crazybronco
New Member
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2009
- Messages
- 44
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Location
- Roy Washington
- Vehicle Year
- 1983
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.3l
- Transmission
- Manual
It has been a while since my last post here, I sold my Ranger a little while back and have been looking for a new project.
I have been into Motorcycles and Adventure riding, basically mild off road forest service, fire roads and that kind of thing. However my wife just does not want to go with me on the bike and she does not ride. So, I have been thinking about creating a SUV for mild off road stuff.
We want to explore FS roads, fire roads, Ghost towns and the like. I think an Explorer would be the perfect vehicle for this kind of thing. I want to find one with the V8, as I love the 5.0l engine. So, I think this puts me in the 95-2001 range. I saw the post about the 95 lift kit issues, so no 95. I do not plan to go big on the lift, just 2-3in just to fit some good aggressive tires. Also thinking a drop in locker, Aussie or something like that in the rear only. A winch to get out of trouble, etc.
I want to camp inside, or go with a roof top tent. I will be adding a rear tire carrier and fuel can rack. On-board-air and I have a Hi-Lift jack already. I also have some nice big lights for night driving.
So, the question I have is, what should I look for? Is there a transfer case that I should look for and one to avoid? How would I identify the right case easily?
I see us using it mostly in the USA, Canada and maybe Mexico, so a Ford Explorer is a good choice. If I was using it abroad I would go for a Toyota or something else easy to get parts for. I figure here in North America parts will not be an issue.
Please give any other suggestions you have, links I need to read, what ever.
Thanks
I have been into Motorcycles and Adventure riding, basically mild off road forest service, fire roads and that kind of thing. However my wife just does not want to go with me on the bike and she does not ride. So, I have been thinking about creating a SUV for mild off road stuff.
We want to explore FS roads, fire roads, Ghost towns and the like. I think an Explorer would be the perfect vehicle for this kind of thing. I want to find one with the V8, as I love the 5.0l engine. So, I think this puts me in the 95-2001 range. I saw the post about the 95 lift kit issues, so no 95. I do not plan to go big on the lift, just 2-3in just to fit some good aggressive tires. Also thinking a drop in locker, Aussie or something like that in the rear only. A winch to get out of trouble, etc.
I want to camp inside, or go with a roof top tent. I will be adding a rear tire carrier and fuel can rack. On-board-air and I have a Hi-Lift jack already. I also have some nice big lights for night driving.
So, the question I have is, what should I look for? Is there a transfer case that I should look for and one to avoid? How would I identify the right case easily?
I see us using it mostly in the USA, Canada and maybe Mexico, so a Ford Explorer is a good choice. If I was using it abroad I would go for a Toyota or something else easy to get parts for. I figure here in North America parts will not be an issue.
Please give any other suggestions you have, links I need to read, what ever.
Thanks