Recommended Upgrades 2005 XLT 4.0L 4wd

[geto]

I have a 05 Explorer XLT 4.0L and just looking for some recommended upgrades.

Just upgrades that I can look for to help with the vehicle. I won't be just diving in and doing them all at once.

Another question, about the blue lights. Are the bulbs you see on eBay for 10 dollars a piece, junk?

Thank you.

Justin

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

The blue lights on eBay are garbage. As are most of the blue tinted halogen bulbs.

There's a thread in the performance lighting section about HIR bulbs that you can buy from a John Deere dealer that are supposed to be the cat's pajamas. I'm very interested and may try them soon. They're claimed to be at least twice as bright, yet draw the same power as regular bulbs.

Just Google "HIR Bulbs" and read some of the sites about them. Very interesting.

 

[BWilliams]

Agreed about the HIRs... I'm thinking about dropping the 100 bucks or whatever it is for four bulbs and trying them myself.


As for other upgrades, what are you looking for? Appearance, performance, what?

 

[geto]

I won't do much on the appearance side. Maybe a bug shield, possibly a guard on front. That's about it. Oh, and the lights.

But for performance wise. I'll get a K&N drop in filter. But was just wondering on other things or if I should just leave it as it is.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

I wouldn't bother with a K&N filter. Chances are the stock paper filter is more than sufficient for your engine's airflow demands. The only place a K&N filter might give a little boost is at WOT near redline, and that's only if the stock filter doesn't flow well enough. But looking at the size of mine I'd be safe to say it probably does. K&N filters also don't filter as well as stock paper filters, so you're letting more dirt into the engine. Check the air filters forum over at www.bobistheoilguy.com and read some of the tests on them.
I don't know about you, but reducing the life expectancy of my engine by letting more dirt thru the filter in the interest of (maybe) 2-4 HP isn't worth it whatsoever.
Before I knew better, I tried K&N filters, and honestly never noticed one bit of difference in performance compared to a clean paper one.