Clif's 96 Explorer Eddie Bauer Progress Thread

[Clif_SC]

This will serve, hopefully, as a progress thread on my new to me Explorer

Back story:

I recently acquired a 1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0 4WD truck. It was owned by my deceased step father since it was new, then to my mother, and now to me.

Cracking a little over 193k miles, it has had the transmission rebuilt, the cluster is going to need to be repaired, and I think there is a oil leak (haven't checked it out, just saw some when I was looking at the tires)

Things to be done :

• Cluster - Odometer doesn't always run, Speedo and everything else runs fine
• Headlamps - Foggy : Purchased from 1AAuto - Passenger Side Installed. PAIN IN THE ASS Drivers side wait for other day (When not so freaking cold)
  
• Cornering Lamps : See above
• Trailer Harness : [Done] Was partially removed by unknown person. I think it is from the bumper to the first connect point that is missing. Found a Wiring Harness at Advanced that plugged into the truck. Hopkins Towing Solution Vehicle Wiring Kit #40915
  
• Bezel around the stereo (Cigarette Lighter is dangling behind it) From what I can tell, I have to replace the entire thing if I want to put it back in [Fixed] Used the lighter fix kit from Foster. Holds that lighter in tight.
  
• Stereo - Power knob wont stay in to turn it off, plays fine, everything else is good
• Bluetooth - Gotta find a way to get this feature. I am on the road 1 hour a day back and forth to work, and this is a must. Not sure if I wanna replace stereo or not, it plays and has a 6CD Changer in the console
• A/C - Unknown issue, holds on pressure test, but somewhere is leaking freon, will be going to a shop for this
• Hood Struts - [Done]. Went with a Went with the Strong Arm 4026. They fit perfect. Also, just a note of interest to me, when I put the first one on, it held the hood until I put the second one on.
  
• Passenger Rear Door Handle - Installed - Dorman PN 77156CD
  
• Previously Unknown Switch Found in engine compartment [SOLVED]
• Previously Fixed LIghter issue: Lighter secure in place, but doesn't work. Not a fuse

I will be striking some of these out, hopefully as we go along

Pictures can be found here

http://imgur.com/a/jmR17

 

[Clif_SC]

Ran into my first problem with repairs today. Went to get some replacement hood struts from Oreillys, and they didnt fit. The holes were too small. I managed to get the Ford # off the struts, f67b-16c826-aa, and will search around here and see if I can get some recommendations.

Also found a switch in the engine compartment laying there, just sitting there, I have to figure out what it goes to Pictures below

http://imgur.com/jWd23uU
http://imgur.com/jojrtDa
http://imgur.com/hsFi5ou
http://imgur.com/obDUA08

 

[toypaseo]

I think I replaced my hood struts with the Strong Arm brand. Fit fine. Work fine.

My local Carquest has them in stock for $33.52/pair using coupon code NY22 (22% off)

 

[Clif_SC]

I think I replaced my hood struts with the Strong Arm brand. Fit fine. Work fine.

My local Carquest has them in stock for $33.52/pair using coupon code NY22 (22% off)

I work around the corner from them, I will give them a call. Thanks! The one's from oreilly had a hole that was too small for either end. I will take the old one with me when I go to CQ

 

[toypaseo]

I work around the corner from them, I will give them a call.

Go to their website, look part up, add to your cart and apply the coupon code to save you some money

 

[RandomNerd2000]

That's just an XLT, to point that out, other than that, you've got a nice project ahead of you, nice to see it being fixed up rather than a beater/junk in six months

 

[Indispensable Explorer]

I saw these headlights on amazon, I have not bought them so I can't vouch for their quality, but the reviews are good.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CXULIJM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2M7YF3KB46EJU
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002R0X4AO/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1S41UG49EBESN

I got some Hood struts on Amazon, they were marketed as made in America and would "arrive in 3-5 days" which turned out to be about four weeks and made in China. Contacted Amazon and got them for free. Hood struts are a great investment, especially when they're free.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

The corners, I've found the difference between a clean set out a later one and new ones to be minimal, because my 01 came with 1 OEM and 1 aftermarket, and they matched up perfectly, which I have crystal clear corners now, and my OEMs actually aren't for sale, since I want a good set of OEM lights, since they're harder to come by than they used to be, as for the headlights, I haven't got much input, I want to do something eventually with those though, since mine are just restored and aren't perfect.

*Edit* Mostly input on the post above me, based upon experience mostly.

 

[Clif_SC]

I saw these headlights on amazon, I have not bought them so I can't vouch for their quality, but the reviews are good.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CXULIJM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2M7YF3KB46EJU
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002R0X4AO/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1S41UG49EBESN

I got some Hood struts on Amazon, they were marketed as made in America and would "arrive in 3-5 days" which turned out to be about four weeks and made in China. Contacted Amazon and got them for free. Hood struts are a great investment, especially when they're free.

The lights, I am inclined to get from one source, less chances of a fubar, but the struts are up in the air. Either CQ, or I got a friend at Ford who may be able to get me some for free. I talked to him earlier, he thinks he has some in the back warehouse

 

[Clif_SC]

The corners, I've found the difference between a clean set out a later one and new ones to be minimal, because my 01 came with 1 OEM and 1 aftermarket, and they matched up perfectly, which I have crystal clear corners now, and my OEMs actually aren't for sale, since I want a good set of OEM lights, since they're harder to come by than they used to be, as for the headlights, I haven't got much input, I want to do something eventually with those though, since mine are just restored and aren't perfect.

*Edit* Mostly input on the post above me, based upon experience mostly.

Little bit at a time, all we can do

 

[RandomNerd2000]

That's me, I started mine in June, gave $1100 for it, replaced a 99 V8 I rolled, first car, thought a lot of it, even though it was junky in a lot of places, kept it for a project, because I just couldn't part it out, liked it a lot, getting close to buying a body for it. As for my 01, when I got it, both fog lights were busted, flooring it did absolutely nothing, it just fell on it's face, it missed at idle, poured coolant out the thermostat housing, front end was junk, fan clutch was bad, factory wires/plugs at 190K when I changed them, fuel pump was weak, radio wasn't wired anything close to right, intake gaskets were OEM and bad. I've fixed almost everything wrong with it, excluding a bad CV axle from it being lowered too much to hide the classic lean these get. I hated it when I bought it, was intent on selling it ASAP and getting a V8, but after owning a bit, it's grown on me, I started modding it some recently, I've got a thread on here with everything I've done since I got it.

 

[Clif_SC]

That's me, I started mine in June, gave $1100 for it, replaced a 99 V8 I rolled, first car, thought a lot of it, even though it was junky in a lot of places, kept it for a project, because I just couldn't part it out, liked it a lot, getting close to buying a body for it. As for my 01, when I got it, both fog lights were busted, flooring it did absolutely nothing, it just fell on it's face, it missed at idle, poured coolant out the thermostat housing, front end was junk, fan clutch was bad, factory wires/plugs at 190K when I changed them, fuel pump was weak, radio wasn't wired anything close to right, intake gaskets were OEM and bad. I've fixed almost everything wrong with it, excluding a bad CV axle from it being lowered too much to hide the classic lean these get. I hated it when I bought it, was intent on selling it ASAP and getting a V8, but after owning a bit, it's grown on me, I started modding it some recently, I've got a thread on here with everything I've done since I got it.

This one is very sentimental, (if you didn't read the back story), its the only reason I have it. Don't get me wrong, I love the truck, but I think I am going to do more because of the history of it. I remember when this truck was new, and it has never been too far away from me, nor do I plan on letting it get away. Look forward to seeing more of your work on yours

 

[RandomNerd2000]

The V8 build is something I halfway look forward to doing on here, since I don't see much of that anymore, since they're cheap vehicles now, but it was my first car, and at 154K, it's practically new by the V8's standards, and I wasn't about to take $300 for an engine with at least that many miles left in it. My 01 is a fun build, but it's more of a fun build than a personal project, when I get tired of it, it'll likely turn into something else, doubt the 5.0 one will for years yet, because when I get that done, I'm gonna drive it, that's the whole point.

Your project looks like it's well thought out, I do have a radio out a 96 I'd send over but it's got the same problem as yours, good 2nd gen parts are something you have to hop on when you see them, at least here, if they're any bit rare, if you don't, the next guy will

 

[RandomNerd2000]

Also, I've got a tip for you, the absolute best thing you can do for your paint situation, albeit rough, is wax it, the roof doesn't look like it would take much polish, or anything, but waxing and sealing it will do a lot to slow the clear coat peeling, we had a Dodge that peeled bad on the hood, and I started waxing it once a month, and when we traded it four years later, the peeling was still minimal, the next owner didn't do any waxing or anything and in a year the hood was down to primer in several places.

 

[Clif_SC]

Also, I've got a tip for you, the absolute best thing you can do for your paint situation, albeit rough, is wax it,.

Thanks! Anything that can slow it down, I will try

 

[96eb96]

For bluetooth, you may want to consider an android stereo. I got one imported from a wonderful friendly place in China(they are actually an OEM factory to some big brands, and sell drop in units with full bezel for some cars). I think it was around 160 or so to my door, came in 2 days. I have nav, forscan, and other great apps. People told me it was better than 2017 in dash systems, especially the full browser.

I installed an antenna and get internet in every parking lot. If you want I can give more info. I think I can dig up some pics. It required very minimal modification. Should be a very easy install because you don't have the premium JBL.

 

[96eb96]

Here is my bluetooth stereo:
You will lose the CD changer but you can also order one with a slightly smaller screen and CD player at the top. You also have all those card slots to store tons of music!

 

[Clif_SC]

Here is my bluetooth stereo:
You will lose the CD changer but you can also order one with a slightly smaller screen and CD player at the top. You also have all those card slots to store tons of music!

Is this in your 96? I don't recognize the ac head below it. You said you have nav as well? How does that work? Modules? Fees?

Can you link me where this is from, or PM if you prefer?

Thanks

 

[96eb96]

Is this in your 96? I don't recognize the ac head below it. You said you have nav as well? How does that work? Modules? Fees?

Can you link me where this is from, or PM if you prefer?

Thanks

Yes, this is a 96. I have the EATC, you have manual controls for A/C. I also have wood trim, I don't know if it came with the truck or the prior owner installed it. To install this stereo you have to remove a small lip that is in the bezel. You can grind it down with a dremel. It will be obvious when you try to install the unit.

The head unit is basically an Android 5.1 tablet with a good sound system. Nav is free, there are many apps to choose from, I use "Here" maps and download their maps offline. If you have a good data plan you can run off your phones wifi and use cell data. It comes with a GPS antenna and you can add a Wifi antenna extension (same as a router). Many options to choose from. Another good feature is Forscan lite (I think it may be a few bucks) but you have a great scan tool at the touch of a button. You can diagnose 4x4 issues and look at the two speed sensors in the transfer case for example. Of course that can run on a phone or laptop as well.

The product is here, there is a choice between 6.2 and 7 (smaller has a CD).
http://www.sinocastel.net/products.html

If you are interested I can give you a contact, or you can just inquire for more info. Basically you pay thru paypal and they send a signature required package.

 

[Clif_SC]

Yes, this is a 96. I have the EATC, you have manual controls for A/C. I also have wood trim, I don't know if it came with the truck or the prior owner installed it. To install this stereo you have to remove a small lip that is in the bezel. You can grind it down with a dremel. It will be obvious when you try to install the unit.

The head unit is basically an Android 5.1 tablet with a good sound system. Nav is free, there are many apps to choose from, I use "Here" maps and download their maps offline. If you have a good data plan you can run off your phones wifi and use cell data. It comes with a GPS antenna and you can add a Wifi antenna extension (same as a router). Many options to choose from. Another good feature is Forscan lite (I think it may be a few bucks) but you have a great scan tool at the touch of a button. You can diagnose 4x4 issues and look at the two speed sensors in the transfer case for example. Of course that can run on a phone or laptop as well.

The product is here, there is a choice between 6.2 and 7 (smaller has a CD).
http://www.sinocastel.net/products.html

If you are interested I can give you a contact, or you can just inquire for more info. Basically you pay thru paypal and they send a signature required package.

I will request some info. Curious about the NAV, I know free, but do I have to piggyback of my phone to determine location?

Thanks for the info, which is the one you have 6.2 or 7?

Thanks again