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I modified my 1999 Eddie Bauer Explorer with the goal of maintaining its
daily-driver functionality while also being capable of fourwheeling on all but
the most extreme of trails. The Explorer is a perfect starting platform, capable
and strong enough in its own right to tackle surprisingly tough trails in stock
condition. Even before most modifications were done and I was still basically
stock, I found that I consistently surprised and outperformed other fourwheelers
driving other brands of 4wds who were unaware of the capabilities of the
late-model IFS Explorer.
It is a joy to be able to take a luxury vehicle - complete with genuine
woodgrain dash, leather, total luxury option package, etc - on a 4wd run and
still be able to hang with the "BigDawgs" enjoying the challenge of all but the
toughest of trails. "Herc" is a good-looking daily driver, can be driven to the
trail instead of trailered, has all the comforts and A/C, doesn't break any
parts during the run, and dependably gets me home afterwards. As of December
2001, I have wheeled Herc hard for 75,000 miles and have yet to experience a
breakage that stranded me on the trail.
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Truck Haven, CA |
Hells Gate, UT |
Many of my modifications - such as armored running boards, Herculiner'd
rocker panels, grill and light guards, etc - are to help maintain the body parts
and sheetmetal and keep Herc in presentable form. After all, it is still a
fairly new luxury edition SUV, as at home fulfilling its duty as a daily driver
as it is capable on the trail. Boiled down to the basics, the only mods on Herc
that directly contribute to its trailworthiness are a rear locker and big tires
(along with enough lift and fenderwell trimming to clear the oversize tires).
That's it, really. It is still 99% original stock Ford Explorer in its current
parts configuration.
| Engine: |
4.0L SOHC V-6
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| Transmission: |
5 Speed Automatic |
| Tires: |
295/75r16 B.F.Goodrich A/T KO's |
| Front Suspension: |
Torsion bar twist for lift using heavy duty "B" rated torsion bars.
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| Rear Suspension: |
Add-a-leafs in addition to extended Warrior shackles and Old Man
Emu shocks. |
| Differentials / Gearing |
4.10 gears. Powertrax NoSlip locker in the rear. |
| Electronics: |
Cobra WX ST 75 CB-in-mike w/weather channels, GPS - Garmin III+,
Hands-free cellphone center. |
| Misc. |
- 3" Performance Accessories body and bumper lifts, modified to fit my '99
- K&N filter w/drilled airbox
- Gibson catback exhaust
- WAAG grillguard/taillight guards
- Armored running boards
- Rocker panels and WAAGs protected by Herculiner
- SURCO safari rack
- PIAA 520 black fogs
- Antisway bars removed
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How effective is this nearly-stock setup? Effective enough to conquer trails
with a difficulty rating of 4+ on the Moab scale and 8 on the Colorado scale.
The following is a partial list of some of the more difficult trails that I have
run.
Gilmer, TX - The Airstrip. Clayton, OK - Purple Headed Monster. Colorado -
Black Bear Pass, Holy Cross, Wheeler Lake. Moab, UT - Golden Spike, Metal
Masher, Lion's Back, Hell's Revenge, Poison Spider Mesa, Moab Rim, Tellico -
Schoolbus.
Not too bad for a grocery-getter, huh? I feel confident that I will continue
to enjoy my late-model Explorer for many more adventures on the trails.
Here is a quick and easy rear tow point.
No excuse not to have a tow point now!
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Channel steel is used to
protect the rear bumper
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Flat plate steel is used to
reinforce and protect the steps.
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For further information check out Gerald's
Explorer Registry Page
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