Did some work on the Explorer Today

[Black92LX]

Nothing major just wanted some tow hooks on it. I had been doing some reading that the tow hooks from the late 90's full size Trucks and SUVs would fit the Explorer and that they were cast and much stronger than those put on as an option on the Explorers. So I headed down to the junkyard and picked up a set. The guy was kind enough to give me them for free. He said they never have sold any so I could just have them.
I will defiantly be headed back there in the future.
So then it was off to Lowes for some new hardware I picked up some grade 8 bolts and washers to do the install. The hooks were pretty beat up so I picked up some paint as well.
The install was pretty easy I did have to undo the bumper so I could slide it far enough forward to put the bracket in the frame. No big deal just 4 bolts. Lined up the new hooks and bolted them in.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/Black92LX/04-23-08_1654.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/Black92LX/04-23-08_1656.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/Black92LX/04-23-08_1750.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/Black92LX/04-23-08_1748.jpg

I don't really plan on doing much more other than tinting the front windows getting some heavy duty shocks and struts. Not sure which yet since Bilstein doesn't make any for the newer Explorers. Then I am going to get some custom springs to give me about a 1.5" lift so I can run bigger tires.

[PaulFiveOh]

Looks like it came from the factory.
Nice work.

[Wrenchin]

What color paint is that? Looks nice!

[Black92LX]

The Tow Hooks are Rust-o-leum hammered metal

[Wrenchin]

7214830 - Gray?

[Black92LX]

pretty sure it's 7215830 - Black
I will check the can here shortly and let you know for sure.

[Black92LX]

Did some more work today!
Stopped by Cincy Speed Saturday and today got to put it on.
Looks very good.
Thanks Craig
Well worth it in my opinion.
Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/Black92LX/05-06-08_1235-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/Black92LX/05-06-08_1236-1.jpg
After:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/Black92LX/05-06-08_1351-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/Black92LX/05-06-08_1352-1.jpg

[bobtsgt]

Nice. Which cat back is that? Did you cut the cat too? I noticed on mine with the magnaflow its not much louder then stock but did help the MPG a lil.

[Black92LX]

It's just the tip.
Do you have the V6?
If I got the V8 (wish I would have) I would defiantly do the cat back. But with the V6 i don't see any benefit that is worth $400. Won't do much for mileage and makes the V6 sound awful at least all the sound clips I have found.

[bobtsgt]

no mine is a Limited V8. Yeah no V6 really sounds good. My buddy Brad had a V6 that sounded pretty damn nice. I forget his set up though. Check out this site if you get bored
http://forums.explorerx.com/index.php?

[NaomiDstangLvr]

What year is your Explorer?!? I'd like to do that with mine, have you had any problems with the back lift gate beneath the glass? I have a damn crack in mine!

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3097/photo0019gc9.jpg

I think that was a horrible design by Ford. I'm also having problems with my paint on the roof..

[Black92LX]

Thanks for the link bob. I have been reading a bunch on explorerforum. Lots of good stuff on there.

NaomiDstangLvr I have a 2003. That crack is a very common problem. The problem is the plastic is so thin behind the Ford Emblem that the constant slamming of the lift gate and being in a hot/cold climate makes it easy to crack.

TSB Number 04-8-5
Issued MAY '04
Body - Liftgate Glass Applique Cracked/Damaged
Subject/Concern: LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE

Cause: Some vehicles may exhibit a damaged/cracked plastic applique without glass damage. Replace the applique as necessary. It is no longer necessary to replace the entire liftgate glass assembly to correct this condition. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

Service Procedure

Concern Description:
Some 2002/03 built Explorer's either XLT or Limited may experience the rear Applique panel becoming damaged cracked without glass damage. Previously the entire liftgate was to be replaced but now only the applique needs servicing.
========================

The cheapest way is to use this product in white apply it to the crack then sand and paint.
http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/Repair_Kits_Materials-TRAVECO_MARINE_TEX_EPOXY_PUTTY.html

As for the Exhaust Tip it is Magaflow:
Magnaflow Part Number:
MF35111
3" Diameter
2.5" I.D. Inlet
18" Length

Got it from Cincy Speed.

It slides right over the existing pipe. Put it where you want it (i brought it out flush with the bumper) throw a bead of weld around it and you are golden. I also heated the exhaust pipe up a little so I could bring it up closer to the bumper.

[bobtsgt]

I got the same damn crack in mine. Its annoying every time I look at it. Here are the pics of the lights I have chosen.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc112/bobtsgt/IMG_0259.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc112/bobtsgt/IMG_0260.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc112/bobtsgt/IMG_0261.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc112/bobtsgt/IMG_0262.jpg

[Black92LX]

Headlights look great. Defiantly want a set of those.
Where did you get the headlights? How are they built any condensation or cracking in the plastic?
The tails aren't really my style though.

I think I am going to do the Brown Wire Mod.
I really hate messing with factory wiring but not having 2wd is stupid in my opinion.

[bobtsgt]

no condensation at all. I also put a lil clear silicone around where the lens meets the housing. I do this to most aftermarket lights just in case. Ebay has a variety of styles.

[NaomiDstangLvr]

Thanks for the link bob. I have been reading a bunch on explorerforum. Lots of good stuff on there.

NaomiDstangLvr I have a 2003. That crack is a very common problem. The problem is the plastic is so thin behind the Ford Emblem that the constant slamming of the lift gate and being in a hot/cold climate makes it easy to crack.

TSB Number 04-8-5
Issued MAY '04
Body - Liftgate Glass Applique Cracked/Damaged
Subject/Concern: LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE

Cause: Some vehicles may exhibit a damaged/cracked plastic applique without glass damage. Replace the applique as necessary. It is no longer necessary to replace the entire liftgate glass assembly to correct this condition. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

Service Procedure

Concern Description:
Some 2002/03 built Explorer's either XLT or Limited may experience the rear Applique panel becoming damaged cracked without glass damage. Previously the entire liftgate was to be replaced but now only the applique needs servicing.
========================

The cheapest way is to use this product in white apply it to the crack then sand and paint.
http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/Repair_Kits_Materials-TRAVECO_MARINE_TEX_EPOXY_PUTTY.html

As for the Exhaust Tip it is Magaflow:
Magnaflow Part Number:
MF35111
3" Diameter
2.5" I.D. Inlet
18" Length

Got it from Cincy Speed.

It slides right over the existing pipe. Put it where you want it (i brought it out flush with the bumper) throw a bead of weld around it and you are golden. I also heated the exhaust pipe up a little so I could bring it up closer to the bumper.

I know there was a recall, but is that what the recall was for? If I take it to Beechmont Ford, would they replace it? Or do I have to fix it myself?

And by the way, has there been any recalls on the paint? My roof is all messed up, cracking and starting to rust. I took it to Maaco, they quoted me over $500 just to do the roof!!! My husband said it was because I was a woman is why I got quoted so high, I was livid!!!!!

[NaomiDstangLvr]

I got the same damn crack in mine. Its annoying every time I look at it. Here are the pics of the lights I have chosen.



Your truck looks very nice Bob! But at least your crack isn't as bad as mine! :lol: I hate it!

[Black92LX]

I know there was a recall, but is that what the recall was for? If I take it to Beechmont Ford, would they replace it? Or do I have to fix it myself?

And by the way, has there been any recalls on the paint? My roof is all messed up, cracking and starting to rust. I took it to Maaco, they quoted me over $500 just to do the roof!!! My husband said it was because I was a woman is why I got quoted so high, I was livid!!!!!

It's not a recall. It's a TSB you will most likely have to pay to get it done.
But give them a call and see what they say.

Those with newer explorers might also want to get your PCM updated. Around here it's 90 bucks but from all the reading I have done it substantially improves the shifting of the tranny and also improves fuel economy. Especially with the FlexFuels (i have) many are now claiming 18 mpg with E85 after the PCM update.

[NaomiDstangLvr]

It's not a recall. It's a TSB you will most likely have to pay to get it done.
But give them a call and see what they say.

Those with newer explorers might also want to get your PCM updated. Around here it's 90 bucks but from all the reading I have done it substantially improves the shifting of the tranny and also improves fuel economy. Especially with the FlexFuels (i have) many are now claiming 18 mpg with E85 after the PCM update.

I know I've received a few letters about the recall, I know it was for the lift gate, but wasn't sure if it was for that reason. Whats a TSB?

Oh and I found it interesting, I've seen stickers on mine saying it was made in Canada! I got a carfax and found out it was made in Quebec and it was imported to the US and was a city car in a few states, it was a lease and never wrecked.

[NaomiDstangLvr]

Some pics of our '02 Explorer. Their older pics though..

http://img0.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/1814/181439033786ea3231c1b048fd447c1d46144eb.jpg (http://www.uploadhouse.com/viewfile.php?id=1814390&showlnk=0)

http://img0.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/1814/1814430725d35f54380d35844c4436472393416.jpg (http://www.uploadhouse.com/viewfile.php?id=1814430&showlnk=0)

[Black92LX]

TSB = Technical Service Bulletin.

Pretty much the common problems a company has figured out and they are specific instructions for their technicians to repair them.
If it's under warranty they will fix them of course. And some TSBs they will fix even after warranty. It's hit or miss and depends on the dealer.

[NaomiDstangLvr]

Yeah I just found out that the factory warranty on the paint expired last year, which sucks, I could have gotten a new paint job out of it, if I would have known! But I'm assuming that I'll have to fix the lift gate on my own. Is there a store where I can get the putty from?

[Black92LX]

i would give some boat shops a call

[NaomiDstangLvr]

Ok thanks!