DBR/Giant 64 Ranger to Explorer

[mercurymullet]

Good luck, with two kids I wouldn't trade mine. I'll keep an eye on your thread. My buddy did the glass first to help center the axles in the glass wheel wells. I know your front is bolt on, but the back has some wiggle room. Your ranger was nice, so I'm sure you know what your doing. Just telling you how mine went together.

 

[Quasi242]

Good luck, with two kids I wouldn't trade mine. I'll keep an eye on your thread. My buddy did the glass first to help center the axles in the glass wheel wells. I know your front is bolt on, but the back has some wiggle room. Your ranger was nice, so I'm sure you know what your doing. Just telling you how mine went together.

You are right. You need to mount the rear glass before you determine your axle location. I have the Fiberwerx 7" rear glass that anticipates that the axle will be relocated 3"+/- further back than stock.

 

[Quasi242]

Dixon kit mounted.



Since we will be doing a custom engine cage, we will not be reusing the DBR shock tower.



Notice the pristine DBR axle shafts! These have been sitting on a shelf for the last two years. Since I had my front differential removed from the Ranger for a re-gear the weekend of the accident, these were not damaged.

 

[mercurymullet]

 

[Quasi242]

Explorer finally made it to the lift in preparation for the rear suspension tear down/64 kit mock up. Unfortunately the fabricator just left on a week long Moab jeep trip, so I will need to wait a bit longer to see any more progress.

 

[Quasi242]

Fabricator is back from Moab. Giant 64 kit is mocked up and the Explorer is sitting on 35's for the first time. The hangers are only tacked in right now, the leaf pack still needs to get broken down so that the axle can be fully cycled. It is amazing what a difference a wider stance and 35" tires will make. Pretty excited to say the least.

 

[insane4speed]

That looks awesome

 

[MastuhWaffles]

I saw all the Dixon Bro's stuff on their website, and I was going to get a long travel set up for my truck.

 

[Quasi242]

I saw all the Dixon Bro's stuff on their website, and I was going to get a long travel set up for my truck.

Dixon makes nice stuff and I have been happy with this kit. That being said, he is difficult to get ahold of these days and has not been able to source the axles for his kit. BTF might be a better option at this point for a 4X4 build. Since you have a 2WD, there are several good options.

 

[Quasi242]

A couple of pictures from yesterday.

Using the Giant (Ranger) front spring hanger. The top half of the hanger is cut off to allow for placement. There is enough offset between the frame and the hanger to allow for a nut on the back side of the hanger.



Using the Giant (Ranger) drop shackle mounts. Located near the end of the Explorer frame. Note the spacer placed under the frame to allow the shackle to clear the hatch:



Getting ready to cut sheet metal (should begin tomorrow). At this point, we still have 3"-4" of bump travel before we hit the frame and an estimated 6" before the leafs flatten out. We will likely notch the frame a couple of inches to increase bump travel. How much will be determined once we trim the body.

 

[Quasi242]

Opening up the fenders:









And a couple of random wildlife shots of a gila monster that I came across on Saturday:

 

[sbsrlewis]

Quasi242 I love how you opened up the back fenders. Please post pics of the wheel opening when you go to close it up. I'm interested in how you plan to do it.


Steve

 

[Quasi242]

It's a bit premature to make an update post, but it has been a full month since I added my last pictures. Anyway, far from done, but this will give an idea where things are headed.

Gussets added to upper arm mount, and bypass shock mount added to lower arm (sorry for the blurry picture)



Beginning elements of the dual shock tower. This will get boxed and will be tied into the engine cage and cross bar.



Anyway, far from done but at least it is progress.

 

[rangerdanger208]

slow progress is better than no progress

 

[RollinWOT]

Quasi, the truck looks awesome! Sorry to hear about your Ranger but sometimes bad stuff happens to good people. Us Tucson guys are gonna have to meet up soon, maybe do a couple easy trails or something.