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)

 

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

 

Sweet! Those little Acer computers are awesome

 

Looking great man! If you ever need a co-pilot or a wingman, let me know!

I envy all the work you do, and fun you have while doing it!

 

Nice

 

I WANT MORE PICS!!!! I love both vehicles. LOL This one is already sweet!

 

Awesome! Does the difference in gear ratio's front to rear cause any problems? They're pretty close though.

 

yes it does they are supposed to be the same

 

Thanks All! More pics are coming :D

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...

 

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.

 

 

So.......are you getting anything done on the MX2?

Looks sweet, but don't neglect your other baby!

 

I've got some cool stuff coming for the MX2, though I cant way what yet...

 

Very awesome. You're a busy man!

 

sweet i wish i had the skills and money to do what you do

 

did you make that bumper bolt on? i thought i saw the remanents of the factory crossmember i still need to make the trip from glendale to come see those fine pieces of machinery

 

Awesome work once again. Can we get pics of how the inside looks?

 

sweet lookin explorer man

 

Looks damn good man!

 

How far are you from Vegas?