crazybronco
New Member
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2009
- Messages
- 44
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Location
- Roy Washington
- Vehicle Year
- 1983
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.3l
- Transmission
- Manual
So, I sold by BII a while back and I want to get another RBV. I am looking at the 96-2001 V8 Explorer. I do not need it for a daily driver (work from home) and I am not looking to make a serious off road monster (No SAS or wild lifts).
What I want is something that can explore (Ha!) forest service roads, fire roads, do the Back Country discovery routes, etc. I want to take my wife to some old Ghost towns and use it as a camping rig.
I guess what I need to know is if the full time 4wd will work for this? Would a rear locker (Lunch box style) work to keep it going? I don't think the full time had any low range, right?
I know that I can swap out the t-case later for one from a truck( BW 1348 or something), but at first I just want to use it.
I guess I should explain why I want a late 90's V8 Explorer. I found that it is the only SUV that I can lay down in the back of. All other SUVs are too short, or are full sized (Suburban, Expedition, etc. ) I want the smaller truck, but be able to lay down in the back.
I also want the V8, it has more power and has a better transmission. Overall in my opinion a more reliable truck than the V6 version, so why not start with it.
So, other than the question of will it work for mild off roading and exploring, what years should I look for. I know that the V8 engine changed and got the better GT40 heads, but what year? I also do not what the 2002+.
Anything I should avoid? Looking at 1996-2001, no 95's due to the lift kit issue.
The plan will be minor lift, aggressive tires, winch and other recovery gear.
Looking for suggestion and advise from the inmates here.
What I want is something that can explore (Ha!) forest service roads, fire roads, do the Back Country discovery routes, etc. I want to take my wife to some old Ghost towns and use it as a camping rig.
I guess what I need to know is if the full time 4wd will work for this? Would a rear locker (Lunch box style) work to keep it going? I don't think the full time had any low range, right?
I know that I can swap out the t-case later for one from a truck( BW 1348 or something), but at first I just want to use it.
I guess I should explain why I want a late 90's V8 Explorer. I found that it is the only SUV that I can lay down in the back of. All other SUVs are too short, or are full sized (Suburban, Expedition, etc. ) I want the smaller truck, but be able to lay down in the back.
I also want the V8, it has more power and has a better transmission. Overall in my opinion a more reliable truck than the V6 version, so why not start with it.
So, other than the question of will it work for mild off roading and exploring, what years should I look for. I know that the V8 engine changed and got the better GT40 heads, but what year? I also do not what the 2002+.
Anything I should avoid? Looking at 1996-2001, no 95's due to the lift kit issue.
The plan will be minor lift, aggressive tires, winch and other recovery gear.
Looking for suggestion and advise from the inmates here.