99 Sport

[AccordRanger]

Heres my Sport. Didnt take to long for me to fall in love with it.
I decided i wanted and Explorer after driving my moms and really liked how they look built up. Next was choosing a Sport or 4 door. There were pros and cons for each. The 4 door was easier to have a bunch of people get in and out of, more cargo space, and what i really wanted a V8. The Sport Had a shorter wheelbase which i really like because i wanted to take it wheeling alot, i liked the looks better.
So i made the decision with the Sport.

Right now it is still stock, but i still have fun with it. Plans for stage 1 mods are.
2" TT in front, 3 or 4" lift in rear. 32" Goodyear Duratracs, 1.25" Spidertrax wheel spacers, Aussie in the rear, front hitch.

[AccordRanger]

New

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/010.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/009.jpg

Had a hard time keepin it clean the first few months.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/007-Copyedit.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/004.jpg

[AccordRanger]

Took off the side steps for better ground clearance. First camping trip with it up at Johnny Park/ Pole Hill.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/Pole.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/l_c89d79b912ca43cba07f0702c9c64de8.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/l_bd5e523ec556409da103a58cd6dc8bfe.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/l_4525121e42b74f78babf172f880ce4d7.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/l_b193c842032a403d936db70a9af0286b.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t111/hxcHoBoxx/Explorer/l_75a8017a50ce48fc9d484febdc5f2f36.jpg

[Mporter]

Repost thread?

[AccordRanger]

Hope to be getting some warrior shackles within the next week or two. Need to get rid of the rear end sag.

[AccordRanger]

Grabbed some rear leafs from a 4 door a week ago. Noe hopefully will have a little better flex in the rear, and raise it up a bit.
Truck is D.O.A. right now... fuel issue. Hope to get that fixed this week.

[AccordRanger]

Got the add-a-leaf and 4-door leaf packs in Saturday.
Hope to have the "Brown Wire Mod" and front done this week.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/048.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/047.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/040-Copy.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/049.jpg

[JeffX]

Nice!

[Brody]

Looks like it has done some good.

If you find the suspension a bit too stiff, especially with the overloads, simply cut the overloads off behind the spring perch. You can do this with the rig on jack stands or blocked up. You will lose no height and gain quite a bit of flex. The remaining front part of the overload will act as a trac bar and help keep spring wrap down.

[AccordRanger]

Surprisingly i like how it rides now alot better.

[Fordguy77]

looks good

[AccordRanger]

Got rear sway disconnects made, hopefully will get the front ones finished tomorrow. Will post pics tomorrow.
Also going to the junkyard, maybe ill find some goodies. :D

[Brad]

Nice! I am looking for some quick disconnects for the Rover.

Look forward to some pics! :thumb:

[AccordRanger]

Didn't get the fronts done today need to re-drill the all thread that will hold the bushings.

Here are the rears for now.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20fab%20parts/rearsway1.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20fab%20parts/rearsway2.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20fab%20parts/rearsway3.jpg

[Smash]

Well done! I know hacking off the front and rear sways on my Forester made the most difference of any mod that I did. Can't wait to see what it does for you.

[AccordRanger]

Haven't had the front sway connected all summer. Made a huge difference. Didn't handle that bad on the road. Highway it was a little squirly and bouncy but nothing i felt uncomfortable with. Took it up to Johnny this weekend camping and the rear disconnected made a noticeable difference.

[1freaky1]

Shayne it is coming along really good, looks like you are on the right track there with it, I always like the Ex Sports.

[AccordRanger]

Thanks Sean that means a lot coming from you! Your ranger is one of my favorites.
The bug just keeps digging deeper and deeper.:D

[AccordRanger]

So debating between going up to 265/75's or 255/85's, I'm sure with the lift i have now the 265's will fit since that's what a lot of sport owners are running. But i would like to keep the width of the tires the same and would rather have 33's. and if I'm right 255/85's are equal to 33x10.5x16 right?

Also thinking about painting all the trim black, does anybody think it will look good?

[Fordguy77]

I'd go more than a 265/75, if it was me, its not enough increase and if that fits a regular 31 should fit right in there. Granted i based that all on my info from a 91 Ranger running 15" Rims so i am not sure how this applies to you.

[AccordRanger]

Well a 265/75/16 is about 31.5"-32" depending on tire.

[Fordguy77]

Oh ok, on the 15 rims its at 30.5, so thats why i was confused. I hate how rim size changes what the metric numbers mean.

[AccordRanger]

Me too i wish all tires were in inches.

[AccordRanger]

OK so the 255/70's i have now equal about 30x10x16
265/75's are about 32x10.5x16 So i know those will rub on my sway when flexed and turned, but I'm sure wheel spacers will take care of it. 255/85's are about 33x10x16, which are same width as what i have now, not too sure about them fitting height wise though so I need to find a set to test fit.

[AccordRanger]

Front sway disco's complete. Might paint them at a later date.

Handles way better then then i ever expected even when i had the factory endlinks.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20fab%20parts/001.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20fab%20parts/003.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20fab%20parts/002.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20fab%20parts/004.jpg

[Brad]

How are you keeping the sway bar secure after disconnect?
Pic?

[AccordRanger]

Didn't have time to do it today. Gonna try to tackle that tomorrow. Might just use bailing wire like i did, when i didn't have it connected at all, worked just fine.

[Brad]

It looks really good! :thumb:

I would like to get a secure mount for the Rover.

[AccordRanger]

I wish i could have something like on Krista's jeep i like how they just lock onto the frame.

[Brad]

Do tell Krista!

[Fordguy77]

Bungee cords fast than tie wire imho. Most the ifs exploders i have seen with quick dis are using bungees. I do like the way Kristi hook back into the frame, should be able to make something similar.

[AccordRanger]

I will get something way better later on just need something for the clean up.
Oh and decided to just go with the 265's for now will do 255/85's when i get the Superlift. Which will be a ways off.

[BlackRubi]

You have the same homebrew swaybar disconnects that I do!

[AccordRanger]

Up next is black trim! I think, still undecided if i wanna do it or not.:rolleyes:

[AccordRanger]

Got the rear bumper done.

Used Rust-oleum bed liner. Now just gotta get my a$$ in gear on the next warm day off and get the sides and front done.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/027-Copy2.jpg

[Brad]

Looks good Shayne! :thumb:

[Fordguy77]

looking good!

[AccordRanger]

So depending on how the job hunt goes this may be my winter project.

Super88 (http://www.4wheelerssupply.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/71569)

[Brody]

Looks good!

[AccordRanger]

Got one of my spares mounted today and tested to see how close to rubbing it is. Looks like it will need minimal trimming.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/029-Copy2.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/034-Copy.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/033-Copy.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/032-Copy.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/031-Copy2.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/030-Copy2.jpg

[Mporter]

Aw man, that must be tough having plastic parts on the outside of your car. I probably wouldn't know how to take care of those :redface:

[AccordRanger]

They can be a pain, but they have also saved some metal a few times.

[AccordRanger]

Tires mounted!

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/033-1.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/032-1.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/031-1.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/030-1.jpg

[AccordRanger]

Got the front bumper painted and the pass flares back on. Drivers side is in the basement drying. Also sprayed some undercoating on the rear wheel well and frame.


http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/015.jpg


http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/016.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/018.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/017.jpg

[Rob]

Looking good, Shayne. But be careful. You don't want it to be too shiny to wheel. :)

[Fordguy77]

Did you just give the button a fine sanding and paint it? or just paint right over? looks really good.

[AccordRanger]

Sanded it first. Drivers side isn't going to look as great cause I rushed it but oh well.

[AccordRanger]

Here is my CB setup.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/047.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/049.jpg

The mic holder is a wire hanger cut and bent to hang from the pass visor.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/048.jpg

[Mporter]

Very nice. Mine just hangs out in the front cup holder on the center console (or across the rear view mirror)

[Fordguy77]

Mine just hangs off the side of the center console

[AccordRanger]

Started taking the front end out so I have easier access to the rack and pinion. Might weld up the rear end so I can atleast do some easy trails until I find a new T-case. Hope to have it out and replaced my the end of the month. Hopefully I can get it drivable soon. Miss driving this thing around.
Also thinking about doing a 5 speed swap when summer is over. Need to start looking for a parts truck in a few months.

[Michael4rnr]

Looks like a really good build.

[Brad]

I was wondering what happened Shane.

[AccordRanger]

Yea now that I have some money coming in I can start working on it!

[Funrover]

Looks to be coming along nicely!

[AccordRanger]

So the wheel bearing went out about a month ago. Sadly the whole driver side suspension needs replaced. Also smashed the radiator getting it in the driveway.

On some good notes, Got another radiator from the junkyard. Found a BW1354M t-case too. Got all of the busted parts off and the old rack and pinion out.

As soon as I get the new rack in I will be moving on to the t-case. Then next is the rest of the suspension and it should be trail ready.

Old rad.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/056-Copy.jpg

Shroud

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/061-Copy.jpg

Whats left of the wheel bearing

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/058-Copy.jpg

Brake dust shield

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/059-Copy.jpg

[AccordRanger]

Caliper bracket.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/060-Copy.jpg

What was left that is salvageable

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/063-Copy.jpg

Old rack.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/062-Copy.jpg

Empty

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/064.jpg

[AccordRanger]

BW1354M

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/067.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/068.jpg

[Brad]

Progress! :thumb:

[AccordRanger]

Progress! :thumb:

I know its about time. Finally a great day at the yard. Looked at every Explorer for the t-case, then decided to look under a Ranger and the first one I saw had it!

[Brad]

Good thinking! :thumb:

[AccordRanger]

New fender mounted. 2nd trans cooler hooked up. New rack should be in Thursday night! Then all that is left is lower ball joints, drivers hub, dust shield and brakes. Hopefully she will be drivable by the end of the month then all that is left is installing the new t-case.

[Brad]

You are starting to sound like me Shayne! :thumb:

[AccordRanger]

Haha except for the fact you have been out on a trail in the last year! I cant wait to get out again! I have been so tempted to lift the WRX.:lmao:

[AccordRanger]

Got the rack back in and bolted up! Just need to drain and flush all old fluids and add new. Should be drivable in a week or two. Then is the fun part of getting it registered.:erm:

[Brad]

Nice!:thumb:

[Cr33p3r]

Good to hear you are making progress on her Shayne.

[AccordRanger]

I hope I never have to replace another Explorer rack again! :lmao:

[AccordRanger]

Rack is in and done, only thing the front needs now is brakes.
Just pulled the T-case today, working on getting the new one in! I may actually be able to wheeling this year!

Since I havent gotten to play in the Explorer in the rain we got this week I took the WRX out.:steer::steer::D

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Bug%20Eyed%20Wallaby/004-Copy6.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Bug%20Eyed%20Wallaby/003-Copy5.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Bug%20Eyed%20Wallaby/002-Copy5.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Bug%20Eyed%20Wallaby/001-Copy5.jpg

Gotta start saving for the lift and tires for it so I can put in it winter mode!

[AccordRanger]

Old t-case out!
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/003-1.jpg

New boat anchor.:lmao:

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/001-1.jpg

Old p.o.s. next to BW1354M

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/004.jpg

Shifter mocked up. Need to find a way to move it over so I can keep my center console.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/002-1.jpg

BW1354M's new home!:2thumbup::2thumbup::woot::woot::jiggy::jiggy :

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer%20mods/001-Copy.jpg

[Brad]

Interesting.. Glad you are making progress! :thumb:

[Cr33p3r]

Great to see it is closer to running a trail. What is you estimated time to get it back on the road?

[AccordRanger]

Well all that is left is to get the shifter figured out. Rebuild the drivers front caliper, new pads and rotor. Then emissions and registration.
So hopefully November at the latest.

[AccordRanger]

Its alive! Just got done taking it around the block. Feels so good to drive it again. Few things though. It needs a new radiator cap, ps system needs bled, and both upper control arms will need replaced. Hope to get temp tags tomorrow so I can take it to emissions!

[xaza]

sweet! congrats

[carpenle]

All of the hard work is paying off. Great job:bowdown:

[Cr33p3r]

Great to hear you got her back up and running again Shayne

[AccordRanger]

Me too! Now I just need to get the power steering fully bled.

[AccordRanger]

Some current pics.

First day out of the garage.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/001-Copy2.jpg

Had some fun.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/005.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/006.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/007.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/Explorer/008.jpg

[Rick]

:thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:

[TNT]

Good call on the bw1354m! I'm a big fan of the sport and yours is looking good!

[AccordRanger]

Thanks!

[AccordRanger]

Well now she's sitting in the driveway waiting on parts. Should be able to go down the road straight this week. Then just figure out the driveshaft and its ready.

[AccordRanger]

Gotta pull the rack and pinion again and put another in. Replace power steering lines and she should be good. Then just get a driveshaft that will fit.

Here she is on the 4th.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/image-1.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/AccordRanger/media/image-1.jpg.html)

Also cut the exhaust off the Ranger and found a piece to fit and make it dump out the side instead of above the axle.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/image.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/AccordRanger/media/image.jpg.html)

[Fordguy77]

Sucks to hear about your Rack and Pinion having to come back out. Are you still needing those dimensions off the other shafts? I have them wrote down somewhere but spaced posting them.

[AccordRanger]

Yeah that would be nice.

[AccordRanger]

Went up camping at Johnny Park Friday. Had a little fun, she impressed me with how well she did being only 2wd and open diff.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/image-2.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/AccordRanger/media/image-2.jpg.html)

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/image-3.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/AccordRanger/media/image-3.jpg.html)

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/image-4.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/AccordRanger/media/image-4.jpg.html)

Pulled my buddies jeep off a rock and he ended up rolling back into me.

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af294/AccordRanger/image-5.jpg (http://s1017.photobucket.com/user/AccordRanger/media/image-5.jpg.html)

Sad part is his metal bumper got tweaked more than my plastic one.
Also ended up bashing the tow hook hard enough to tweak the rear bumper. But nothing hitting it with the back of an axe didn't fix the next morning.

[The StRanger]

Sweet !

[AccordRanger]

All back together! So much easier the second time. Got it done in about 3-4 hours with a long break and multiple runs to autozone.

[The StRanger]

[QUOTE=AccordRanger;239512






Sad part is his metal bumper got tweaked more than my plastic one. [/QUOTE]
Looks like its time to clip it !!

[AccordRanger]

It's tempting but I like having the factory fogs.

[The StRanger]

It's tempting but I like having the factory fogs.

Ya, I kinda miss them !
A little, At first ..