"The Beast" - Explorer 5.0/ZF/NP203/NP205 is ALIVE!

[Tito]

Update, the Beast continues to live on...finally got some new goodies for it, make it a little more presentable. Got some new Raceline Monster RT 17s and 39x1450 Mad Dog Pitbull tires. I think they fit and look real good. Need to do a little trimming to prevent excessive siping and put some bump stops on as good measure. Thanks to Jerry Hoover for the gift cert for a free PB tire.

Will likely get a face lift soon as well including some new paint and a few other goodies stashed away.

 

[tasker]

looks pretty badass Mr. President!!!

 

[markperry]

Looks awesome!

 

[NY-Bronco]

Man!! I really want me some big booty Bronco!! Looking good there!!

 

[bigjhoov]

Looks good bro'.

 

[br0nc0xrapt0r]

Those look purdy! I am thinking long and hard about The rockers in 38.5x14.50R16.5 Any reason for choosing the mad dogs over the rockers or growlers?

 

[Tito]

First choice would have been the 39.5 Rockers but they are 1650 wide and I didnt want a super wide tire, I dont want to be any wider. Didnt want to go up to the 42 either as they are 20 pounds heavier and I am sure would wreak havoc on my drivetrain. I liked the MD tread pattern alright and seeing it in person I am happy with it. I think it will street a bit better than the rocker too due to its pattern and especially because of its width. Growler size selection is horrible. Would have liked to get a radial but they are a lot of money, not nearly $750 per BFG or Goodyear prices but still expensive.
These 39s really seem to fit well in the wells, will just need to clean up a few more edges and put some actual bump stops on to control them.

 

[SpareParts]

I haven't seen but one rig with the Mad Dogs on it around here. To me I think the Rockers walked all over them, at least in this area. I went with a 17" wheel and 5" BS, my Rockers do stick out a little bit. The Mad Dogs are going to be easier on the 1/2 ton stuff, especially with the doubler.

David

 

[br0nc0xrapt0r]

First choice would have been the 39.5 Rockers but they are 1650 wide and I didnt want a super wide tire, I dont want to be any wider. Didnt want to go up to the 42 either as they are 20 pounds heavier and I am sure would wreak havoc on my drivetrain. I liked the MD tread pattern alright and seeing it in person I am happy with it. I think it will street a bit better than the rocker too due to its pattern and especially because of its width. Growler size selection is horrible. Would have liked to get a radial but they are a lot of money, not nearly $750 per BFG or Goodyear prices but still expensive.
These 39s really seem to fit well in the wells, will just need to clean up a few more edges and put some actual bump stops on to control them.

Are those radials or bias? I was leaning toward the rockers since they were offered in a radial. The bias looks like it would he hell at high speed.

 

[Tito]

I just got Bias but they look more promising than most bias I have encountered. The radials cost about $100 more per.

 

[br0nc0xrapt0r]

I just got Bias but they look more promising than most bias I have encountered. The radials cost about $100 more per.

Please post updates on ride quality on and off road at all types of speed and how well they wear. I really like pitbulls and like their price.

 

[SpareParts]

I can comment on the 39.5 Rockers, Bias, tires. They do not do great like any other Bias ply tire wouldn't for the first 5 miles or so, after that they do smooth out. I put Air soft BB's in mine and it seems to help for balancing out. Not what I would call a tire for a nice comfy ride, but it will bite when it needs to in the rocks.

David

 

[Tito]

Got some color today...anxious to get the rest done and start bolting it back together.
Also picked up a corbeau rear seat and belts for my 5 and 7 year old.

 

[Tito]

Here are pics.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Now it's a school bus?
How many kids you got anyway?

 

[yak67]

color looks awesome, gonna get rid of the slime green cage thought right? ;D

 

[Tito]

Yup, cage will go orange with black Pads. Quarter guards and rockers will also be black.

 

[bax]

So hang a folding stop sign off the side and your good. Tito's cool bus.

 

[englewoodcowboy]

So hang a folding stop sign off the side and your good. Tito's cool bus.

Now thats funny! lol

 

[camomog]

Looks good.