Question about 2004 Explorer

knightmoves1 · 06-12-2003, 02:14 PM

I'm considering buying a 03 EX, or waiting until the 04 comes out in September. Since the Ex shares the same frame as the F-150, and the F-150 is newly redesigned throughout for 04, I'm wondering if some of these changes will be included in the Ex for 04 ? Does anyone have this info, or have a link to a site that talks about features that the EX shares with the F-150 that are likely to be included in the new model ?

One dealer offered me $ 200 under dealer invoice for an Eddie Bauer model. Tempting.

Alec · 06-12-2003, 02:16 PM

I didn't know the new 4doors shared a frame with the F150.

To others, is this true?

**Heath** · 06-12-2003, 02:28 PM

I've never heard that at all... The Expedition shares the frame witht the F-150 and the Explorer and the Ranger share frames and Excursion and Superduty share frames... If this is true I'll be amazed...

Alec · 06-12-2003, 02:38 PM

That's what I thought, though I don't know if the new X's share frames with the Ranger anymore.

**Heath** · 06-12-2003, 02:38 PM

Thats a good point now that its gone to IRS...

98EBV8 · 06-12-2003, 03:25 PM

2004's will have a drive-by wire system like many luxury brands today.

http://www.fordtruckworld.com/news/drivebywire.asp

Tom G · 06-12-2003, 06:45 PM

Also- Considering the rebates lately, $200 under invoice is no bargain if you don't get the cash back in addition.

Majisto · 06-13-2003, 02:04 PM

What?! Of course the Explorer still uses the same frame as the Ranger. They just cut holes in the frame for the IRS to go through. Hence the name "Porthole-in-Frame design". Go look at a new 4-door X and you will find the holes in the frame where the control arms go through. It's quite a cool system IMO, and it still uses the same solid Tower Automotive frame

The F-150/Expedition uses a completely seperate frame that is much larger and heavier. The Explorer/Ranger are still the same. The SportTrac and Sport models still use the SRA.

06-12-2003, 02:14 PM	#1
knightmoves1 Wannabe Elite Explorer Highlands, NJ 97 Sport, V6 SOHC Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 16 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Question about 2004 Explorer I'm considering buying a 03 EX, or waiting until the 04 comes out in September. Since the Ex shares the same frame as the F-150, and the F-150 is newly redesigned throughout for 04, I'm wondering if some of these changes will be included in the Ex for 04 ? Does anyone have this info, or have a link to a site that talks about features that the EX shares with the F-150 that are likely to be included in the new model ? One dealer offered me $ 200 under dealer invoice for an Eddie Bauer model. Tempting.

06-12-2003, 02:16 PM	#2
Alec Elite Moderator Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,061 Vehicle Specs	I didn't know the new 4doors shared a frame with the F150. To others, is this true? __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

06-12-2003, 02:28 PM	#3
Heath Elite Moderator Intoxicator Rigby, ID '01 XLT Slightly Modded Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 7,600 Vehicle Specs	I've never heard that at all... The Expedition shares the frame witht the F-150 and the Explorer and the Ranger share frames and Excursion and Superduty share frames... If this is true I'll be amazed... __________________ Rigby, ID 2001 Explorer V8 XLT with a mod or two "Never fight an ugly guy, he has nothing to lose" Mugshot Updated 8/6/10 To support the site and upgrade to an elite membership, Click Me!

06-12-2003, 02:38 PM	#4
Alec Elite Moderator Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,061 Vehicle Specs	That's what I thought, though I don't know if the new X's share frames with the Ranger anymore. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

06-12-2003, 02:38 PM	#5
Heath Elite Moderator Intoxicator Rigby, ID '01 XLT Slightly Modded Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 7,600 Vehicle Specs	Thats a good point now that its gone to IRS... __________________ Rigby, ID 2001 Explorer V8 XLT with a mod or two "Never fight an ugly guy, he has nothing to lose" Mugshot Updated 8/6/10 To support the site and upgrade to an elite membership, Click Me!

06-12-2003, 03:25 PM	#6
98EBV8 Wannabe Elite Explorer Alaska 1998 Eddie Bauer V8 AWD Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 191 Vehicle Specs	2004's will have a drive-by wire system like many luxury brands today. http://www.fordtruckworld.com/news/drivebywire.asp

06-12-2003, 06:45 PM	#7
Tom G Wannabe Elite Explorer Lusby Md 99 XLT V8 Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 124 Vehicle Specs	Also- Considering the rebates lately, $200 under invoice is no bargain if you don't get the cash back in addition.

06-13-2003, 02:04 PM	#8
Majisto Wannabe Elite Explorer Austin, Texas 2000 XLT Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 880 Vehicle Specs	What?! Of course the Explorer still uses the same frame as the Ranger. They just cut holes in the frame for the IRS to go through. Hence the name "Porthole-in-Frame design". Go look at a new 4-door X and you will find the holes in the frame where the control arms go through. It's quite a cool system IMO, and it still uses the same solid Tower Automotive frame The F-150/Expedition uses a completely seperate frame that is much larger and heavier. The Explorer/Ranger are still the same. The SportTrac and Sport models still use the SRA. __________________ 2000 Explorer XLT V-6 SOHC -- Ol' Dependable. 180,800 miles 2002 Volvo S80 T6 -- 70,100 miles 2000 Contour SE -- 67,000 miles