Safari Pacific Explorer Build (MX3)

[schanusa]

Originally purchased as a parts donor vehicle for the MX2, i quickly realized the condition of the Explorer was too good to rip apart. Between working on the MX2, I started outfitting the Explorer (aka MX3) with all the old equipment removed from the Ranger. As time continues I can't seem to keep my hands of working on it, so I thought I'd start a build thread of what I've been doing.


Here's what the Explorer looked like when purchased.

And what it looks like currently. (11/19/2008)

 

[schanusa]

Details

Model
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4

Drivetrain
4.0 Liter V6
3 Speed Automatic Transmission w/ O.D.

Front Axle:
Ford 8.8
Diff: 3.73, Open

Rear Axle:
Ford 8.8 Solid
Diff: 3.55, Open
Capacity: 3,200 lbs
Custom Lift Shackels

Modifications
31x10.5r15 BFG Mud Terrain KM2
Rock Crawler Series 97 - Black Wheel
Mobil 1 Lubricants (Motor, ATF, Gear)
K&N Air Filter


Gear

Vehicle
2 Hella 4000 Rallye Lights
Full size spare tire
20 Liter Swiss Surplus Jerry Can
Axe and Shovel
First Aid Kit
Fire Extinguisher
Full Tool Kit
Air Pump and Gage
Spare Parts and Fluids


Electronics

Navigation
Lowrance 3200 GPS
Delorme Earthmate GPS
Paper Maps & Compass (Never overlook!!!)

Communications
Uniden PRO538W CB Radio (NOAA WX)
Cobra Radar 9CH (NOAA WX)
T-Mobile G1 (Google Android)

Laptop
Dell Inspiron 1150 (WinXP)
Acer Extensa 4420 (Kubuntu)

Photography
Cannon Rebel XTi

Radio
XM Satallite Radio
Clarion CD Player

 

[Motorcraft]

that looks nice man i really like that front bumper

 

[ghost_rader]

y are you running different gear ratio's, forget to change the front?

 

[schanusa]

Thanks!

I think I might of made a typo with the front gears. This was put together a while ago, but they should both be 3.55. I'll double check...

 

[schanusa]

Front Bumper

Front Bumper

Although not completed, the MX3 bumper has come quite far. Wanting to do something a little different than everyone else, we built our bumper from scratch. We started with 2x3 square tubing for the main support and half inch plate for connecting the bumper to the frame. Notching evenly on both sides, we bend the outside pieces of the 2x3 to match the body lines. Then we weld on d-rings to the outward face directly in front of the vehicle's frame. The upper tubing was bend in 4 places, 2 bends to drop down to the main bar and 2 more to kick the top out a few inches. Following the body lines we create the vertical tubing to bend back into the upper loop, leaving the front fairly flat. A tab for the CB antenna was welded on to the upper tubings left side. Two more tabs were welded on for the Hella Rallye 4000 lights.

 

[schanusa]

Front Bumper

 

[240cubes]

i was wondering if i'd be subscribing to anything today

 

[PaleBlue90]

ive always wanted to build a exploder of the gen

 

[09ajmaros]

I noticed you removed the front sway bar , I was thinking about taking out mine

 

[Shran]

That is looking nice. Are you gonna leave the front IFS or do anything with it? Future plans?

 

[96RedRanger]

thats a cool play toy considering everything is off of the MX1. Can you do something on how the rear tire carrierwas made. Im thinknig of doing one just like that for my ranger.

 

[PaleBlue90]

thats a cool play toy considering everything is off of the MX1. Can you do something on how the rear tire carrierwas made. Im thinknig of doing one just like that for my ranger.

+1 i want one for my exploder

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

wow amazing explorer, i've been seeing your vehicles tonight...the MX1,2and now 3...wow amazing work!! that explorer looks sweet, and cool the color is the same as the Ranger

 

[DRIFTGOD187]

you should get pics of the ranger and explorer together