My 2000 5.4l Eddie Bauer 4x4

[reece146]

Neat idea for the floor, Tom. I agree about the third bench. Luckily I'm in the same boat - removed it and will likely never use it again.

Did you have rust stains on the glass to deal with when you cleaned up the window bolts? Was looking around various things to remove the stains but figured I'd keep it simple and start with CLR since there's a couple jugs around the house already.

 

[ExplorerTom]

The bolts don't "stain" the window but they do create streaks from the water running off them. I hoping the fresh paint might limit that.

 

[bmrisko]

Tom, great thread which has made me feel compelled to register. Anyways, I recently acquired the '98 Eddie Bauer edition with 140k that has been in my family since my parents purchased it new. My parents still had the cost comparison notes I made for my them between the XLT and EB when they were determining which to buy. Pretty nostalgic...

Anyways, now that it is in my possession, I have been inspired to tackle a few little things here and there. It is just a weekend ride/Home Depot hauler, but I still want to make sure it is looking sharp and running good.

With that being said, what kind of paint are you using on all the exterior pieces (window bolts, handle, etc)? Mine are all faded, so that is something I definitely want to tackle.

I also received all of this today and plan on updating the aging and malfunctioning stereo system. I'm amazed what all you can get now for under $500 and the 5-channel amp will even fit under a folded rear seat, which was a must. I should probably just start my own thread as you have done...anyways I look forward to following more of your progress!

 

[ExplorerTom]

Thank you.

A stereo upgrade: something I really need.

As far as paint, I've been using Dupicolor black "trim and bumper" paint. The hitch got bedliner (probably Rustoleum). All I do to prep it is wipe it down with a paper towel soaked in brake cleaner.

 

[ExplorerTom]

We got a decent amount of snow here today. First time I've actually driven this thing on snowy/slushy roads. My AWD fuse #104 has been pulled since spring due to it kicking in excessively.

I tried to reconnect it this morning. I said "tried" because apparently I didn't count my open fuse positions very well and instead installed the "trailer brake controller" fuse. Obviously that didn't do anything for the 4wd system. I figured something else was up (seized shift motor, wiring issue or something else) and drove in 2wd. Once at work I rechecked the fuses and that's when I realized I installed the 30A fuse in the wrong location. With the fuse in #104, the 4wd system works as it should.

But I need to do the Brown Wire Mod. For a switch, I'm thinking:

While I know there's no "front locker", it still gets the point across.

 

[reece146]

Where are you planing on putting the switch?

I've been contemplating the panel to the right of the steering column but was going to use much smaller switches and make up a label plate... or something - that's about as much thought I have into it at this point.

 

[ExplorerTom]

^same spot actually. I haven't looked in to whether or not there's enough space behind there to work or not.

For a full sized vehicle like this, there really isn't a lot of open real estate to put extra stuff.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Changed the gear oil in both axles today. Wasn't too big of a deal. Rear fluid looked nasty while the front still looked pretty clean.



The get the cross brace off I had to remove the left rear tire so I could remove the lower bumper stop so the bolt could come out all the way.

My diff experience is pretty limited, but this carrier looks like an open carrier while my door sticker is H9 which suggests 3.55 limited slip.

Also painted the cross brace, the diff cover and a few other things.


The cover with RTV ready to go back in:


Filled them up with some Red Line synthetic.

Also working on installing my Hella 500 Black Magic lights behind the grill.

 

[reece146]

It's hard to tell from the image, can't really make out if it is open or not.

Does there appear to be any sign of stacks of disks or springs inside the housing?

What is the stock diff for a UN93 supposed to be? Clutch pack?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Meant to post this one. Still not the best due to the angle.



I couldn't see anything between the spider gears that looked like a stack of clutch discs.