I like the look of the Explorer, but every one I've ever driven has (a) had an automatic and (b) had what I call the "Soccer Mom" suspension, i.e., soft and wallowy, which is great if you never get off pavement, but is a serious liability if you go on any rough roads.

OTOH, I figure that since there are about a million billion of them out on the road, there must be a pretty good aftermarket source of performance parts, right?

So I'm thinking that, based on price and availability of accessories and parts, a late-model (even new) Explorer Sport might be something worth getting.

Anyway, the two things I'm wondering:

1. How many late model Explorers are there with manual transmissions? Do most of the people on this board have automatics? Did any of you order your Explorers from the dealer with a manual tranny and if so, was that difficult?

2. Is there a suspension "kit" that can be put on the Explorer or Sport that will simply "firm up" the stock suspension so that it is suitable for mild off-roading without lifting it at all?

Hope you can help!

Martin

you can only get the manual transmission with the OHV V-6. they stopped using the OHV V-6 in 2001 (i think).
most 97+98 sports, and all 99+ sports have the SOHC V-6 with auto trans.

i'm sure there are plenty of people here that can answer your suspension questions better than i ever could.

My Gabriel VST shocks firmed up the ride quite a bit. Also, the shackle/torsion twist 2" lift made the truck ride much better. Add the 31" BFGs and the truck feels great! For the road, I also have Saleen swaybars. I disconnect them when offroad for more flex.

Originally posted by leenjen
you can only get the manual transmission with the OHV V-6. they stopped using the OHV V-6 in 2001 (i think).
most 97+98 sports, and all 99+ sports have the SOHC V-6 with auto trans.

i'm sure there are plenty of people here that can answer your suspension questions better than i ever could.

Beginning with the 2001 model year you can get the SOHC with a manual transmission. That was the reason it took so long for Ford to drop the OHV from the lineup. They had to wait until they had a manual for the SOHC.

Try www.explorerexpress.com if you want a performance suspension. "Soft and wallowy" can be good for wheeling.

Originally posted by zensius
Try www.explorerexpress.com if you want a performance suspension. "Soft and wallowy" can be good for wheeling.

What? :eek:

I guess if you only go 2 mph and don't mind bottoming out the suspension on every rock or rut.

Otherwise I can't think of any situation where a uniformly soft suspension would ever be better than a uniformly stiff suspension.

Martin

A firm ride will kill you on a rough road. Especially offroading. I guess wallowy is bad if it's because your suspension is worn out. But a good off highway suspension should be forgiving to allow the tires to move easily and not rattle the occupants to death. But this isn't only the shocks job. It's also the springs that need to be looked into. A spring's job is to rebound and it's the shock's job to dampen that rebound. A truck that's bottoming out needs it's shocks looked at more than it's springs. A proper combination will yield the best ride on or offroad.