finding parts for explorer sport

[slugmike]

hey all,

recently became the proud owner of a 2001 explorer sport, and i'm starting to look around for parts to slap on.

problem is, lots of sites seem to only list parts for the 4dr explorer or the sport trac.

from what i understand, the front end of the sport trac is the same as the sport, so things like lamps/grills/other front end stuff that fit a sport trac should also fit a sport.

how about for the rear? are the rear lights from the sport the same as the 4dr explorer or the same as the sport trac?

so what are some good sites for X sport parts?

thanks!

 

[ERIK2173]

The front lights are indeed the same. alot of us with 2001 sports have clear corners.
As far as the rear lights there aren't any out there that I've seen. and they don't match any other vehicle.
I tinted the tailights on mine since I thought they were just too red.
Take a look at Black Magic's 2001 sport he's done alot of great stuff to it.

What color is the X?

Here's the tinted tails on mine:

 

[etc]

Well, as I understand it the 01 sports went through a cosmetic overhaul. Mechanically its just about the same as 2nd gen. As far as body pieces...4dr pieces from a 01 won't fit.

I'm sure black magic will get around to this thread, he's got an 01 sport and very knowledable about it. A few other's too. Good Luck

 

[slugmike]

my X is red metallic.

i'm still not sure at this point what else i want to do to it. i really like the street scene speed grill, so i'll probably throw one of those on. with that and the clears, the front will look pretty nice i think.

now i'm tryin to think what i can do to the rear... i'll probably put on a flowmaster with a nice shiny tip... and i wanted to change the lights or something... or maybe put those guards over them

 

[JOHN V.]

Your Sport has a lot of potential. We have a lot of performance and suspension upgrades at Explorer Express. You front end shares the same sheet metal with the 2001-2004 Sport Tracs. Let me know if you have any questions.

Welcome to the world of modified Explorers!

John V @ EE

 

[DOCMORGY]

Thoughts from '01 Sport & '91 Navajo owner

I too have an '01 black Sport & have thought initially that parts were hard to find, but they lately have been becoming more prevalent. I also compare alot of my upgrades to my older, but very reliable '91 Navajo, on both a dollar & performance basis.

My opinion (may not be shared by all) is that as far as performance mods go, the '01 is a bit more difficult as the ECU seems a lot more picky about upgrades (ie. even my upgrade to Apten chip followed by free-flow exhaust led to check engine lite & horrible running, & YES, I did disconnect the battery over nite).

But, some parts just beg to be installed. I purchased the Gibson exhaust (I think truckperformanc.com has them) & am VERY happy with it...I pulled my 3200lb Maxima loaded w/1700lb of stuff across the country 2 wks ago & averaged 21mpg the entire way at 65mph cruise w/o any probs (& my oversized 17" performance tires actually throw off my speedo by about 4% so in reality I was a little closer to 22mpg). I have a Bullet custom 2.5" setup on my Navajo that gave similar results...a deeper, throatier sound that I find pleasant & noticeable (at least to me) improvement in mid-range acceleration.

K&N drop-in filter was a minor improvement but the KKM intake is on its way. I tried the KKM on my Navajo but it never seemed to run right so just go with the drop-in K&N on it at least. I anticipate the KKM will do better on the '01 (at least I hope)

Despite what alot of people say & all the hype, the Granatelli MAF upgrade was an awesome improvement on the '91...you WILL feel the difference at least on the older models. I have tried two on my '01 but continue to get check engine lites d/t presence of free-flow exhaust so had to have one programmed specifically for the KKM & free-flow exhaust (not back yet so can't tell you whether it works well yet or not)

I did a TB spacer on my '91 & once again I felt an improvement. Despite what is said, people have stated that upgrading to a larger bore TB will improve the performance, which sounds logical. But, the spacer is effectively enlarging the length of the TB, hence it TOO will increase the volume of the TB chamber & I would guess that is how it has helped with both mileage & performance. I am not an engineer nor automotive tech, these are just my own observations. Now, as for a TB spacer on the SOHC in our '01 Sports, I am not sure...it too is on order, but rather than make a bunch of mods at once, I am going to continue to methodically place them & ensure each one works before moving on.

All of those upgrades for performance are available & can be found by following threads both here & search engines.

I will tell you, though, that there IS performance to be extracted from your Sport, but it is pricey & does take some work, unlike it appears, is the case with the 5.0 models.

I did just put the screenfront onto my Sport (left it it's original black color) from Explorer Express & think it looks outstanding, so that is an option. Painting the lower body cladding, as a couple of people here have done is an awesome thought too, as well as the smoke tint for the taillites (Streetbeatcustoms.com).

If you don't have factory sunroof, installed electric ones that look fantastic & work great are pretty easy to find...I use mine all of the time & rarely have to turn on the A/C or open side windows (both of which dec MPG much more than having the sunroof cracked open a bit).

Hope my ramblings help a bit but if you have other questions, there are alot of very helpful people out there. Explorer Express is absolutely AWESOME & if you call them, chances are you'll talk directly with John & he'll answer any questions that you might have as well as give you advice/options.

As for my '91 Navajo (for example)...154K mi on stock engine & tranny...stock tow pkg with 4.11 (I believe) gear ratio (so quite low gear ratio for good off-line torque to pull) with aforementioned upgrades = consistent 17mpg in mixed driving, 23 mpg pulling 5x8 UHaul trailer twice from SoCal to Spokane & very good low-end & midrange power....what more can I say? Such is the reason for me at least to stick with this model, plus I think they look outstanding (even if they do ride rougher than the 4dr d/t shorter wheelbase).

Also, suspension is easy upgrade with Explorer Express....talk to John.

Sorry, way too long but I myself was in your shoes just about 6 mos ago...now I drive my Explorer alot more often than my 2000 Maxima.

Craig

 

[slugmike]

thanks for the great tips craig!!

john - that sport trac is awesome. i would love a hood scoop on my ride, but it seems like it would cost too much to have it done right

i've been thinking about putting on some wheel spacers, seems like a pretty cheap upgrade that should help the looks and handling of the X... anybody know where i can get a good set of spacers + the lugs and whatever else i would need to install them?

so many things i want to do to the x... so little time/money

 

[JOHN V.]

The hood scoop is only $174.95 and it comes painted to match! It can attatch with 3M tape. That is how it is done on that Sport Trac. It installs easy and holds good. It comes with the tape and screws.

I would save your money on the wheel spacers and pick up our X-Spec Rear Sway Bar (ZD5622 $179.95). The spacer does make the track wider, but they also cause additional wear on your wheel bearings and add an undisirable steering feel. The sway bar is an easy upgrade that will immediately improve handling and reduce body roll. Next you can lower the center of gravity and upgrade the shocks. We have it all in stock and can guide you through the process. There is no reason why you cant do the suspension upgrades in stages.

We carry the Mac Intake for #139.95. This upgrades offers the same power and function as the K & N. We also carry the Pro-M 75mm Mass Air Sensor. I would not do the Mass Air Sensor until after you have done the exhaust system. We have cat-back systems available from Mac Products & Gibson.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[slugmike]

the hood scoop sounds like a good deal... but i'm afraid it will look like crap if it is just taped onto the hood.

is that the scoop you're talking about, the one in the pic of the sport trac you posted earlier?

yeah i would definitely like to add some sway bars to the X too... i'm looking for a way to smooth out the ride, cuz its a little bit bumpy (especially by the wife's standards). would a new set of shocks and some sway bars help the bumpy ride?

the intake looks great. does it have any kind of heat shield on it??

you guys have all been very helpful to this newb, thanks

 

[slugmike]

bump to the top!

 

[JOHN V.]

The hood scoop on the Sport Trac in the picture above is taped on. Thay basicaly look the same if it is taped on or screwed on. The only way to make it look any different would be to have it molded in. That would throw your budget out of the water.

Replacing the shocks will definitely help out with the bumpy ride. We have the Edelbrock IAS Performers for $69.95ea. They are little more money than some other brands, but they offer a nice combination of smooth ride and good handling like no other shock. They have lifetime warranty and a thirty day money back trial offer.

The Mac Intake performs fine without the heatshield.