Today I got one more nice afternoon to tinker with it.
Finally found the vacuum leak, seemed to be at the bottom of the IAC valve. I took it off and cleaned it up a bit but didn't seem to help. Took the less than year old valve off the Ranger and although they're arranged a bit different it woulda bolted up, but the plugs weren't interchange-able, so I used the paper gasket from it on the Explorer and snugged it up, then went on to town.
Seems to be considerably better, doesn't spit back near as much under load and seems to have more power. Filled it up, used 8.9 gallons going the last 98 miles, less than 11 mpg, maybe better next time
Priced an IAC gasket @ ABC Auto, $13 for the gasket, $42 for the Valve w/gasket, brand was Standard, Motorcraft valve $172.
Finally got the 5th shock a few days ago, rear damper, got it put on.
Looks like someone used a jack under the front fender post just in front of the RF door to raise the vehicle, goofed things up here a good bit.
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I had already pulled the front runner piece in and ran a screw into it before going to an extended family Thanksgiving early November, but added a couple more trying to secure the wheel well a bit better
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Looks like I need a few more pieces in there too
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The right rear spring also has some damage from something
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