Escort's Project Family Wheeler

[escort_gts]

Local u-pull yard had half off weekend for memorial day weekend. So my son and I went with intentions of pulling 2 axles, a 30 and a SD 60 axles. Place was packed and there were no 1 ton trucks in the whole yard except for a dodge. So after waiting an hour for a cart I brought this home.

Don't know why this XJ was there, had zero rust and looked like it was new. The axle has new brakes and still has the factory markings on the diff.

So anyways, I'm ordering parts for the swap but not sure when I'll start the actual teardown. Don't want to start it and be in the middle of it with no axles under it and the house sells. So for now this build will be on hold indefinitely

 

[escort_gts]

Took the explorer for a long drive today. It definitely needs the exhaust fixed. Runs like crap, O2 sensors not working correctly, saying running lean.

But besides that, it runs and drives good.

 

[escort_gts]

Finally started the teardown on this.
I have almost everything for the swap, still need shocks and coil springs. RuffStuff has a part on back order but it's just a 7/8 rod end for the steering.

Started removing the rear axle the other day. Had to either cut or heat everything to get the axle out




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[escort_gts]

And today got the rear axle all cleaned up and placed under the springs. Nothing is welded yet.



I think I will need to keep the small tires on it to get it out of the garage. It will be taller than the ranger. Tomorrow I start on the front.

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[dangerranger83]

This thing is going to be a beast.

 

[escort_gts]

Haven't touched it in a month. Got to a point where I couldn't get the 4406 installed and lost interest in it...well more like lost time to work on it.

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[escort_gts]

Slowly making progress on the Expo. D30 is trussed and gusseted and ready to go under. The rest of the IFS brackets are off the frame. Frame is cleaned up. Coil buckets are fabricated. Made a new crossmember to tie the front of the frame together in front of the radiator. Link brackets are ready to be welded to the frame. Tomorrow I will finish installing the 4406, get the pinion agle set on the 8.8, and get measurement for rear driveshaft. Get the radius arms cut to length.

So hopefully here soon I'll have it movable.

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[bobbywalter]

Yup. The np203, 205, 208 (okay all fullsize transfercases) have the same bolt pattern.

I do suggest getting one with fixes yoke outputs. Can be found on full-size f150s with extended cabs. I have one from a standard cab and is a slip yoke but seeing as you are a flex whore, you run the risk of the slip yoke coming out.

I'm told (and read somewhere) that the Bronco have a different pattern than the F-150s

fullsize bronco like the 82 he talked about his buddy was selling had a fixed yoke.

if its a fullsize....its a fullsize. bronco f150 f250 f350.... the early bronco had the c4 and different d20 t case. but those are not fullsize.


of course that is 4406 water under the bridge now.



did they upgrade the trans??

 

[escort_gts]

Finally making some progress. The 4406 was a pain in the butt to install. Took 3 of us to get it slid in place. Just hope I don't have to remove it for a while.

Should be moving right along on this build now.

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[dangerranger83]

And to think I had to bench press and start a few bolts myself when I installed my transfercase.

 

[hoosier1104]

Want to come down and help me install mine? What rear drive shaft did you use?

Sent from a phablet while avoid something more important according to my better half.

 

[dangerranger83]

Me or Ben? I used an f150 shaft and had it shortened.

 

[hoosier1104]

Either of you. It does not matter to me.

Sent from a phablet while avoid something more important according to my better half.

 

[dangerranger83]

Wait what are you installing?

 

[escort_gts]

After not touching the explorer for 2 months, I am finally getting back to it. A lot of things happened that kept me from working on it. I was trying to sell my house and that fell through so I just closed on the refinance last week. So with that, it will save me $300 a month. My son's football season is over so he will have more time to help me.

So with more cash flow and my son being able to help me, I should have it done by spring time.

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