Picked up a 1991 Ford Eploder 4.0/5sp $150 The 4wd didnt work and they couldnt figure it out. I have no plans on putting any money into this. The drivers front hub was stripped out. So I welded it solid. I have a YJ on D60s and 39.5's and a Samurai. The Samurai is my mode of transportation in the winter so I limit how much I wheel it. And the YJ is down getting cage work and a AW4 auto from a Cherokee. For $150 this will get the urge out so I dont beat the Samurai all winter.

I'll have to add pics tomorrow. I used a set of 31-15.50 Agricultural tires I got from a dune buggy guy. He sad they broke too much so he went to 29s and I got these for a case of Bud. The front tires are some used 31" Muds.

The Goal - Make and maintain a rig all winter for UNDER $500 then resell said rig for $500.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/joe_and_jeep/shtbox/IMG00479.jpg

The welded hub

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/joe_and_jeep/shtbox/IMG00485.jpg

i'm watching this, i know where a couple wore out sploders are. i've been thinking about buying one to wheel while i build a buggy

Careful, the things have a way of growing on you. Comfortable, decent power in stock form, good wheelbase, easy to mod, CHEAP.
I'd like to find a $150 5spd exploder just to convert my slushbox rig over. I like the auto, but you just know it is going to blow. And it does suck the power.

Those auto hubs Ford puts on there are really cheezy, did 4x4 work after you welded it?
If not, check the shift motor on the back of the T-case, they are notorious for crapping out. There is also a manual version of this case if you want to ditch the elec. case altogether.

Here's a good thread on rebuilding the shift motor:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542

Careful, the things have a way of growing on you. Comfortable, decent power in stock form, good wheelbase, easy to mod, CHEAP.
I'd like to find a $150 5spd exploder just to convert my slushbox rig over. I like the auto, but you just know it is going to blow. And it does suck the power.

Once you've driven a manual one, you really realize how much the auto sucks.

Those auto hubs Ford puts on there are really cheezy, did 4x4 work after you welded it?
If not, check the shift motor on the back of the T-case, they are notorious for crapping out. There is also a manual version of this case if you want to ditch the elec. case altogether.

Here's a good thread on rebuilding the shift motor:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542

Everything works as it should. Its a manual shift t-case too. We pounded the snot out of this thing last night till I clobbered a hill side and shoved a bunch of dirt in the bead. I need different front tires, in the snow this thing DOES NOT STEER at all. The ag tires in the rear just wanna push this thing straight and its only gonna get worse after I weld the rear.

Tomorrow's project is fixing the tire and fixing the heat.

THESE THINGS DIG! Rub like fawk tho, a little sawzall fun will fix that. I need day light pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/joe_and_jeep/shtbox/IMG00497.jpg

PLEASE post a pic with the ag tires on it....

could i talk you into putting them both on one side for a pic?

PLEASE post a pic with the ag tires on it....

could i talk you into putting them both on one side for a pic?

I'll put them both on one side eventually... But I'm planning on fawking with it and taking some pics tomorrow and actually adding some tech.

No motivation to work...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/joe_and_jeep/shtbox/IMG00527.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/joe_and_jeep/shtbox/IMG00528.jpg

get manual hubs from the junk yard. i ran the dog piss out a stock explorer with 33 until i broke the out put shaft in the whoops. those rigs are a thank you sir my i have another rig.



p.s. 10 feet of air and 120 feet of distance is a drive away thing

cool build. keep at it.