1995 Ford Explorer

With audio systems coming back into style in a big way, every custom truck needs a boomin’ system. Trent Ulicny of Santa Barbara, California, caught on to the trend years ago and has been focused on creating something totally different. Trent picked up this ’95 Explorer three years ago and it has been “in progress” since. After a few calls, Trent discovered that almost no aftermarket products were available for the Explorer, so he took it as a challenge. To win shows and turn some heads Trent started modifying the Eddie Bauer edition for all-out competition.

The first goal was to get the SUV on the ground. After Trent went through three shops, Totally Polished completed the challenge with Airlift ½-inch dual-ported Bazooka bags. Getting air in and out is done with 12 Bad Boy solenoid-operated valves linked to 12 gallons of tank storage and four compressors. After proper grounding, Trent picked up a set of Alba 20-inch Bertha rims and wrapped them in BFG Comp T/A tires. When it was all said and done the SUV had 9 inches of travel that would lay the frame on the ground.

As the project picked up speed, Trent got involved in laying some flames. Flatline Graphics is Trent’s home business, so there’s no better way to lay down the template than with vinyl graphics. After a clean shave, the folks at Anderson Brothers Auto Body smoothed things out and laid down the Mercedes Benz Bahama Blue flanked by Honda Granada Black. By combining the symmetry of vinyl templates and the skill of Faststripe, the result is a perfect flip-flop design on both sides.

Interior comforts came fully equipped from the factory with leather and all. After some sketching of interior ideas, it was decided to keep the stock seats and interior. Kick panels were spruced up and enlarged to accommodate an array of speakers. A real highlight of Trent’s custom is the full rollcage by Monkey Bars. The cage was custom designed to house Auto Meter carbon-face gauges and secure the nitrous tank above the two rear seats. After a test fit, the entire assembly was powdercoated in vibrant blue. Professional Autosound and Security is to credit for the full-length custom console that houses all airbag switches and is matched to the rollcage. For the final touch, Ichiban billet aluminum accessories were mounted to add some glimmer.

Having a fast custom is just as important as looks and sound. The stock 4.0L V-6 was pumped up with a little help from Nitrous Express. The 100-horse shot of funny gas comes from a suspended tank between the rear seats. On the topside of the engine a BBK enlarged throttle body guarantees proper airflow through the K&N cold air system. Vitek 10mm spark wires ensure adequate firing of the cylinders under load. Other improvements include a full Magnaflow exhaust tied into BBK’s chrome headers. Shift point, fuel load, and timing curves were enhanced with a JET Performance computer chip. While most of us put these goodies in to make for a faster truck, Trent’s custom needs them just to keep up on account of the weight from the stereo components.

The beauty of this custom comes to light at the push of a button. As if the looks wouldn’t get attention, Trent worked with Professional Autosound and Security to make certain the sound system did. It started by fabricating the rear luggage area into a mobile speaker box and stuffing it full of sounds. After running the wiring to the rear, Pro Autosound slapped in an array of Audiobahn amps, speakers, and monitors. Six Audiobahn subwoofers are driven by an A2200HCX, followed by the sets of 6 ½-inch mids and 4-inch tweeters all driven by Audiobahn. Two 8-inch monitors are mounted in the cab and one 7-inch resides in the speaker box. Supplying juice to this much sound power is done by five Optima yellowtop batteries funneled through Audiobahn’s digital amp capacitors. With power above the 2,000-watt mark, you’ll probably wonder how loud this truck really thumps. Just check out the rear glass for an indication. It’s been replaced with smoked Plexiglas.