03 XLT looking for further mods

[SlumdogExpo]

Hi I am new to this site and have found already useful information.
I am trying to get some more ideas on what to do to my Explorer and any suggestions would be appreciated.
I am looking to get an intake, probably going with the K&N intake.
I also am looking into getting my exhaust done but do not know exactly how I want it done, I am leaning towards performance.
I also am looking to lower my explorer maybe 2" in the front 2.5" rear but do not know of many springs available.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Here are a few pictures of my explorer:
22" 304 Boss rims wrapped in 265/35 Sunny 3980 tires

 

[MillerTimeX17]

looking good so far. personally i say go for the drop first. to change up the looks i would remove the roof rack and maybe shoot for some aviator side mirrors. power wise you are heading in the right direction. is it the 4.0 or 4.6? keep us updated on ur ride!

 

[bex]

Depends on how much money you got of course, but here are some ideas.

-Lower it first.
-Remove rook rack (unless you use it).
-Take off the running boards.
-New grill.
-Replace the rear lights with ones off a newer model, along with the mirrors.
-Exhaust, flow master series or something like that. 50 for loud, 70 for quiet. Route the exhaust to make the tips exit out at the rear pan.

 

[SlumdogExpo]

It is 4.0
I will probably do the roof racks this weekend.
Anyone have experience with some of the lowering springs?
Am looking to save money but am willing to pay a little more for a nicer lowering kit.
Any imperticular grills everyone likes?
Also I have never had my exhaust done before so what exactly do you mean by, "Route the exhaust to make the tips exit out at the rear pan. Will this be dual exhaust?
Will I see any gains in mph/mpg with an aftermarket exhaust?
Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

[zues]

Looking good so far. Great choice of subs. I was running the ICON's in my last setup. If you decide to get rid of the running boards let me know.

 

[Limited02]

Ground Force makes lowering springs and when you do lower it, you may want to buy a tire with a little more sidewall after the current ones wear out. 22's and a drop equal a stiffer ride

Easy to say what I would do first but my question for you is what are you more into, looks or performance? If looks, then remove the roof rack, sidesteps, bug shield, add billet upper/lower grill and then lower it. If performance, then start with the basic performance mod(CAI, exhaust, tune) followed by the roofrack, sidesteps and bug shield(do these first anyway) and last thing is lower it.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide

 

[SlumdogExpo]

Thanks everyone for the input.
As for a tuner any suggestions?
I have seen tuners go for like 300 dollars and I dont have that kind of money

 

[Limited02]

Hensonperformance.com has an SCT3 tuner for $400 plus 3 tunes of your choice(what I have) But since you don't want to spend that kind of money, search around on mustang forums for a used SCT2 or 3 that's unlocked and for sale. Then you can order tune for $40 bucks a piece from Henson. If you buy one locked, you have to pay to have it unlocked and then get the tunes.

I will keep my eye out for any used tuners and send you a link if I find one.

 

[bex]

Any imperticular grills everyone likes?
Also I have never had my exhaust done before so what exactly do you mean by, "Route the exhaust to make the tips exit out at the rear pan. Will this be dual exhaust?
Will I see any gains in mph/mpg with an aftermarket exhaust?
Thanks for all the help everyone!

Routing I mean make the exit come through the back bumper instead of under it. I wish I had a pic somewhere to describe, I might be able to run across one or someone can better describe than me. Maybe think exotic car or something.

HP gains? Probably. MPG gains? I say no, but some will debate that, I am not an authority on it, I just like the sound.

I like the tube grills, if your car was black then body color looks good, other than that stick with the shiny stuff. You might be able to make body color work, but I feel you would have to do more to the car.

Look into what you can do with the grey trim also. If you like it fine, but I feel there could be something done with it to make your car look better.

 

[Limited02]

If you want to see what exhaust through the bumper looks like, then seach AWDrocks. I do believe that Macknos94 plans to run his that way as well.

Edit-Well I searched awdrocks posts and the link for his pictures were not working properly. Only can see the front. Maybe PM him for some pictures.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome and nice x u got there

 

[macknos94]

yeah i have duals that exit through the rear bumper right behind the rear wheels. cost 600 with the body work and the new exhaust being ran. then i think i payed 180 for the saleen f150 tips. just no pics yet... i hate being thousands of miles away from home

 

[Limited02]

Are the tips flush or are the sticking out?

 

[SlumdogExpo]

i just took off the hood shield and found a few spots in the paint that seemed bubbled or oxidized, anyone have any ideas how to take care of them?
Also my Ex sat on the side for a little over a year and the temperature on the dash always says it is 140 degrees out no matter the weather, any solutions to fix this?
thanks

 

[macknos94]

there are mounted so they stick out about a 1/4 an inch but its pretty much flush mounted. these are the tips but i got mine through saleen. i don't know how well the ones on ebay will hold up but mine also came with the mounting kit for them. it doesn't look like there is any mounting hardware with these



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sale...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2ea92cedea

 

[Limited02]

Glad to hear they are no more than a 1/4" because I hate how some people have them sticking out like they are a step bar.

 

[macknos94]

you have to make them stick out atleast 1/4 of an inch or the heat melts the plastic bumper. now that the tips are out a bit they will flow the exhaust away from the body