Factory Upgrades

[MC05XLS]

I've had my '05 Explorer since Jun, and I've been thinking of things it would be nice to have. Some of my ideas are redundant, but the more opinions and info I have on this, the better of a decision I can make.
Someone had posted that I could add the AutoLamp by installing a new rear-view mirror with that installed on it. But my book says that the AutoLamp is controlled by the headlamp switch. Could I add in the system that would have come with it from the factory, or would I need to go the rear-view mirror route?
Also, I have the factory remote keyless installed, but it doesn't have the keypad on the driver's door. Is there a way I could add the factory keypad and security system to my truck? Also, is there a way to tie all this into a remote start and not have to slap another remote on my keyring?
Also, how, or can, I put factory style fog lamps on my Ex? Most of the bumpers I see with fogs have long cut-outs on either side of the grille opening, but mine only has squareish cut-outs that are, what looks like, not removable. Do I have to replace the front bumper cover? Also, should the switch be a direct swap out?
(I want to customise, but I don't want it to stand out majorly)
Also, has anyone come up with a way to swap the rotary knob A/C controls to the digital controls, and swap the steering wheel from one that only has the cruise controls, to one that has the cruise, radio, and A/C, and make everything work?
And last but not least, what is a diehard direct drop in stereo head with dvd, nav (prefer HDD based), iPod connection, sat (XM or Sirius isn't important), and preferably something that has the common controls as regular buttons/knobs instead of touch-screen. But that's not a major importance.
I was also considering things like upgrading to front power seats, maybe a conversion to leather, and relamp everything (including gauges and switches) to LED, and headlights to HID. I'll get into performance upgrades later. =-)

 

[misconceived]

The search button is your friend.

 

[YamahaDrtRdr]

I would sell the x that you have now..and buy a explorer eddie bauer or limited. You will spend so much time trying to change it over, spending money along the way and it probably wont work. Save that money to buy a better trim x and KNOW that it will all work. just my 2 cents.

 

[MC05XLS]

I would sell the x that you have now..and buy a explorer eddie bauer or limited. You will spend so much time trying to change it over, spending money along the way and it probably wont work. Save that money to buy a better trim x and KNOW that it will all work. just my 2 cents.

Well, that was one thought. But I like my truck, I'm used to it, and have my @$$ prints in the driver's seat. Plus, I gave $15k for my '05 with 32k on the dial. Most of what I wanna do, at least for now, is simple and not as simple electronic.
But I definitely want my hands on the upgrade process to say that " I did that". Lame bragging rights, I admit, but I'd have them none the less. Dead Link Removed
I never admit normalcy, as normalcy is boring.

 

[MC05XLS]

Hey I need to cofirm something. I was nosing around on eBay, and found the keyless entry keypad. Thing is, what I found on Ford's site says it's only for 07-08 Explorer's, and some of the sellers on eBay are saying it works on models as far back as 99. It just needs to have remote keyless installed, then you program it as you would a keyless remote. Has anyone else put this keypad on an 05 or older Ex? If so, what were the results?

 

[Donner]

Not specifically...

In this case I'd go with Ford's recommendation though (just me).

Hook it up, and see how it works... No harm to the vehicle, try it out.

 

[MC05XLS]

I just might do that.

 

[sjr033]

Installing the key pad will be more work than you think. You will have to cut in to door metal. Do you have a Dremel tool with a cut off disk? Here is a link for directions on how to install a key pad from a '90ish Taurus into a Ranger. I would think it would along the same lines. If nothing else it will give you idea of what kind of work is involved to see if your skills are up to the task.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/296394/10

As for the fog lights, you would have to cut out the opening or change the bumper your choice.

The guages and light swap are all talked about here. Like they said before you should be able to use the search feature to find the answers. Just a tip it would be easier to get answers if you broke down the questions into different posts.

 

[ziggyofthenorth]

A word of advice from someone who used to do that to a lot of vehicles. Figure out what you want and which donor vehicles have the parts. Wiring diagrams help, but remember they are schematics and do not reflect real life locations. Gather it all up and tear your car apart once.
Wiring is simple. Taking your dash down to the firewall to remove or install wires sucks. And no matter how carefull you are, taking apart anything in the interior risks damage to it. There are many plastic clips and such to lose or break in unseen places that cause rattles and squeaks when damaged or missing too.
I'm not trying to kill your enthusiasm. I'm just advising you to do some homework and plan it out. The sensors and relays required for a lot of this stuff is hard to get to and it is much easier to have one tear down to install everything.

Ziggy

 

[mikeh44]

to install the auto light system you have to get the complete wiring harness from ford and the photo cell that goes in the dash at the base of the window i checked on this for my truck it will cost about 700.00 to do it for parts not counting labor it is just not worth it
second some of the after market key pads are a stick on remote that you program like a standard remote

 

[Donner]

Words of advice from the posters on this thread...

I just might do that.

Listen to everyone on this thread... Please disregard my "hook it up" recommendation. These people know what you are about to get in to, I don't. Suerte!

(Honestly, I don't)

 

[MC05XLS]

to install the auto light system you have to get the complete wiring harness from ford and the photo cell that goes in the dash at the base of the window i checked on this for my truck it will cost about 700.00 to do it for parts not counting labor it is just not worth it
second some of the after market key pads are a stick on remote that you program like a standard remote

Yeah, supposedly this new keypad is a battery powered wireless, which is why it looks appealing for someone like me to install. I already have the keyless entry system, and 3 remotes, so programming shouldn't be an issue since I had to go thru the steps when I programed my Fusion key. I just think that when I'm out fishin or something and don't wanna risk losing a key, this would be the better route.
Or it I lock my keys in it. (Sadly, I've already done that twice)

 

[MC05XLS]

to install the auto light system you have to get the complete wiring harness from ford and the photo cell that goes in the dash at the base of the window i checked on this for my truck it will cost about 700.00 to do it for parts not counting labor it is just not worth it
second some of the after market key pads are a stick on remote that you program like a standard remote

So would the better idea for me be what was stated in an earlier post, and buy the AutoLamp rearview mirror and wire it in like that? Or would that set-up even work in my truck? What about some type of simple aftermarket hook up?
I'm starting with a really good base, but in the end, this truck is going to be totally me.

 

[MC05XLS]

Installing the key pad will be more work than you think. You will have to cut in to door metal. Do you have a Dremel tool with a cut off disk? Here is a link for directions on how to install a key pad from a '90ish Taurus into a Ranger. I would think it would along the same lines. If nothing else it will give you idea of what kind of work is involved to see if your skills are up to the task.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/296394/10

As for the fog lights, you would have to cut out the opening or change the bumper your choice.

The guages and light swap are all talked about here. Like they said before you should be able to use the search feature to find the answers. Just a tip it would be easier to get answers if you broke down the questions into different posts.

That keypad mod is awesome, but I'd rather not go Dremeling the sheetmetal, and hacking my electrical. I think I may blow some money on that wireless and see how it goes. I do think it would an awesome upgrade for many other makes and models that don't get the perks that us Ford owners have. =-)

Yeah, I've been watching more of the Exploreres around here, and they all have the bumper that already accomodates factory fogs. Since I don't have to worry with painting it, that will be the better route.

I need to change these bulbs out or do something. They aren't as green as they should be... or at least that's my thoughts.