- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
- Messages
- 148
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Location
- PNW
- Vehicle Year
- '06
- Make / Model
- FORD
- Engine Size
- 4.0 SOHC
- Transmission
- Automatic
- My credo
- Life is too short for cheap beer.
Need your help guys!!! Been trying to do some research on a future project to build a driver/trail truck like my B2 was before I sold it thanks to deploying. I've been looking at the later model Explorers and Mountaineers with the V8s. I've found several that are very affordable with all the options (power everything) which I've never had that luxury. The issue is that I won't buy an IFS truck and I can't verify the exact year of the TTB under the Explorer/ Mountaineer with the V8 engine. Swapping out the AWD for a full manual transfer case/ manual hubs is the plan but I can't figure out the deal with a lift kit for those trucks. You read everywhere that the Mountaineer is just a re-badged Explorer but is that really true? Is the '97 Mountaineer with the 5 liter, TTB 35 and easily swappable AWD the perfect project for me? My idea is to start out with the V8 Explorer/ Mountaineer that has a TTB 35; swap in a BW13xx series case, manual hubs, locked diff, 4'+ lift, 35s and throw in the power goodies on the engine. Maybe even just swap in the D44 solid front? Thoughts???