Since May when I last posted, my little Explorer has gained about 5000 miles and has taken me through a lot of WY, NE, CO, and NM. I ran the Colorado BDR which starts at Four Corners and ends in Baggs, WY. 700ish miles of dirt, rocks, mountain passes, snow, etc. It was a great time, the whole trip went off without a hitch except a blown tire on the drive from SD to NM, which ended in a stop at Discount Tire in Farmington for a new set of 30x9.50x15 BFG KO2's.
I also did the following upgrades before: additional lights, rock sliders, R134a AC system swap from my 2 door, front skid plate, new bigger radiator, HD fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, steering linkage, front springs, and a few other maintenance items. I am just totally pleased with how this rig works. Plan is to finish up a few other projects and then repaint it - I'm otherwise just leaving it as is, it's too much fun how it is now to change it.