02' and newer X's

[new03XLSowner]

Hey, does eveyone on this forum hate 02' and newer X's? I haven't run across too much on this site in regards to 02' and newer models. Sorry guys, I'm a first-time X owner. I'm just trying to find out as much as I can about X's. C-Ya.

 

[udmsvt]

newer=lessexperience=less info

i happen to LOVE 3rd gens but dont know squat about them.. most peeps on the site have 1st gen (91-94) or 2nd gen (95-2001), hence more info, but in time you will see moreas time passes. (ie they just released euro tails for my 93 in dec 2002!)

there was just talk about a 2.5" suspension lift for yoru 3rd gen (if you were 4wd) a few days ago on here!

welcome to teh site

 

[Texplorer]

I think the 02' and newer X's are a great start for a street truck. I have seen quite a few of them fixed up for street and the stance is mean looking.

 

[udmsvt]

Originally posted by Texplorer
I think the 02' and newer X's are a great start for a street truck. I have seen quite a few of them fixed up for street and the stance is mean looking.

yeah they look killer on DUBS!

 

[X~FACTOR]

It isn't as popular here because of what udmsvt said plus people don't like it because it cost a lot of $$$ to lift it. I, on the otherhand, would trade mine in a heartbeat if I could afford it. Maybe 3-4 years from now when the price on the '02 comes down.

 

[Black Magic]

new03XLSowner, Welcome to the site! There is information on the O2+'s here. Just not nearly as much as the 2nd gen's.

Let me try and help you by asking a few questions...

What are you tastes in vehicles?

What would you like to do with your O3 Street, 0ff-Road, Rally Style, or other?

Are you wanting to mess with the Engine yet?

I will let you respond and we can build from there.

Again, Welcome!

 

[new03XLSowner]

Thanks for the replies guys!!!

Black Magic,

As for my taste in vehicles, I like just about anything with 4 wheels and a motor. My favs are trucks though. I also have an 84 K-20 HD with a 5" susp lift and 35's, and a 350. It's my toy. I have huge plans for it-bigger lift, re-gear, stroker motor, headers, etc. It may have to wait a bit longer though. My new X payments are killing me man($500 a month, ouch). New vehicles are great until you have to make payments on them-he, he.

As for my 03', I'll probably keep it street. My wife has to drive it too, so I can't lift it. Yeah, I'd like to mess with the engine and exhaust. Are there a lot of hi-perf parts for the 4.0?

BM, sorry so long-winded.

 

[Nicaraguense]

My parents own one

I hate it. Personally I can't justify giving the honor of the title SUV to anything 2WD like theirs is. It is nice, roomy, comfortable. Makes a horrible gear noise in the rear end (right up next to that cargo area (Independent rear Suspention) so that just amplifies the noise 2002 model only like 64k. But, even the "4WD" versions are wide, heavy low riders (the newer ones are heaver giving a HUGE disadvantage to off road). In my opinion they are nice cars but just that nice CARS even the 4WD and AWD does NOT deserve the title SUV anymore. On even a 2WD the bottom of the body should be above (or at least on line with) the center cap of the rim. NOT at the bottom of it and for sure not below it. Nice if you lower it to that point but It should start off above it. It does NOT. ¿Can you even put 31's on it without a 4" suspention lift and 3 inch body lift? Maybe, but you will have to cut your fenders at that (not trim CUT). Same size engines except V8 is even smaller DISPITE heaver vehicle. They just aren't trucks anymore. Sure, someone could put a 3" or 4" suspention lift on one (not including tires) and it would be a truck. But the problem is, that is were it is supposed to start from. You have to make the vehicle 3" or 4" taller than what it is from the factory so that from THAT starting point one can do a 2"TT and or 4" suspention lift to make an off road machine.
I am sorry but I am thoroughly UN-impressed. Ford finally surrendered (for some unknown reason they had the best selling SUV 11years running before they made the thing) they surrendered and started producing Chevrolets. That is to say ABSOLUTE ^&* (_()*& when they made the Gen 3 "Explorer" Fix the give me one that is 3" to 4" higher than where it is now, FROM THE FACTORY so I can still do 2"TT and Shackles and or 4" Suspention lift from there and I will shut up. Until they fix that HUGE error. I'll neve buy one.

 

[Nicaraguense]

Although,

I must admit, I am very tempted (If I ever have serious amounts of $$$) taking the axle out of one, maybe using shorter axle shafts (like front axle shafts from GEN 2) riging up a combination of salvage parts, and Gen 3 rear suspention and giving my Gen 2 an independent rear suspention (that was in my opinion the ONLY suspention improvement they made but they still put the thing 1½" to 2" off the ground.) Anyways, I would love to see mine with an independent rear suspention and at the height it is (maybe another ½" taller at the rear to level it up).

 

[new03XLSowner]

Nicaraguense,

I'm sorry you hate it. We love it-to each his own I guess.
I have a family and have quite different needs than you do. We wanted something with more room and had ABSOLUTELY no desire to get into a freakin' mini-van or station wagon.

My X is no Chevrolet though. Trailblazers and Blazers are absolute GARBAGE. The X is still a truck though-rear wheel drive. It has a smooth ride but, when you hit certain bumps, it reminds you it's still a truck and NOT an ESCAPE! When the X goes fwd, then we'll talk. Thanks for the input. C-Ya

 

[smokie700]

new 03 you can check out fordexplorer.net there's a section for the 3 gen's

 

[new03XLSowner]

Thanks smokie!

 

[rocket 5979]

I personally love my 3rd gen X. But the reason you dont see much is because they are new and most people dont like paying the $35,000 car note.

 

[F14CRAZY]

I'd say that mostly, the 3rd gen Ex is the way it is because Ford had to get rid of the roll over image because of FIRESTONE. I think that they are overall good machines (don't own one, haven't driven one) because the 4.6 is a pretty good engine. My dad has them in his E250s. But I agree with many that the sealed transmission, AWD, 4WIS, and lower stance aren't good. And they cost too much. What does a '03 or '04 Limited or Eddie Bauer run?

Deep down inside, is it still a truck? A few times a week, I kick my '93 into low range (Touch Drive still works!) and pull start my dad's old F250 diesel. I also pull around my dad's dead antique tractors around, and anything else that happens to be stuck.

I like my 1st gen because I can replace my own electrical components, change my oils, paint my own STEEL bumpers...

and I know that it can last at least another 10 years...

 

[rydinhigh]

I love the new explorers and hopefully will have one by the next summer

 

[Stephen]

Well, the 3rd gen Explorer is what it is because thats what the buyers want. SUVs are going to get more and more carlike guys, gotta get used to it. Thats where the money is...

Congrats on your new truck and welcome to the site!

 

[new03XLSowner]

Thanks Stephen! I know most of you prefer 1& 2 gen X's but, I love mine too. I wanted an Expedition but my wife said no-"too big." At least I'm not cruisin' around in a freakin' Caravan or something-he, he.

Hey, are there a lot of hi-perf parts for the 4.0?

Thanks for the replies fellas,
Tony

 

[wired_af]

Re: My parents own one

Originally posted by Nicaraguense
Same size engines except V8 is even smaller DISPITE heaver vehicle.

First, the 4.6 DOHC produces a lot more horsepower and torque then the OHV 5.0. Second, the 4.6 is physcally a lot bigger then the 5.0.

 

[Nicaraguense]

You are right

I stand corrected on the whole V8 thing. Lord knows I only know about that whole over head cam thing. Jeez I should it only added about 45-50 hp to my engine (it origionally came with the 4.0 SOHC buy my first Ex the Fisrt Gen Ex was way before that and I can really tell the difference). I do apollogize. There are some members here who own a third Gen Ex. Personally I am thoroughly un-impressed but if that is what you want unto each his own. However, I am dissapointed in Ford int that if that is NOT what you want and if you DISAGREE with calling a low-rider (in my opinion of course) a 4x4. You really have no choice. I don't see any option for us left out of the new gens of everything.
God, Firestone has just ruined Ford Fourwheeling by causing Ford to just avoid that image all together.

 

[rocket 5979]

Re: Re: My parents own one

Originally posted by wired_af
First, the 4.6 DOHC produces a lot more horsepower and torque then the OHV 5.0. Second, the 4.6 is physcally a lot bigger then the 5.0.

Just FYI it is the 4.6 SOHC not the 4.6 DOHC that is in the new gen explorers. And the 5.0 OHV has more low end torque stock for stock than the 4.6 SOHC does. But the 4.6 loooooves to rev!!! Just filling you all in on a little info maybe some didnt know.