BTF 98 Explorer

[Matt67ss]

Brackets and bump stops pads finalized on the rear end and bump cans installed.

 

[mounty71]

I love seeing the different ways that people try building the rear of these things. I like the idea of replacing the frame rails, and it looks like you'll get a little more bump travel too than you would have with a stock frame. How long is the panhard bar? I considered trying to do a similar setup but I was thinking with having the keep the panhard bar inside of the frame rails to avoid the cantilever arms, there would be a lot of lateral axle movement at 18"-20" of travel. Also curious to see the front upper link mount. And do you think you'll need a swaybar?

 

[Matt67ss]

I love seeing the different ways that people try building the rear of these things. I like the idea of replacing the frame rails, and it looks like you'll get a little more bump travel too than you would have with a stock frame. How long is the panhard bar? I considered trying to do a similar setup but I was thinking with having the keep the panhard bar inside of the frame rails to avoid the cantilever arms, there would be a lot of lateral axle movement at 18"-20" of travel. Also curious to see the front upper link mount. And do you think you'll need a swaybar?

Those are some good questions hopefully @NODNARB could answer. I know he did get more up travel with adding that notch in the frame. We will see if it needs a sway bar or if it will fit lol

 

[Matt67ss]

Modified fuel tank and fuel tank cross member in along with the driveshaft.
Cargo sheet metal and tubs started. I’m going to trim the stock interior panels to fit and insulate then carpet.

 

[mounty71]

How much did you have to trim off the gas tank? And is that because of driveshaft clearance? That's one concern I have, I've acquired a 9" already but wondering if the diff placement will work around the stock gas tank. Don't really want to reduce fuel capacity though.

 

[Matt67ss]

How much did you have to trim off the gas tank? And is that because of driveshaft clearance? That's one concern I have, I've acquired a 9" already but wondering if the diff placement will work around the stock gas tank. Don't really want to reduce fuel capacity though.

It was minimal due to the pinch rail around the tank would hit the driveshaft. I should have ordered a rear end with the center section off set to the passenger side. That would resolved the clearance issue and both axles would have been the same length.

 

[NODNARB]

I love seeing the different ways that people try building the rear of these things. I like the idea of replacing the frame rails, and it looks like you'll get a little more bump travel too than you would have with a stock frame. How long is the panhard bar? I considered trying to do a similar setup but I was thinking with having the keep the panhard bar inside of the frame rails to avoid the cantilever arms, there would be a lot of lateral axle movement at 18"-20" of travel. Also curious to see the front upper link mount. And do you think you'll need a swaybar?

The panhard bar is definitely a little shorter than ideal but the packaging of all these things moving around under here kinda dictated the length. It’s right around 36” center to center.
Computer says about 2” of side to side axle movement. It’s all blown apart right now to finish welding the linkage pieces so I’ll get a real world side to side number soon and update.

 

[NODNARB]

Using the latest in measuring technology… here’s the rough real world numbers on axle movement side to side.. axle is too high to measure at full bump with the plumb bob, but the panhard actually starts angling up vs being flat where I measured so all it’s really doing is going a little bit toward driver side like it does at droop, not adding to the overall number. There’s about 1-2” of droop left so we are definitely well under 3” axle movement side to side.

 

[NODNARB]

Shot of the modified gas tank crossmember for upper link clearance and frame bracing underneath. Cantilevers put a lot of stress on mounts/frame. Right Steve?

 

[Matt67ss]

Shot of the modified gas tank crossmember for upper link clearance and frame bracing underneath. Cantilevers put a lot of stress on mounts/frame. Right Steve?

Is that the EVAP canister bracket I see hanging there in the center?

 

[NODNARB]

Sure is! Trying to get the fuel stuff all buttoned up today.

 

[NODNARB]

Got everything sprayed underneath with rust oleum before putting the tank back in for the last time hopefully. Shot the tank with some rattle can bedliner to make it look closer to “normal” should be putting suspension back on in the rear this week.

 

[Matt67ss]

Tubs and floor wrapped up and structure for the cantilever system in. I didn’t give much direction to Brandon on how it should look but I’m pretty happy with the results.

 

[SaltyMethods]

Why the holes in the trac bar?

 

[84Prerunner]

Why the holes in the trac bar?

Looks like it’s sleeved for strength and will be welded.

 

[Pictafiedesign]

Why the holes in the trac bar?

ribbed for his pleasure

 

[SaltyMethods]

ribbed for his pleasure

That's it!!! I'm adding one to my rig too. Beefed up fun.

 

[the bodj]

Why the holes in the trac bar?

My guess is the outside tube has the correct ID for the bungs, but they wanted .250" wall tubing so it's sleeved

 

[bullnerd]

Is it me, Or is that a piece of 1/4" plate for the outboard shock mount?

 

[Matt67ss]

Brandon did a great job mounting the rear glass, everything lined up clean. Working door handles were a must. Rear bumper design is definitely not traditional but I dig it. Brandon did some changes to the rear frame rails for shock mounts and bumper set up.