Nate's 2005 Explorer XLT 4X4

[Ronin8002]

Oh ok well that plastic piece is separate from the balancer (slides onto the shaft of the balancer) and is a very inexpensive part. Usually a new balancer will come with a replacement one.

 

[NHarris]

Oh ok well that plastic piece is separate from the balancer (slides onto the shaft of the balancer) and is a very inexpensive part. Usually a new balancer will come with a replacement one.

Alright. Well my one biggest issue with the balancer is at idle there is a bad vibration. I've lived with it for quite a while now but its to the point where I can't stand it anymore.

 

[Ronin8002]

how bad is it? I know the SOHC is known to have a bit of a vibration at idle (mine does) but yours must be pretty bad.

 

[Ronin8002]

Here's the thread on harmonic balancer failures, if you haven't seen it already:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267709

There is a replacement part made by dorman that is listed in there that is supposed to be better than OEM in its design. It's on rockauto for $90 if you are looking to supply the repair shop the parts. Also, you'll want to get a replacement pulley bolt from fordparts.com...it's a TTY bolt so the old one should be replaced with a new one when swapping out the balancers.

You could probably do this job yourself if you want to try and tackle it. It's not necessary to remove the radiator (i installed my UDP without removing the radiator) but it would help.

 

[NHarris]

Well I dropped my truck off and the service advisor said the balancer probably failed a while ago and the vibration caused the seal to fail.

 

[lynchy wa]

Hope it's a cheap fix for you mate!!!

 

[NHarris]

So I figured I have a few more things to do to the Ex:
Safari Rack
Spare Fuel Containers
Suspension Lift Kit
Tail Lights

Maybes:
Rims
Brush Guard
Lower Grille
Body Lift
Spare Tire Holder

 

[NHarris]

Just got off of the phone with the service advisor. He told me they're going to replace the seal, balance and rotate the dampener (H.B), and of course they're doing brakes. This time the parking brake; My Ex likes to destroy those.

 

[lynchy wa]

You have to stop doing those knight rider parking brake turn's Nate!!!

 

[NHarris]

You have to stop doing those knight rider parking brake turn's Nate!!!

Aw....but they're too much fun not to do
********************
Got my truck back this afternoon. I'm gonna have to get used to the parking brake working so good. lol
Ironically since the balancer was balanced and rotated, my exhaust seems to sound more decent.
And I got her back with a set of tow hooks

 

[Joe Dirt]

Glad she's rolling again!

(or not rolling, with the PB fixed!)

 

[lynchy wa]

 

[BigRondo]

Good to see you're back in action Nate. :biggthump

 

[NHarris]

Here are a few pics with the tow hooks. A cloudy day so pics are too bright. Some more to come when I get my safari rack thrown on.
She's a bit dirty but its been so rainy I dont want to waste $3.00 for a wash.

 

[BigRondo]

Looking good Nate! Love the grille. Been looking for one like that. Where'd you get it?

 

[NHarris]

Looking good Nate! Love the grille. Been looking for one like that. Where'd you get it?

I bought it off of ebay just searched "05 Explorer Mesh Grille"
I just had to dremel out the stock grille and leave the outter frame to make it look like a grille and not a cheap overlay.

 

[BigRondo]

I bought it off of ebay just searched "05 Explorer Mesh Grille"
I just had to dremel out the stock grille and leave the outter frame to make it look like a grille and not a cheap overlay.

Thanks man. Got any up close pics that show how you installed it?

 

[NHarris]

Thanks man. Got any up close pics that show how you installed it?

I don't. I still need to go back and clean up some of the crappy dremeled parts. It just required a 3/16 (I think) drill bit and about 4 holes. I'll post some pictures up soon.

 

[BigRondo]

Thanks!

 

[NHarris]

So...I'm going to break down and buy some tires....


that means...
A lift kit