2nd gen explorer build

[Kwoodbury488]

Lookin good dude!

Is here gonna be any issues if this tower is closer to the frame my battery box is in the way on this side

 

[the bodj]

Is here gonna be any issues if this tower is closer to the frame my battery box is in the way on this side

No. Try getting the upper shock mounts in the same position, but an inch in or out shouldn’t make much of a difference

 

[Kwoodbury488]

Hell ya got the driver side all tacked in now to check clearance and full bump a lil trimming and to cycle to see if we have any binding. Really pumped on my lil by lil progress. I’m hoping I can get it all fully welded in and start working on the engine cage soon. Yee yee

 

[96f-u250]

Hows that full bump clearance when turning full lock?

 

[Kwoodbury488]

Hows that full bump clearance when turning full lock?

Definitely need to trim out some more but it’s getting there

 

[Kwoodbury488]

Got the towers all burnt in now to just build the engine cage and gusset everything that needs to be supported. Then to bolt it all back together and get this bad bitch back in 4 wheels. So pumped right now gonna be cutting it close but I think I’ll be able to make it out for a day trip Sunday out at koh.

 

[Kwoodbury488]

got the engine cage all cut out and pretty much where I think it’s gonna be. Just gotta do a little fine tuning and make it where I can bolt it in and take it out. Then I’m gonna tack it all in make sure one happy with it then weld it all in. Bolt the kit in align it and hopefully back on the road. Pretty pumped should be desert bound in no time Yee yee!!

 

[Bpbuilt]

If I could give you some advice the tube going across needs to be as close to inline with the uprights off the shocks as you can get it. The way it’s laid out right now your not going to gain much strength, also you need to be sure to leave some room around engine and everything attached to it. They move around a ton unless solid mounted.

 

[Kwoodbury488]

If I could give you some advice the tube going across needs to be as close to inline with the uprights off the shocks as you can get it. The way it’s laid out right now your not going to gain much strength, also you need to be sure to leave some room around engine and everything attached to it. They move around a ton unless solid mounted.

Sweet man that’s what I’m looking for this is my first time so I’ll take all the advice I can get I eat it to be right and do what it’s supposed to

 

[Kwoodbury488]

What if I did something like this

 

[Tree trunk]

Take a look at @Bpbuilt hydrolock explorer build thread and you can get an idea of how he built his. Also keep in mind you will want your crossmember to be removable with enough room to pull your engine.

 

[Tree trunk]

Also I would suggest Gusseting this tube



Either plate or tube

Is that .188 walled tube you are using?

 

[Tree trunk]

My bad…. He doesn’t have a picture up of his crossmember

 

[Kwoodbury488]

Also I would suggest Gusseting this tube

View attachment 48951

Either plate or tube

Is that .188 walled tube you are using?

I was gonna gusset under neath like you mentioned and then box around the lower part at the shock tower and stub out.

 

[Kwoodbury488]

this is how I was gonna box it in and where I was gonna gusset as well

 

[Kwoodbury488]

This is what I came up with so far just have it tacked gonna pull it out cut it’s put plates on it so I can bolt it in

 

[Bpbuilt]

That looks much better than the previous set up. Make sure you hood still closes too. I had to get a little wester with mine to clear everything

 

[Kwoodbury488]

Just ordered my deaver G50e leaf springs so those should be in a couple weeks should have my front end done this weekend and then for the rear I’ll be running the g50e deavers some 2 inch lift shackles and my FOA 2.0x10 remote reservoir shocks with the shock pin eliminator mounts. I’m truly so stoked and can’t wait to see how this thing does when completed. Also will eventually get the suspension all tuned.