[Josh40601]

If you don't like reading the background, go to the next post....:mr-t:

I wanted something that could fit 4 people in, have A/C, Automatic, and be an SUV. I wanted a Mallcrawler. So i set out searching.... Was going for an XJ or ZJ at first, then i did a little digging, and found out the Unibodies are not the greatest, so i scrapped that. I HATE blazers, so i didn't care if they are unibodies or not, I wasn't owning one of those. I didn't want a fullsize, I dunno know why. I also didn't want to spend $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ on a JK... So then i seen an Explorer with a straight axle conversion done on it, and it hit me... Perfect. They are cheap, they have a full frame, they seat at least 4 people, and they are not too big (usually)

Then I found one that was in Oklahoma, close to Tulsa. Since i was driving through Tulsa on my way back from San Diego, I called the guy up. It was priced very nice, and the guy turned out to be one awesome Feller. The owner dropped the price a bit, took a video to show everything about the truck, and has answered every question i have had about it, so I said ok, I'd buy it. Then i sent the payment, he sent the BOS, and the deal was sealed. I was now the owner of a 1991 Ford Exploder

 

[Josh40601]

Here is the info on the rig when I started this little adventure...

-The 4.0 engine was freshened up when the rig was built in 2008 with new rings, bearings, timing set, oil pump and a valve job
-The transmission is a stock A4LD
-DD Machine 1350/1354 Doubler with manual up front, electric out back
-Front axle is a dana 44HP with a detroit, 4.88 gears, yukon axles and super joint u joints, steering and track bar are .250" wall 1.5" dom with 3/4 hiem joints. It's parallel 4 linked with a trac-bar and wild horses coil springs.

-Rear axle is a 9" with a detroit, 4.86 gears, Alloy USA shafts, Strange 3rd member and disc brakes with eldorado calipers.

-The tires are 39.5" tsls mounted on recentered H1 beadlocks

-Bumpers were both custom made and the front has a warn M8000 winch in it

-Brakes have been upgraded to a hydro boost unit from a 1999 ford f350.

Here is a couple of "action" shots from Clayton. Looks like it works real well for what it is.

 

[Josh40601]

The name SGT Ex was chosen because I wanted to pay tribute to the men and women serving in the armed forces.

I always liked the military K5 blazers, and there was an explorer that had the back chopped off that resembled them a lot. The picture he had has since been lost to the internet though, but this gives you an idea...

 

[93ranger4x4]

-The 4.0 engine was freshened up when the rig was built in 2008 with new rings, bearings, timing set, oil pump and a valve job
-The transmission is a stock AOD

unless its been swapped, the stock trans is an A4LD not an AOD.

 

[Josh40601]

whoops. My bad. Thanks for letting me know,

 

[popeye123]

looks good i like it ! !

maybe cause it looks just like mine

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=788279

 

[5BrothersFabrication]

I paint custom graphics on the side:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.137483062991795.29715.100001903051846&type=1
If it's for vets, it's free, +materials. :smokin:

 

[Josh40601]

See ya soon mike.... :smokin:

Thanks Popeye! I am gonna lurk through your build now

 

[jeepnutz]

gotta put a pinup girl on the front quarter panels like the enola gay and others http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...854l0l23797l16l15l0l4l4l0l202l1582l1.8.2l11l0

 

[93ranger4x4]

^^^^^ Totaly

 

[Josh40601]

Great idea! Thanks guys. That is the stuff i am looking for. It will most definitely be on there. I'll start looking for some now. It will most likely be a sticker though.

 

[Josh40601]

i do have 3 that will for sure be on there.

 

[Josh40601]

Someone asked if i was going to paint it Desert Camo. Hell no. Although it did bring up an ingenious idea.... Desert Digi Camo seat covers :smokin:

 

[jeepnutz]

heres a pin up

 

[Josh40601]

No. I want the nastalgia pinup, not the drunk white chick from the trailer park pinup

Although i am all about hot sluts with welding equipment, not what i want on the SGT.

 

[jeepnutz]

lol

 

[stRanger]

The A4LD is a weak trans.. I burned up two in my old ford ranger. Either do an solid rebuild on it with upgraded parts and a big cooler, or look into to a C4/C6 swap or possibly an AOD.. Not sure which will swap into it, but I'd do it... Or atleast allot some money for when it goes out!

 

[Josh40601]

Thanks for the insight.

I have heard a lot about those transmission burning up, hell i even burnt one up in my mustang, but for now, i'll run it until it burns up. The previous owner said he has had no problems, if it does, oh well, ill figure something out then

 

[Josh40601]

Fast forward a few months....
I picked it up, hauled it home, painted it, added hydro assist, and introduced it to KY's trails

Painted

Airbrushed hood

Airbrushed Tailgate

 

[jeepnutz]

hell yea hooraa