1992 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 (56k NO)

[Freshmeat]

Ranger/Bronco2 M5OD fits as well as the FM143/145 from the 2.9. The 4.0 M5OD is the strongest of the options, although it has its own set of failpoints. I was lucky to have found the 4x4 5spd Navajo when the transmission crapped out.

Final drivetrain goal is an EFI 351 with a ZF manual transmission for the 5.xx first gear and overdrive. Obviously the front will be a D60 and the rear will most likely be a D70 for the 35-spline shafts.

This weekend I'm going to disassemble the TTB D35 to weld the spider gears, eliminate the inner C-clip, open the shaft windows in the arms, and install the stupid-strong Spicer 5-760X joints with full circle clips. Lots of work for an axle I'm not keeping, but I want to make sure it's going to hold up until the D60 is ready. The axle should be more than able to hold up to the skinny 34s and if it doesn't, it'll be much easier to replace the shafts with that C-clip eliminated.

[Freshmeat]

Picked up some new additions yesterday...



I also assembled my 12-ton hydraulic press tonight. Tomorrow I'll disassemble the shafts and start clearancing them for the full circle retaining rings for the U-joints, then hopefully Thursday I'll reassemble all the shafts... and hopefully this weekend I'll be able to put the whole front axle back together.

[Freshmeat]

I bailed on the one ton axles and 38.50s. I really like it being in its current general size- if I put the big axles and big ass tires I won't be able to have as much fun on the local trails and beyond that, the Jeep guys would have too easy of an excuse in that my rig is severely modified and that's why I'm superior.

So I'm going to pick it up a couple more inches, possibly go with a slightly larger tire in a 35x12.50, and work on a few other minor mods, like electric fan, removable doors, and fun stuff like that.

We had a HUGE trail ride this past Sunday- official count was 66 4x4s total. It was a fantastic time... both Ashley (wife) and Clayton (son) came along and we all had fun- she was taking pictures, he actually napped in the middle of it, and I beat the absolute crap out of the Explorer. I didn't skip a single obstacle and I didn't get assisted through anything at all- there were LOTS of Jeeps, including some much more heavily modified, that couldn't say the same thing.

Here's probably my favorite shot from the day- it even exemplifies the TTB instead of a solid front axle, which adds to the stockish effect of the whole build.

[Freshmeat]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjDxES8AvYI

[Freshmeat]

Needed some heat extraction on the trails so I pulled the hood and went to town on it. I have some black trim to go around the edges but haven't had time to put it on, as I've been replacing the entire power steering system and the fuel level sending unit. As soon as I get the trim and screen installed I'll post some updated shots.