'99 EB Explorer Official Build Thread

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

Thx!

It looks sick...and I feel sick. I've been horkin' up paint for the past hour.

Mask, son. Get some good ones, not just the thin cheapy ones.

That stuff is bad for the respiratory system.

 

[superds]

Looks awesome! I love the murdered out look!

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Looks awesome! Keep it up bud

 

['99 EB Explorer]

Oh...one other thing I forgot to list in my "coming soon" list was a snorkel.

 

[Colin]

Oh...one other thing I forgot to list in my "coming soon" list was a snorkel.

Here you go

 

['99 EB Explorer]

LMAO!!! Smart-ass!

 

[Colin]

 

['99 EB Explorer]

Hmm. So I'm considering the Dixon Bro's long travel coilover swap.

http://www.dixonbrosracing.com/content/view/8/6/

I'm starting my research on getting a rear axle to match due to the dixon bro's kit making the truck 4.5" wider per side.

I've found that a '72 Ford 3/4 ton van has a 68" wide ford 9" axle(only 1/2 inch smaller than required) but I need to find someone who will turn some new axle shafts for me that'll keep my factory 4.5" bolt pattern.

It's going to be a massive endeavor budget-wise. $3500 for the Dixon Bro's kit(without springs or shocks), roughly $1200 for coilovers(unless I can find some good used ones) and whatever the price of the rear axle housing and custom shafts.

Then there's flaring the body panels out 4"....and tires(can't forget tires here)

But on the other hand, I'll be saving the trouble of doing a body lift...AND I'll have a bullet proof system to work with.


OH! And the rear lift would be a freebie. Just doing the axle flip(axle under leaf) would lift it enough to sit level.


Lets the saving begin! (thank god for my tax-free savings account )

 

[GoodOld85BlueBalls]

I've seen a few explorers done like that and they turn out quite trick. You'll need new fenders in that too. Not quite sure what is avalable for the rear wheelwells in body panels. But man they look cool when done.

You better save a bunch!

 

['99 EB Explorer]

Yeah...I was thinking about just getting the local 4x4 shop to flare the wheel wells out like gwaii did with his rig. For the rear doors, I'd just add some sheet metal to make it line up to the wheel wells.

And after some discussion in the axle forum, I think I'm just going to have the axles that come with the 9" redrilled to accept my bolt pattern. (hopefully that works)

 

['99 EB Explorer]

TEASER TIME!!!​

So I'm sure most of you have heard about it....well, here it is!!!


Behold...the awesomeness that is...


......A rolling chassis from a '79 Bronco!

Comes with a high pinion D44 up front with ALL steering stuff attached and working, as well as a 9" rear.

Also comes with the transmission and t-case. Not sure if they work or not.

And it also came with a bucket of brand new bushings and hub parts...and 6" lift coils for the front. And that was all the ad on Kijiji said.

So when I got there, I was pleasantly surprised to find this onboard!

Not sure if its a 302 or 351. Could someone help me with that?? It's going up for sale as soon as I can get it off the frame. So are the lift coils if anyone's interested.

Here she is in all her amazing glory on the back of my work truck. lol

And here's her new home for the next couple weeks until I'm done stripping off the stuff I want.

Now, keep in mind that I called this a "teaser" for a reason. I have no money to get the work done right now, so it'll probably be 7-8 months before the SAS can be done. I know, I know...that seems forever. But I'm looking at it this way, if Guns 'n Roses can take as long as they did to release Chinese Democracy, then I can take 8 or so months to get this done. Not only will it be a better end result, but I'll also be dealing with a way better axle! (get it?! WAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! )

Unless someone wants to donate? lol. Or better yet! HEY GWAII...I've got beer with your name on it over here!!


I'll update as things go.

As always, thanks for looking.

 

[TheTopher]

Congrats, mate!

Now if your build sucks half as much as Guns 'n Roses after Appetite for Destruction then you and I ain't gonna be friends no more.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

[So when I got there, I was pleasantly surprised to find this onboard!

Not sure if its a 302 or 351. Could someone help me with that?? It's going up for sale as soon as I can get it off the frame. So are the lift coils if anyone's interested.

Judging by the short fat valve covers with the oil fill cap boss at a different angle I am going to vote 351M or 400. Only difference between the two is the rotating assembly minus the rods. Both are good tough engines but IMO only 400 makes enough power to be worthwhile. You will have a problem getting a whole lot of $$ for either engine. We just got a "good running" 400 for $100. Dunno what the trans is but the 351M/400 has a big block boltpattern like a 460. If it has been sitting open like that it is very possible the engine is junk anyway (from water getting into it via the carb)

Be patient, it took me 8 years to get a V8 in my Ranger

 

[Sunk]

If the sticker's still there on the valve covers that'll tell you what motor it is, but it looks like an M. Transmission should be a C6 and the t-case is NP203 or 205.


Oh, and I'm pretty sure Gwaii prefers vodka.

 

[TheTopher]

Oh, and I'm pretty sure Gwaii prefers vodka.