Custom Explorer Chassis Build

[slammedxonair]

Well I have been working on this project for some time now for a customer things have been changed around and whatnot but I'm finally able to get going on the build. Here are the beginning of the build pics.

Motor specs: 351W stroked out to a 432 with around 500+WHP.

Here are some pics of starting to put the Heidts rearend together, threadlocking the studs into the housing.

Here are some more pics.

I got a bit more if the IRS together the other day. I need to get a couple specialty sockets and whatnot so I can torque some of the bolts on the brakes and bubs before I can go any farther.

 

[mjonesjr]

Looks awesome. Keep the pictures coming!

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

I agree - I looked at it last night but was too tired to post an legible reply.

I would definitely like to see this put into a tech article as a guide to those wanting and capable of doing complete frame modifications such as this.

Very nice work so far - I will be following this one. would it be possible to get a parts list of the components you are installing?

 

[slammedxonair]

Thanks for the comments. The suspension is a Heidts front Mustang ii cip and a Heidts IRS in the back but, thats where it stops. I am supplying a custom tailored air ride suspension for the truck along with custom made bag brackets and the new frame rails. The air suspension system includes: Slam Specialties air bags, Viair 480 dual compressors, SMC 3/8" valves, 1/2" dot air line, Dakota Digital air gauges, AVS 9 rocker switchbox, 10 gallon tank, and all the fittings needed.

I thought I was a member on here but I started posteing last night and It wasnt showing me as one so I had to register but I have been reading these forums for a while now. I see alot of familiar s/n's on here from other sites I'm on as well. Thanks

 

[1ATony]

That's a great looking project.

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

Thanks for the info - if you continue to provide awesome pics like this maybe a article can be made - so someone can use it as a guide to doing their own build. I know a few guys that want to bag their older Rangers. I really like the idea of going all out on it. Will be a quality build when finished. BTW who did the initial render - I like it.

 

[TS6034]

...

 

[slammedxonair]

Thanks for the comments!

 

[slammedxonair]

Heres a small update finally after being layed up for a couple weeks with stitches in my leg. Got the rearend all together along with the new smaller tires mounted on the rims. I also have the height set, fully layed out so the u joints don't bind up and where the bags will be installed fully collapsed.

 

[mjonesjr]

I really like the progress. Take lots of pictures so we can do an article for TRS's mag.

 

[slammedxonair]

Well after some design, layout, cutting box tube, beveling all the tube edges for welding, tacking rails together, keeping up with parts orders and some other things. I finally have the main rails together I thought I would have the whole frame tacked together today but I ran into a couple issues with the Heidts rearend. Mainly I need to shorten the crossmember some so the rails fit where I want them to go and the axles clear the frame rails without having to be notched, and then I can build the rest of the rails behind the rearend. But anyways on with the pics.

 

[slammedxonair]

OK so I spent a ton of time today working on the frame. The rear rails are built and tacked in place now.

 

[slammedxonair]

OK I have an update from today. All of the main frame rails are tacked together now and everything is squared up and set. I had to narrow the Heidts IRS crossmember due to the fact they had allready sent me the smallest one they make. The next step will be building a rear crossmember that goes in front of the 3rd member as well as making some brackets to connect the upper pinion adjustment crossmember to the frame rails.

 

[slammedxonair]

I finally uploaded some new pics today. The pinion crossmember is in place, I capped off the inside of the back of the frame and welded it up for the rear frame rail air tank. I also have most of the rear frame rails all welded up.

 

[TS6034]

Looks good!