2002 Ford Explorer Modifications

[dexplore]

Hello all:

I am new to this board, and am very happy to find it. I own a 1994 Ford Explorer XLT, but plan to replace it with the latest 2002-2003 model. It seems every report I've read about the new Explorer model holds it in high regard. I do, however, have one question before purchasing the new Explorer: are there many modifications for it?

I've seen on this board and through Explorer Express, modifications for 91-99 Explorers, but as of yet have found nothing for 2002-2003 Explorers; please forgive my ignorance and newness, but any help would be appreciated.

Nonetheless, I am interested in anything motor and suspension related. Simply put, I'd like to see what the new Explorer's aftermarket potentials are.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Crankcase]

Sorry to dissapoint you in the mod department, but suspension wise, the springs go through the frame, so there is no lift kits or any thing like that availavble right now....There is a Canadian firm that is close to finishing up on a lift kit for it, but it wont be more than 3"max.

The engine is still a fairly new style compared to the push rod style rthat is in your 94, so the mod companies haven't made much in the way of performance parts as yet.

The 94 you have is actually the most upgradeable in terms of suspension, and the motor mods are aplenty for the 4.0 OHV,second only to the 5.0 V8 available in 96-2001...

 

[Crankcase]

Oh yeah, Welcome to the site I fyou have any other questions, either feel free to ask, or use the cool search feature......

 

[dexplore]

Thanks Crankcase

I appreciate your help. My '94 has been a stalwart to say the least, though I did break the tranny two years ago.

Still in all, what's strange to me is the popularity of Explorers vs. modifications. If you're familiar with Kenne Belle (sp?), they already have a twin-screw supercharger out for the Ford Escape, plus all sorts of suspension mods. And the Escape is only a year older than the new Explorer (I think).

What about exhaust modifications, or computer chips for the engine management? Anything like that?

As for suspension, swaying is more my concern than lifting, since I really don't forsee off-roading that much, unless our L.A. winters provide a good mudslide.

BTW: Vancouver is absolutely one of the most gorgeous cities I've ever been in!

 

[Crankcase]

Any vehicle can be outfitted with a custom exaust, so that shouldn't be a problem. As for chips, I know Apten makes ones for second generation Explorers(1995-2001), but I am not sure about the 2002 models onwards......

 

[XxX_Sport_XxX]

Why don't you replace your 94 with a 99 ? Many more options and cheaper.

 

[Alec]

Motor-wise, the 2002 4.0 V6 is the same SOHC v6 in most 97+ Explorers, and does not have that much stuff available for it. However, the 4.6 V8 is found in many other Ford vehicles and many parts are becoming available, including supercharger kits.

As for the suspension, there are a few coilover kits coming out to give 2-4", not many specifics on these kits available yet.

If you just want to do mild performance mods and don't want to go too big in the tire department, either the V6 or V8 2002+ would be ok. I've heard of people fitting 32x10.5 tires on them stock. It's a very comfortable and useful vehicle, just geared more towards onroad than off.

 

[Explorer46L]

There are plenty of mods for the new Explorers if you know where to look. I have a 2002 XLT 4.6L so I have been looking myself. As for the sound system that is easy to replace every portion. Grille guards and taillight guards and bumper guards are made for it. Lund makes a wing for it. As for exhaust Borla and Gibson and the rest make custom catbacks for it. The suspension is a trikcy part and no one makes sway bars for it. Eibach does make springs for the 2WD, but with the new IRS the suspension is a tricky part. Plenty of wheels as fit the new Explorers, if you do your homework and research what will really fit it. As for the engine, that is the best part. There is already plenty of things available for the 4.0 since it is basically unchanged. As for the V8, take your pic. Kenne Bell does make a supercharger for it. JBA makes headers for it. K&N is soon to come out with their FIPK for it. Granatelli makes a MAF for it. Superchips and Jet and the rest already make custom chips for it. It is a much better engine than the old 302, and there is plenty that can be done to the 281. PM me if you have any questions on where to get anything for the X, I have been researching it for a while so I have a good idea on where to get some great stuff for it. Hope that helps.

 

[SaleenEXP]

Originally posted by Explorer46L
There are plenty of mods for the new Explorers if you know where to look. I have a 2002 XLT 4.6L so I have been looking myself. As for the sound system that is easy to replace every portion. Grille guards and taillight guards and bumper guards are made for it. Lund makes a wing for it. As for exhaust Borla and Gibson and the rest make custom catbacks for it. The suspension is a trikcy part and no one makes sway bars for it. Eibach does make springs for the 2WD, but with the new IRS the suspension is a tricky part. Plenty of wheels as fit the new Explorers, if you do your homework and research what will really fit it. As for the engine, that is the best part. There is already plenty of things available for the 4.0 since it is basically unchanged. As for the V8, take your pic. Kenne Bell does make a supercharger for it. JBA makes headers for it. K&N is soon to come out with their FIPK for it. Granatelli makes a MAF for it. Superchips and Jet and the rest already make custom chips for it. It is a much better engine than the old 302, and there is plenty that can be done to the 281. PM me if you have any questions on where to get anything for the X, I have been researching it for a while so I have a good idea on where to get some great stuff for it. Hope that helps.

he's right, a lot of people think the 4.6 modular engine is too new for a lot of mods, but theres actually more mods available now for the 4.6 than the 5.0, just about every single company makes something for the sohc and dohc 4.6 engines.

How long did it take for them just to come out with a catback for the 5.0 Explorers, with very little choices. Right when the 02' Explorers came out, Magnaflow and Borla both had a dual exhaust cat-back available. But I would rather go with a dual Magnaflow set-up with custom bent mandrel pipes.

The 4.6 is a lot better than the 5.0, my nieghbors 02' 4.6 Explorer demolishes our 5.0 Mounty in acceleration and I've ran a 16.2 at the track.

There are plenty of mods, and out of all the chargers all ready available, the KenneBell Twin- Screw is IMO the best, which is what I'm looking at when I get my 02' Mounty.

 

[Xplodor]

I'd say go for it. Get the V8 if you can budget it. Try to hold off until you can budget it. The 3rd Gens have just been out for 2 years now. If you guys remember it took four years for someone to develope a lift kit for the 2nd Gen X. After 6 years there are only 5 kits available for the 2nd Gen. What I'm trying to get at is in time more stuff will be available for the 3rd Gen X's. If you plan on doing mild off-roading and using it as a tow/daily driver, get a new X. As time goes on you can start moding it. If you want to get into some hardcore wheeling, then buy a 1st or 2nd Gen X and have at it. Good luck!

BTW, there will be a few kits available for the 3rd Gen. They should be out within 2nd quarter of next year. With a 2-3" Suspension and a 3"BL they should be able to fit some 33s. The wheel wells are a bit bigger then the 1st and 2nd gens.

And don't forget, when you are doing your mods, how fast do you want to void your warrantee?

 

[Apten]

some of the 02 explorers, and all of the 03 explorers have PTEC modules instead of EEC-V's. The big difference is that there is no chip port on a PTEC, so you can't install a performance chip.

There are ways to "flash" a performance program in a PTEC, but I haven't seen the chip companies produce a product yet to do so.

Brian

 

[dexplore]

Thanks for the help, guys...

You really know how to make an old/new Explorer owner feel right at home.

 

[Majisto]

The new Explorers are really nice! I got to drive a fully-loaded Limited, and wow. I was impressed. The V-6 SOHC felt great under my foot just like it does in my X. If you can't afford the V-8, which would definitely be nice since it is the modular V-8 in the Mustang, the SOHC V-6 is no slouch at all!

 

[DesertSpive]

Originally posted by Crankcase
...the springs go through the frame,...

Actually it is the rear axle half-shafts.

--Sean

 

[Crankcase]

Originally posted by DesertSpive
Actually it is the rear axle half-shafts.

--Sean

Details, details,...

Whatever the case, it still is harder to lift....