1999 Ford Explorer 4x4 - Re-Frame, Re-Focus - Four Wheeler Magazine
I’m fine, but the Ranger’s not. Matt’s 2000 Ford Ranger 4x4 was coming along nicely, and we’d planned a photo session. Racing long-travel kit handled terra firma duty up front, while a Giant Motorsports long-travel spring-under leaf spring kit was the key to handling the bumps out back. A custom bed cage, custom front bumper, and fiberglass fenders and bedsides were among the other parts that made it both a dirt-worthy ride and a competent daily driver. The Ranger had taken planning, patience, and paychecks. At first, he just wanted to walk away from repeating any sort of off-road truck project, especially one that he’d regularly drive on the street. Who knows what sort of crazy driver might smash into the next project vehicle. The infection was terminal, and there was only one solution: Salvage the good parts off the Ranger and start a new build. By that time, he’d decided an SUV made more sense for him than a pickup truck. As a husband and a father of four, Matt could see an SUV would provide a better way to share off-roading with the rest of his family. On top of that, an SUV offers a vast amount of weather-protected, lockable storage space, perfect for multi-day off-road camping trips. It turns out ’95-to-’01 Ford Explorers share their front suspension with ’98-and-newer Ranger Edge and 4x4 models. As such, the Dixon long-travel system could be transferred to an Explorer. Source: www.fourwheeler.com
