Making a custom Ford Explorer Sport Trac fully modified for 38 inch tires is my current project. In these pages you can follow along and see all the details as they are thought out and put into action.
A stock Ford Explorer Sport Trac is pretty good on the highway in USA, but can it be customized in a way to get it into the rough Icelandic snow and ice driving?
The plan is to make this into a true off road custom Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Starting with the insertion of a Dana 44 whole front axle with disk brake kit in front, but use the Ford 8.8 rear axle in the rear. Both axles to be fitted with air-lockers and 4.88 gear ratios. Four link suspension in the rear and old Bronco suspension in front - except for the airbags that are to be used both front and rear.
Non-Custom Ford Explorer Sport Trac On Road in USA
Like I had planned I took a trip to fetch the Sport Track I bought. I flew in from Iceland through Minneapolis and then to Denver Colorado. 
Preparing The Front Driveline
Preparing and building the front driveline on the custom Sport Trac is going to be the most work.
Beginning with the removal of the front suspension units. 
38 inch tires tried out for the custom Ford Explorer Sport Tract
Putting the large tires in place helps in figuring out how the planned modifications will be implemented. 
Fitting Air-Bags Front
Fitting air-bags shouldn't be more complicated than fitting coil springs...
...but there are a few not so minor details to take care of. 
Removing the Ford 8.8 Rear Axle
Removing the rear axle is necessary because the suspension will be a four-link system with the air-bags...
...also - the gear ratios have to be changed and the air-locker put into place.
Rear Four Link Setup
Rear four-link suspension setup is well on its way. 
Turning Trac
Now that the major buildup has been taken care of...
...some work still has to be done.
Testing the Suspension and Steering
You might as well ask: "Is it going to work?" and even "How good will this prove to be?"...
...These are of course the main questions.
Fender Flares Added
Final touches to make the Custom Sport Trac ready for the streets...
...made out of fiber glass fender flares for a Nissan Pickup.
4x4 Off Roads
Finally it is ready to take on some serious off roading challanges!
See the Ford Explorer Sport Trac in full use here - wallpaper sized pictures of the action.
Thrandur Arnthorsson
Thrandur is the chief-editor and owner of 4x4 Off Roads and an 4x4 off road enthusiast. Living in Iceland he loves to share the coolest 4x4 trucks and supporting more offroad freedom.
If you want to get YOUR 4x4 featured on 4x4OffRoads you can post your story here.
