2000 Ford Explorer V8 - Join the Alliance

At the other end of the brainstorming, measuring, and fabricating, a cantilever shock mounting system was created. The subframe-mounted cantilever system has proper clearance; the shocks and cantilevers are free to move without contacting the axle, body, or springs. The cantilevers also feature proper geometry that allows the shock valving to work as it was intended to. Final benefits to this design are ample ground clearance and a big-time stealth factor. Very cool.

Peer past the King dampers and the Blitzkrieg metalwork and you'll find a pair of Torque Monster headers bolted to the 5.0. These smog-legal pipes awaken the Ford small-block to the tune of 20 additional ponies and up to 40 lb-ft of added torque. The V8 is a good match for the chassis; it had no problem moving the Explorer through the deep whoops of Ocotillo Wells at high velocity.

Free-flowing headers don't help much if there's restrictive plumbing downstream. A Gibson muffler flows freely, is durable, and sounds great.

When the sun sets on a moonless desert night, you won't go anywhere fast without good lighting. This trio of Hellas wasn't needed for our brightly lit, daytime photo shoot, but they pierce the darkness effectively when the moon rises. A Blitzkrieg skidplate/bumper combo gives the Hellas a home and leads the way into the rough.

R.I.P.
More fortune and misfortune came together again on a rainy night in freeway traffic. Unfortunately, the Explorer was totaled in what was a spectacular rollover, although the suspension parts took the tumble quite well.

Fortunately, Travis came through the accident with only cuts, scrapes, and rattled nerves. As much as we dig our trucks, in the end they can be replaced. A human life can't. In case you're wondering, the next DA flagship is now under construction. We heard something about a Chevy Tahoe...