Customizing my 2003 Explorer.

[DangerRangerXLT]

Hey everyone! I'm going to be getting my hands on a 2003 Explorer XLT soon. 4.0L 4x4. It's the metallic silver model with the black fenders. I really want to make this truck special.. I like the off road I'm considering painting the rims black myself. How might I do this? I also want to change the control and gauge lights from green to blue. Thoughts? How can i get a modest ( 1 or 1 1/2) lift on it? Whats the best exhaust system for a nice deep growl for this model? Any suggestions would be amazing! I want this thing to look and sound amazing but on a slight budget if i can.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome and do u got pics of it and is the 03 explorer u getting a V6 or V8. I got an 01 sport with the 4.0 sohc engine and i did some mods to it.

for the exhaust i got single in and dual out 40 series flowmasters and it sounds loud and deep for me i am going to possibly save up for true dual. But right now it sounds loud and deep for me. I got a 6 cylinder.

the rest of the mods r listed on my signature but i am gonna do more stuff to it

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the modified 2002-2005 section.

 

[MillerTimeX17]

welcome danger!

-rims are easy to paint, could even powdercoat them. many guys have done the black and clear coat.
-you can change the color of the gauges by replacing the bulbs with LEDs. forgot what sized but i know if you search you will be able to find the right size and they are pretty cheap on ebay.
-if youre looking for just a small lift i would say go with some roadbully spacers. i believe he can do a 1.5 front and 1 rear.
-as for exhaust, some guys run flowmaster 40 series, 50 series, or magnalfows. really depends on your taste. with the 4.0 you probly wont find the deep growl you are lookin for.

 

[CALDWELL]

Lift - go for ROADBULLY spacer lifts... he has a qaulity product...

Tires - for the size lift you want go 255/75/16 or 265/75/16. 31'' and 31.6'' tires

Exhaust - Flowmaster 40, 50 and Magnaflow ( most common )

Intake - I run K&N 57 Series Intake... makes exhaust sound better / drive better

SCT Tuner - will help wake up some extra HP/TQ... look up James @ www.hensonperformance.com he will hook you up

these are some standard mods that the guys here on EF start out with...

hope this helps !

 

[DangerRangerXLT]

Thanks guys! I'll put up the pictures of it once i get it, i have to somehow scrounge up the money to get the mod's >.<

So it would seem that Roadbully spacers are the best to go with for a small lift? I'm a little concerned though due to the fact that well. Explorers WERE the target of ALOT of roll over crashes and I'd like to avoid flipping the darn thing.

I was really considering the Flowmaster Super 40 series. I want something that's at least got tone, not so much a growl, but a deeper sound. Would it make sense to possibly redo the exhaust from the cat back with 3'' pipes?

Last but not least, how much time and money might it cost to paint the rims black? Just matt black no need for gloss, i like that look best. I would keep the FORD lettering blue but i'll figure that out on my own.

Thanks for the suggestions!