Starkman's Explorer build thread

[Starkman]

Here it goes, hopefully this will go well.

Specs:
2000 Ford Explorer
5.0L V8, Automatic

Purpose:
Daily driver
Camping/trail worthy

Stock pic
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-kFsctpZ/0/M/Explorer%20stock%201-M.jpg
One of the reasons to go with the Explorer.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-KZdPsZV/0/M/IMAG0293-M.jpg
My daughter is the other, Ranger the dog weighs more than her.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-Tg9Tnc8/0/M/Dad%20and%20Raelyn%202-M.jpg
I feel like my daughter is missing something that I grew up with and shaped my life. That would be spending as much time as possible in nature. We will be camping and exploring as much as we can.

[Starkman]

First purchase;

BW4406 part time t-case and front driveshaft from a 4.6L F150 and an Expedition rear driveshaft.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-zVQjDHX/0/M/IMAG0300-M.jpg
link to swap thread on Explorerforum.com
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=166726 (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166726)
(http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=166726)

[Starkman]

Torsion Twist, shackles and Rancho RS9000X shocks installed. Removed running boards.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-N6t9xVh/0/M/Shackles-M.jpg
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-ksPKcTj/0/M/Shocks-M.jpg

[Starkman]

Progress as of today. 265/75-16 BFGs on stock wheels.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-9fc3Gxf/0/M/TT%20and%20shackles%20w%20265s-M.jpg
Not much but progress!

[The StRanger]

Is that a slipyoke i see, If you go with I think the SuperCrew T case has a flange.

[ExplorerTom]

Nice.

here's my build thread:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297174

if you need any help, though it looks like you have it covered, let me know.

[Fordguy77]

Looks like you've got a good start! Cant wait to see it all in!

[glacierpaul]

Here it goes, hopefully this will go well.

Specs:
2000 Ford Explorer
5.0L V8, Automatic

Purpose:
Daily driver
Camping/trail worthy

Stock pic
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-kFsctpZ/0/M/Explorer%20stock%201-M.jpg
One of the reasons to go with the Explorer.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-KZdPsZV/0/M/IMAG0293-M.jpg
My daughter is the other, Ranger the dog weighs more than her.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-Tg9Tnc8/0/M/Dad%20and%20Raelyn%202-M.jpg
I feel like my daughter is missing something that I grew up with and shaped my life. That would be spending as much time as possible in nature. We will be camping and exploring as much as we can.


Way to go Rich!! One of the reasons I decided to live in the mountains, raise my kiddos up here!
Good luck with the build!

[Starkman]

Nice.

here's my build thread:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297174

if you need any help, though it looks like you have it covered, let me know.

I can always use help. I would love to see your front skidplate. Are there any meet and greets for the members of this site in the future?

[Starkman]

Is that a slipyoke i see, If you go with I think the SuperCrew T case has a flange.

Yes it is, I'll have to look into that. Thanks

[scout man]

ah, I just hauled an identical tcase to the crusher a couple days before Christmas, too bad we couldnt connect on that one!

[The StRanger]

Im lookin for a T case for an AOD or a C6 & T case for a smallblock Ford

[Java]

Looks great!! :thumb:

[TNT]

Always nice to see a ford build!! Looking good!

[Starkman]

Delivery today,
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-7NwXrvv/0/M/15x7%20AR%20Baja%20wheels-M.jpg
Next tires.

[Rick]

Are there any meet and greets for the members of this site in the future?March 9,Anniversary Run

[BLOODBANE]

Rich that is looking great. Gonna have to get together again and have all the kids with us.

[ExplorerTom]

What kind of wheels are those? They look really similar to mine.

[Starkman]

What kind of wheels are those? They look really similar to mine.

American Racing Baja, 15x7. They have less backspacing than the factory wheels so they will fill out the wheel wells better. I will be running 33x10.50 BFG ATs.

[The StRanger]

American Racing Baja, 15x7. They have less backspacing than the factory wheels so they will fill out the wheel wells better. I will be running 33x10.50 BFG ATs.

I run 33x1050R16s on stock wheels on my Ranger
The only time I rub is under extreme twist..

[ExplorerTom]

I'm running 33x1250r15 on some 15x8 wheels. I don't know the backspacing. With a 2" body lift and shackles + AAL and some TT, I only had to do some minor fender trimming.

[The StRanger]

I got 2 inch extended shackles on the rear
Maxed out the torsion bar for 3 inchs front
With no front sway bar I pulled a 520 RTI at CCFK
The only real rubbing I got was the squeeze on Chinamans
Twisted so bad I had to winch out (no lockers)

[Starkman]

I read your build and nice job. I want to run 33x10.50s because the 33" height will give more ground clearance and the 10.50 be better in the snow on road and better for fuel economy (maybe?) compared to 12.50s. I don't want to go with a body lift as it doesn't do anything for ground clearance only room for bigger tires and even after that trimming is necessary. The way I have it now with about 2" front and rear is my first stage. After I finish the bumpers, sliders and skid plates I will run it for a little and then if I feel the need to go further I will do a SAS to get more articulation but stay with a conservative sized tire even then. My thoughts are to stay daily driver so bigger isn't better for me. I know some people will disagree...

Now to start on the transfer case swap!!

[The StRanger]

Iv ran mine about as hard as I dare with my DD. Thats why I like my Independent front end
Its nice to roll up the windows and turn on the A/C on the drive home
Now that I got the other Ranger I can build it stronger and if it flopps... Oh well....
Kepp the White one the way it is, Well.. put the front sway bar back on !!

[ExplorerTom]

Mine isn't a daily. It could be, but I've got a 4 cylinder SUV that is great at pounding out the pavement. I drive it at least once a week to work to keep the fluids sloshed around.

[Starkman]

I got 2 inch extended shackles on the rear
Maxed out the torsion bar for 3 inchs front
With no front sway bar I pulled a 520 RTI at CCFK
The only real rubbing I got was the squeeze on Chinamans
Twisted so bad I had to winch out (no lockers)

I always struggled with that obstacle. Look at my rear tire in this pic. It's stuffed more than any other time. I had to winch too.

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/Ranger/i-W8HXSQL/0/M/ch08-M.jpg

[The StRanger]

Yup, Mine did the same thing, Front go's one way, rear go's the other
The other Ranger gets the solid front

[Cr33p3r]

Rich it is coming along pretty nice!

[tonkatoy]

looking good

[The StRanger]

So Tonka
You take care of my buddy I sent to you ??

[Starkman]

Made some progress, got the 33s mounted and some trimming.

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-qt7qKFJ/0/M/33s%20mounted-M.jpg

Took the dog out for a walk in the hills. He said "come on that's lame".

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-qDDhvR8/0/M/Exp%20and%20Ranger-M.jpg

[The StRanger]

Its a good start..
Hell of a lot better than all those mall crawlers ...

[ExplorerTom]

Looks like it'll need more trimming. That front wheel doesn't look like it has enough clearance.

[Starkman]

I trimmed the flare and did a little BFH adjusting in the rear metal fender. It's close but barely touches the inner plastic wheelwell under compression. I'll heat it with a heatgun and give it a little more. That pic really shows how droopy the rear bumper and hitch is. Time for a new high clearance bumper.


I like this one. Nice one Rick! I like the way it angles up at each side to the forward side tubing thats smaller for more side clearance and I'll add a tire carrier.
http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=30442&stc=1&d=1359558160

[tonkatoy]

So Tonka
You take care of my buddy I sent to you ?? yep got him all taken care of thanks for sending him

[The StRanger]

yep got him all taken care of thanks for sending him

Not a Problem..

[Starkman]

Got a good idea for the front bumper and made a mock-up. I did this mock-up out of masonite to get the angles and measurements right before I buy steel. I will have 2x2 tubing at the sides. Now I have to get some steel!

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-stTwzFb/0/M/Front%20bumper%20mock-up-M.jpg

[scout man]

I like Altitude steel downtown. If you buy from their "scrap" pile (plenty large enough pieces for bumpers) it starts at $.80 a pound. If you buy 300 pounds it drops to .50 a pound. I personally make a point of buying 300+ pounds when I am there, as a good chunk of it ends up being free. Can never have too much steel around!

[Clickpopboom]

I managed to tuck 33s under my old 02 Explorer only after a 1" body lift. It's not too bad to do- you just need to trim a little plastic off the bumpers and the fanshroud afterwards.

[Starkman]

Altitude steel, thanks for the suggestion. I have been going to Dencol and they always seem to want the big sale not the little guy buying small quantities.

[The StRanger]

I like K&K out by the flee market

[scout man]

No problem. I have always been happy at altitude, they are friendly people and I think the prices are fair, especially if you buy enough to get the quantity discounts. Their scrap pile consists of anything under 20' sticks basically. Last time I was there I bought 12, 11' pieces of angle out of their scrap pile. If the older man is behind the counter, he will also do a FR4x4 discount (something Pete arranged long ago). I dont usually ask for it if I am buying 300+ pounds though, as the price already drops a lot and he doesnt seem so happy to discount any further. If you buy at one of the lower price tiers though I would hesitate to ask him.

[The StRanger]

Cant remember the last time I ran Downtown...
Might have to check them out !!

[Starkman]

The Explorer isn't done but had to get out today. Went up to the ghost town of Waldorf. This trail was the first I did when I moved to Colorado in 1989, so it's sentimental to take my daughter there 24 years later. She had lots of fun. Of course we experienced all Colorado high country has to offer. The smell of aspen leaves on the damp ground, sunshine and snow. Great day!!!!
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Other/Wheeling-Pics/i-wtPCJsQ/0/M/DSC00019-M.jpg
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Other/Wheeling-Pics/i-MxwBMDz/0/M/photo%20%2811%29-M.jpg
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Other/Wheeling-Pics/i-7vM9gXW/0/M/photo%20%2810%29-M.jpg

[Starkman]

I did a shakedown run last weekend and have a few poser shots that are better than before. I am very happy with how it works. Progress.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Other/First-wheeling-trip-10052013/i-7WqrsZG/0/M/photo-M.jpg

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Other/First-wheeling-trip-10052013/i-VQGjt7J/0/M/photo%20%289%29-M.jpg

[Chris]

The Explorer isn't done but had to get out today. Went up to the ghost town of Waldorf. This trail was the first I did when I moved to Colorado in 1989, so it's sentimental to take my daughter there 24 years later. She had lots of fun. Of course we experienced all Colorado high country has to offer. The smell of aspen leaves on the damp ground, sunshine and snow. Great day!!!!

Thanks for sharing, that was my first trail too, 2001 for me as a new transplant. We hit it a couple times a year for sentimental reasons as well as really liking it!

[Tom]

Sweet. Cute daughter.

[Cr33p3r]

Good to see you got out Rich, boy your daughter is growing like a weed.

[Hypoid]

Looking good, Rich!

[Starkman]

Sliders are done!!!

Painted;
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-Zg9Zb8Z/0/M/Slider%20paint-M.jpg

[The StRanger]

Bolt on ore weld on ???

[Starkman]

They bolt to the rockers. I will post pics of them mounted, need better light. I know they aren't as strong as frame mounted but I'm not using this rig for rock crawling. They are mounted right up to the pinch seem of the rockers. They are bolted to the factory nutserts inside the rocker where the running boards are normally mounted.

[The StRanger]

Im still using my running boards.. My buddy called them my "redneck slidders"

[06HokieTJ]

Nice. My old '98 Mounty was built almost exactly the same. Loved the 4406 with the 5.0. Word for the wise, don't regear to 4.10's with your 5.0 unless you have 33" tires. I had 4.10's with 32's (265/75R26) and it was too low for daily use. Horrible MPG's.... Lots of tq though!

[Starkman]

Nice. My old '98 Mounty was built almost exactly the same. Loved the 4406 with the 5.0. Word for the wise, don't regear to 4.10's with your 5.0 unless you have 33" tires. I had 4.10's with 32's (265/75R26) and it was too low for daily use. Horrible MPG's.... Lots of tq though!

Did I wheel with you a few years ago, I had a Ranger then.

[06HokieTJ]

Maybe. It was a forest, hunter green '98 Mounty on 32's. I wheeled with some ExplorerForum guys a few times.

you didn't have a white extra cab Ranger with a 5.5" Superlift and 33's?

[Starkman]

Maybe. It was a forest, hunter green '98 Mounty on 32's. I wheeled with some ExplorerForum guys a few times.

you didn't have a white extra cab Ranger with a 5.5" Superlift and 33's?

I did, i hung out with the Rocky Mountain Ford Truck club guys.

[06HokieTJ]

I did, i hung out with the Rocky Mountain Ford Truck club guys.

We wheeled Slaughterhouse Gulch together!

[Starkman]

We wheeled Slaughterhouse Gulch together!

You guys are the reason I bought a v8 Explorer!

[The StRanger]

I did, i hung out with the Rocky Mountain Ford Truck club guys.

Did you guys ever hand with Walking Eagle ??

[06HokieTJ]

You guys are the reason I bought a v8 Explorer!
Is that your old Ranger hiding at the very end? My old Mounty is two down, between the blue and red Explorers.
https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/143_550395775353_4037_n.jpg

[The StRanger]

Is that your old Ranger hiding at the very end? My old Mounty is two down, between the blue and red Explorers.
https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/143_550395775353_4037_n.jpg

Thats a beautiful site right there..

[Starkman]

Only have a few pics of that trip, this is one. I see that red Explorer in the back.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/Ranger/i-ncXvZCb/0/M/Max%20flex-M.jpg

Here is a link to some pics, I remember now. I was really impressed how your Mountaineer climbed that tuff section.
http://s84.photobucket.com/albums/k18/rwmorrisonjr/Slaughterhouse%20Gulch%202007_10_13/

[06HokieTJ]

Starkman:

Did you hear about the crazy guy in a silver Grand Cherokee honking and giving thumbs up to modified white, V8 Explorers?

(I bet you were wondering who the heck I was)

looks great in person!

[Starkman]

I was wondering, sorry for not waving. I didn't feel like battling traffic and set cruise at 60 and I thought you were flipping me off for going slow. I had quite the line of cars behind me.

Thanks for the compliment, need to keep moving on it. I'm not sure about the rear bumper. Drove it all over above Central City in the snow on Saturday and it really works good on the snow with the narrow tires.
Cheers!

[06HokieTJ]

I was wondering, sorry for not waving. I didn't feel like battling traffic and set cruise at 60 and I thought you were flipping me off for going slow. I had quite the line of cars behind me.

Thanks for the compliment, need to keep moving on it. I'm not sure about the rear bumper. Drove it all over above Central City in the snow on Saturday and it really works good on the snow with the narrow tires.
Cheers!

The rear bumper was the first thing I noticed when I was coming up on you! The Warrior shackles are what had me knowing what I was looking at.

[Cr33p3r]

I was past your work a few times during that last snow storm, and saw the exploder, looks good Rich! What's the plan for the bumper!

[Starkman]

Thanks Sean, the plan is for a similar looking to the rear with a 2" receiver with fog and long range lights frenched in. My thought is to make the front and rear modular so I can move a winch from front to rear or just keep it in the garage for daily driving. I want maximum approach angle in the front and incorporate lower radiator protection. Now I need to fire up the welder. Hope to make a few trips with the group this summer.

[Starkman]

I was past your work a few times during that last snow storm, and saw the exploder, looks good Rich! What's the plan for the bumper!

Well, I started to build a ARB style bumper but got side tracked. I stopped by 4 Wheel Parts and they had a display bumper sitting there and I bit. I read a thread on Explorer Forum about someone who adapted the same bumper and I thought it looked good. When I saw it sitting in the showroom I had to buy it. It's a Smittybuilt for a TJ.

Let the build begin;


Cut the frame
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-C32RJF7/0/M/Frame%20Cut-M.jpg

Welded some 2x4 tubing for a mount. This bumper mounts directly over 2x4 tubing.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-5jWMLTR/0/M/Tubing%20Welded-M.jpg

Fast forward, not too bad.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-NSnQLnF/0/M/Bumper%20front-M.jpg

[Starkman]

Here is a side view, I highly modified the factory spoiler to fill the lower fender that the factory bumper covered before.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-6Sz9dpG/0/M/Bumper%201-M.jpg

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-C7rpLc8/0/M/Fill%20in%20side-M.jpg

[Starkman]

Behind the plate is a 2" receiver to mount a winch.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-np7scnn/0/M/receiver%20hitch%201-M.jpg

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-MVKwspz/0/M/Hitch-M.jpg

Now on to the skidplate...

[Starkman]

Here is a few shots of the sliders, they bolt to the body not the frame. I'll be sure to test them this summer.
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-ng9bPTq/0/M/Sliders%20up-M.jpg

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-2bMk5J3/0/M/Sliders-M.jpg

[Rick]

I'll be sure to test them this summer.The"WALL" will test em in March:D

[Starkman]

Looking back through this thread I realized I never added my rear bumper pics.

Rick, I copied your rear bumper...
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-d8MpmWf/0/M/Rear%20Bumper%201-M.jpg

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-LrfLdmX/0/M/Rear%20Bumper%201%20%281%29-M.jpg

http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-RSwzThm/0/M/Rear%20Bumper%201%20%282%29-M.jpg

[Rick]

looks Great!!!!!nice work!:thumb:

[Starkman]

So, progress!

December 2012
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-kFsctpZ/0/M/Explorer%20stock%201-M.jpg

Feb 2014
http://starkman.smugmug.com/Cars/2000-Ford-Explorer/i-FTCJQZ6/0/M/Feb%202014%20Progress-M.jpg

[Rick]

:thumb: