BII vs. pre '95 Explorer Sport

[CopyKat]

To be honest the only thing that would make me get another bronco2
(I've had three in the past) is if I actually found a set of those "unicorn" removeable side windows.

AD

And I seriously Doubt any (Likely 1 prototype, used for the Add campain) are still existing.

 

[BlackBII]

And I seriously Doubt any (Likely 1 prototype, used for the Add campain) are still existing.

Like I said, I'm going to find one!

Or I'll make one

 

[88mudder]

In my opinion b2's look better in general all around by looks. I dont like Explorer factory bumpers. B2's turn really sharp, and the short wheelbase is better for tight woods. Overall the b2 looks like more of a offroad rig than the Exploder. Exploders have better drivetrains, but id rather have the smaller body of the b2 anyday.

 

[Capt Jay]

I've been wheeling the Explorer sport for a few years now and couldn't be happier. I admit I did have a BII first, I had a ranger. The Explorer has a very tight turning radius, your can't argue with the strength of the running gear and the interior room is excellent. I even had room to remove 14" from the roof and move the tailgate forward to make room for a rear radiator and still have plenty of storage behind the back seat. I don't know how it would do with a 4.0l, I immediately removed mine and added the 302. I did have the advantage of buying one with a good body, blown motor and bad transfer case so it didn't break the bank to throw all that stuff away and replace it with what I had in the Ranger. The Explorer was only $100.00. So my $.02. Not a comparison with the BII, just that I like the Explorer and it's a flexible platform to start upgrades and alterations.

 

[Totalled]

An explorer is a bloated pig compared to a BroncoII. They start out with significantly less ground clearance, and yes, even a sport's extra length and width work against it in my wheeling terrain. I wheeled my BII stock with a stock sport, and he bottomed out and got hung up on corners I breezed through.

Plus their mommy wagon looks are just a turn off compared to the in your face TRUCK of a gen 1 BII.

 

[wahlstrom1]

So, I had a 3rd gen sport and loved it...If I was to build a small SUV Í'd choose one of them first, but I'll make my choice fit this situation..

-94 Explorer sport
-95+ interior swap
-First gen front clip swap
-Solid D44 from my ranger when I do FW swap....

-andrew

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

So, I had a 3rd gen sport and loved it...If I was to build a small SUV Í'd choose one of them first, but I'll make my choice fit this situation..

-94 Explorer sport
-95+ interior swap
-First gen front clip swap
-Solid D44 from my ranger when I do FW swap....

-andrew

I actually scoped out putting a first gen RBV front clip on a first gen Explorer... it won't work well and if it did actually go on nothing would line up. Explorers are a little wider and have no body lines, so it would just look odd if you did it. My parents have a '94 4dr, I did a quick comparision against my Ranger... it is a major no go. It would be easy to stick a second gen BII/Ranger grille in the Ex though and go for that look.

If I had both trucks in identical condition sitting beside each other I would pick the EX, it is everything a BII aspires to be. Not to say I wouldn't long for a way to stick a first gen BII/Ranger grille on it though...

 

[WhiteBroncoII2WD]

So, I had a 3rd gen sport and loved it...If I was to build a small SUV Í'd choose one of them first, but I'll make my choice fit this situation..

-94 Explorer sport
-95+ interior swap
-First gen front clip swap
-Solid D44 from my ranger when I do FW swap....

-andrew

though it would still be a Bronco II, I have seen wher you can get a kit to put on a third generation Ranger front clip and then you could work on updating the interior maybe from a 95 Ranger and seats from an Explorer. Of course using a Explorer drive train...you certainly would have an interesting truck

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

though it would still be a Bronco II, I have seen wher you can get a kit to put on a third generation Ranger front clip and then you could work on updating the interior maybe from a 95 Ranger and seats from an Explorer. Of course using a Explorer drive train...you certainly would have an interesting truck

I think the BII (83-88) would already have the front end he wants.

 

[CopyKat]

I could easily make a first gen explorer sport have a first gen Ranger/B2 clip. Nothing a bit of Fiberglass couldn't fix.

 

[F150hybred]

Oh for the love of god and country!! You and your freakin fiberglass!!!! LMAO! Just pullin yer leg Joel, I know there is nothing man can't do without some time money and means.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I could easily make a first gen explorer sport have a first gen Ranger/B2 clip. Nothing a bit of Fiberglass couldn't fix.

It would take a lot of work, the whole profile is different. They are missing the bodylines along the top of the fenders and along the bottom of the fender. The Ex has a bodyline in the center, and the front edge of the door is curved instead of straight like the BII. The fender is also more rounded on the Explorer.

The only way you might do it is to cut and patch the panels back together, and even then...

First gen Explorer 2dr:

My First gen Ranger (BII similar):

 

[CopyKat]

The hood is swapable, it would just mean the front of the fenders at the grill area would have to merge the old grill to the new. Minor sheet metal work, as the width is about the same at the very front. It's only back at the door that it gets wider. Change out the core support for a Gen 1 Ranger and your set. You'll have a Gen0 Explorer. or Gen 2.5 B2.

 

[CheapThrillB2]

The hood is swapable, it would just mean the front of the fenders at the grill area would have to merge the old grill to the new. Minor sheet metal work, as the width is about the same at the very front. It's only back at the door that it gets wider. Change out the core support for a Gen 1 Ranger and your set. You'll have a Gen0 Explorer. or Gen 2.5 B2.

x2 it really wouldn't be that much work.....esc once you don't run full doors on a trail rig only half doors, then who cares if the fender doesn't mesh the 1/4 panel

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

x2 it really wouldn't be that much work.....esc once you don't run full doors on a trail rig only half doors, then who cares if the fender doesn't mesh the 1/4 panel

If I did it I would want it to look right, like it came that way.

I was wanting to make a 4dr first gen BII out of an Explorer which is why I got to thinking about it.