The $200 98 Expy

[Jason Tyrrell]

I found this Expy about two years ago it was in rough shape but I seen potential in it. So for the next few years I gathered parts and saved a lot of money it's a work in progress but it's pretty close to being done well they're never done.

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

Here is the day I brought it home

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

First thing was cut out rusted out rockers. I cut out all the rust and welded in a 3" x 1/8" strip

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

Next was the front end.Brand new CV joint new upper and lower contro arms new unit bearing new sway bar bushings and some paint new shocks

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

Next was front lift. Went with 2" lift keys but that put my CV joints at odd angle so I dropped the fron diff 2" this is the rear crossmember I built

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

The rear got 2" lift block for the coils new shocks new links arms new Sway bar bushings

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

I then moved to the front I got a new grill new headlights corner markers and paint the bumper I also added a hidden receiver

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

Wheel and tires were next
I went with 16 5x5.5 wheels w/4" BS I used these cause I them I lying around tire are Dick Cepek Extreme country 285 75 16 and running wheel adapters

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

My gosh I forgot most Important part of the build it was actually the first thing to be done I had the Ford dealership install a new 5.4 in it

 

[ExplorerTom]

I like it.

The front diff cross member is a great solution to problem everyone runs into when cranking the torsion bars.

 

[JumpUpOnIt]

This is why I joined this forum. Got any pics of the whole truck now? Where did you buy it?

 

[Texpedition45]

View attachment 19279 Next was front lift. Went with 2" lift keys but that put my CV joints at odd angle so I dropped the fron diff 2" this is the rear crossmember I built

Do you have any specs on it? Or plan to sell it? Ive seen the same concept with the 100 series land cruisers and always thought our first gens would benefit from something similar in lieu of torsion twist and harsher angles.

 

[Snag]

Very good job Jason. I love it when people take rigs off death row and get them functioning and running again. And your rig will be as good as new. It should give you years of enjoyment.
NICE

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

This what my Expy looks as of now

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

This weekend I am installing a set of rock sliders I purchased they are universal fit. I went this route because I didn't have access to a pipe bender and I like the design of them . I normally like to fabricate all my own parts. I still need to get a sheet of steel so I can cut skid plates out.

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

Texpedition45
As far as dropping the front diff I made tabs for the front and side mounts making the mounting hole 2" lover than stock and for the rear mount I just made a new cross member that hung down 2" lower. Now my cv joint almost sit level

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

Well I got my rock slider mounted. They are made by Trail Gear

 

[ExplorerTom]

Are they bolt on?

 

[Jason Tyrrell]

No they are welded to ther frame