The front pads on my explorer are getting pretty worn. Not quite at the wear indicator but im getting ready to buy some new ones. What brand do you all recommend?

whatever's the cheapest, they all burn about the same give or take about a thousand miles, as for type, when i can find them i go for organic - for two reasons:
1)when they get soaked (not just wet) they maintain better stopping ability
2)as long as you monitor your brake pads you should never need to turn rotors again - cause they won't score them unless you let them get away from you & they don't typically generate enough consistant heat to warp-em

Mine are getting thin too, but I also got a warped rotor to replace and bearings when I get in there (dumb tech at Firestone didn't know how to properly adjust wheel bearings on a 2wd vehicle, waaay too loose for 60,000 miles) Depending on cost, I might throw a set of Ford pads on it, or some Brand X that I can find.