Why no column shift on UK Explorers - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

booke23 · 12-03-2006, 04:26 PM

Hi all,

I was wondering why on the UK version of the explorer, there is no column shift option. I spent a very pleasant 2 weeks driving around Canada in an explorer with a column shift, and we really don't know what we are missing....

....the column shift frees up so much space betwen the front seats....theres even a place to put your drinks, and crisps in the centre!! Having a foot operated parking brake was the final touch in decluttering the armrest area.

Is there some UK/EU rule that prohibits the column shift?

*briwayjones* · 12-03-2006, 08:31 PM

Hehe, there are a few threads on here where people with N. American Explorers were asking why they don't have the center floor shift and parking brake and want their Explorers to be like that.

*Anime* · 12-03-2006, 09:59 PM

For automatic transmissions, floor shifters are a European/Japanese standard, and column shifters have been on American vehicles for a long time. I'm pretty sure it was done to appeal to whats most common in the local market. Same goes for the hand operated parking brake.

12-03-2006, 04:26 PM	#1
booke23 Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2 Vehicle Specs	Why no column shift on UK Explorers Hi all, I was wondering why on the UK version of the explorer, there is no column shift option. I spent a very pleasant 2 weeks driving around Canada in an explorer with a column shift, and we really don't know what we are missing.... ....the column shift frees up so much space betwen the front seats....theres even a place to put your drinks, and crisps in the centre!! Having a foot operated parking brake was the final touch in decluttering the armrest area. Is there some UK/EU rule that prohibits the column shift?

12-03-2006, 08:31 PM	#2
briwayjones Elite Explorer Sykesville, MD '00 XLS, '03 Sport Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 3,639 Vehicle Specs	Hehe, there are a few threads on here where people with N. American Explorers were asking why they don't have the center floor shift and parking brake and want their Explorers to be like that. __________________ Full of ideas, short on execution. 2000 XLS, 4DR, 4x4, OHV, Manual Mobil 1 & Amsoil Synthetic Fluids, 2WD switch Brown wire mod, KKM air intake, overhead console, lighted sunvisors, custom 2nd HU install, '03 Ranger Fog lights, Hurst short-shifter, 75MM MAF, BBK 66MM Throttle Body My 2000 Explorer

12-03-2006, 09:59 PM	#3
Anime GREEN SCREAM!! Hattiesburg, MS '93 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,994 Vehicle Specs	For automatic transmissions, floor shifters are a European/Japanese standard, and column shifters have been on American vehicles for a long time. I'm pretty sure it was done to appeal to whats most common in the local market. Same goes for the hand operated parking brake. __________________ "I think man has always gone where he has been able to go, and I think that when man stops going where he can go, he will have lost a lot. Man has always been an explorer. To me, there's a fascination in thrusting out and going to new places. It's like going through a door because you find the door in front of you." - Michael Collins