..What year Ranger and where is that?
4x4junkie
Explorer
My RBV:
1990 Bronco II, Explorer axles (HP D35 + 8.8"), extended radius arms (home-built), Skyjacker XJ front coils w/12" Fox 2.0s on F-250 shock towers, Skyjacker rear leafs w/10" 2.0s, sitting on 35" GY MT/R-K tires (pic was with BFG MTs), + much more.
A little wheelin'
Camp setup:
More in my sig link
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1990 Bronco II, Explorer axles (HP D35 + 8.8"), extended radius arms (home-built), Skyjacker XJ front coils w/12" Fox 2.0s on F-250 shock towers, Skyjacker rear leafs w/10" 2.0s, sitting on 35" GY MT/R-K tires (pic was with BFG MTs), + much more.
A little wheelin'
Camp setup:
More in my sig link
\/ \/
Paul!
New member
'91 Explorer Sport
Okay, here's mine . . .
Live in the Pacific Northwest, but favorite four-wheeling spot is Moab ! ! ! Been attempting to transition to more "expedition style" adventures - - you know off the "beaten path" without "beating up" the rig, but no significant overland journeys lately.
Here's my Sport on Moab's SteelBender Trail, May 2010:
We are known for our wintertime rain in the Puget Sound area, but add a thousand or so feet of elevation and there's plenty of snow wheeling to be had. Lonesome Lake area near Mount Rainier, December 2011:
Back to Moab, intial stages of the Cliffhanger trail, also from May 2010:
Alvord Desert, Oregon May 2008:
Good Stuff on the Sport:
ARB Lockers (front & rear) - installed 1999
Con-Ferr Roof Rack - installed 1999, attached to rig as needed
Hybrid Rancho/SuperLift Suspension Lift, (5", rear SOA) - installed 2000
Ramsey REP 8000 winch "hidden" in James Duff non-winch compatible pre-runner bumper - installed 2002
Swing-Away tire carrier with full size (33"x12.5") spare - 1st iteration installed 2002; current version 2010
Atlas II Transfer Case - installed 2005
ViAir compressor with tank - installed 2009
Safari Doors (for those of us "Built Low to the Ground") to aid in tire placement - installed 2010
Outback Solutions Drawer System (fabbed the shelves, and added side storage acess) - installed 2012:
and,
ARB 37 Qt Fridge/Freezer - installed next week (en-route from distributor)
Happy Trails ! !
Paul!
Okay, here's mine . . .
Live in the Pacific Northwest, but favorite four-wheeling spot is Moab ! ! ! Been attempting to transition to more "expedition style" adventures - - you know off the "beaten path" without "beating up" the rig, but no significant overland journeys lately.
Here's my Sport on Moab's SteelBender Trail, May 2010:
We are known for our wintertime rain in the Puget Sound area, but add a thousand or so feet of elevation and there's plenty of snow wheeling to be had. Lonesome Lake area near Mount Rainier, December 2011:
Back to Moab, intial stages of the Cliffhanger trail, also from May 2010:
Alvord Desert, Oregon May 2008:
Good Stuff on the Sport:
ARB Lockers (front & rear) - installed 1999
Con-Ferr Roof Rack - installed 1999, attached to rig as needed
Hybrid Rancho/SuperLift Suspension Lift, (5", rear SOA) - installed 2000
Ramsey REP 8000 winch "hidden" in James Duff non-winch compatible pre-runner bumper - installed 2002
Swing-Away tire carrier with full size (33"x12.5") spare - 1st iteration installed 2002; current version 2010
Atlas II Transfer Case - installed 2005
ViAir compressor with tank - installed 2009
Safari Doors (for those of us "Built Low to the Ground") to aid in tire placement - installed 2010
Outback Solutions Drawer System (fabbed the shelves, and added side storage acess) - installed 2012:
and,
ARB 37 Qt Fridge/Freezer - installed next week (en-route from distributor)
Happy Trails ! !
Paul!
nb11
New member
Here's mine. Not much to it. Its a 2003 xl, meaning manual transmission, windows, locks, vinyl seats/floors. 2wd, 2.3l. Only things I've really added are some better looking wheels, 235/75 Duratracs, and a Hi-Lift. It gets me around for now, and averages 24mpg.
Up next for it is hopefully a transfer case, so I can bump around in low range.
Up next for it is hopefully a transfer case, so I can bump around in low range.
gas4blood
Observer
Wow, I'm really digging up an old thread here but I just saw this rig on the latest episode of DIRT EVERY DAY. So cool to see an Explorer get some recognition! Looks like Fred really digs your build too.
I have always thought a first gen Explorer would be a great build. I have been tossing around the idea of another XJ, but the lack of a frame just eats away at me no matter how hard I try to get over it.
gas4blood
Observer
Love this build! So many great ideas to pull from it. I am curious what flares you are running on this Sport?
Tbars
Adventurer
..For looking toward an Explorer for your next offroad vehicle, Brian and Pauls (plus several others) vehicles were included in Peterson's 4wor this last summer 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/
gas4blood
Observer
I read that article. It was awesome! I still have that issue saved at home somewhere. I have been into the RBV scene for a few years now. My first 4x4 was a Bronco II. I had big plans for it but my college student budget at the time put those dreams to rest. Haha. I had found a first gen 5 speed/manual shift t-case Explorer back home that I really wanted to buy, but I was already full bore into my Wagoneer build. I am currently on the lookout for my next project and think the Explorer may be a great option. All of the points that have been brought up in this thread are spot on to what I have researched. These rigs are definetly under rated.
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I need to update my pics, and prolly sig, but I really want to sas our 98 5.0 awd explorer.. I have the 4406, and front driveshaft, now just need the rear, and u joint conversion, and get after it! Already have swing out tire carrier, and built bumpers, dual exhaust, custom 3rd seat..etc
I'm a big fan of TTB EXplorers and have owned a handful of first generation (hands down the best gen for off road). Even is stock trim, it is a brute that fares well when abused.
The supply of good first generation is dwindling but there are still some gems out there. I recently bought a 4 door with a manual trans, transfer case and hubs and, although I'm a high-speed desert racing junkie, am building it for slower-paced expedition/touring use. Of course, it will include enough high-speed goodies to make sure it can handle being opened up in the rough... I can't leave my roots entirely behind! The purchase price was $1400 and I've probably got another $1,000 in mostly parts (including $350 for some used (like-new) 31" tires) to make it just about perfect. I'm not just fixing the major stuff. All the little stuff that most people let go on an older car are being fixed or replaced. I want a sound, comfortable ride, not a beat up old car. Suspension mods will be minimal but very strategic. I estimate I'll have around $600 in suspension parts. So, for around $3,000, I'll have a very reliable ,relatively economical (fuel-consumption) and capable off-road car/daily driver. Another noteworthy benefit of the platform is a readily available supply of parts... available and any parts store in the U.S. and Mexico.
Here's a photo of my first Explorer (Mom's old ride).
1.jpg)
The supply of good first generation is dwindling but there are still some gems out there. I recently bought a 4 door with a manual trans, transfer case and hubs and, although I'm a high-speed desert racing junkie, am building it for slower-paced expedition/touring use. Of course, it will include enough high-speed goodies to make sure it can handle being opened up in the rough... I can't leave my roots entirely behind! The purchase price was $1400 and I've probably got another $1,000 in mostly parts (including $350 for some used (like-new) 31" tires) to make it just about perfect. I'm not just fixing the major stuff. All the little stuff that most people let go on an older car are being fixed or replaced. I want a sound, comfortable ride, not a beat up old car. Suspension mods will be minimal but very strategic. I estimate I'll have around $600 in suspension parts. So, for around $3,000, I'll have a very reliable ,relatively economical (fuel-consumption) and capable off-road car/daily driver. Another noteworthy benefit of the platform is a readily available supply of parts... available and any parts store in the U.S. and Mexico.
Here's a photo of my first Explorer (Mom's old ride).
brian90744
American Trekker
KeepOnExploring
New member
2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L
I have a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L with 245/75/16 (stock was 255/65/16) BfGoodrich KO2 Tires, Upgraded led's/hid's all around and hopefully getting a RTT soon
I have a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L with 245/75/16 (stock was 255/65/16) BfGoodrich KO2 Tires, Upgraded led's/hid's all around and hopefully getting a RTT soon