Actually Creeder, there is a fix, go to 4wheelparts.com and go to body lifts, and fords, and there should be a Ranger manual shifter extension, that will work on your explorer as well. It is something like $30 or so, I had to go that route as well, there is no other way to fix it, unless you cut back on the carpet and sheet metal, and move the boot exposing the shifter hole behind the shifter boot. Hope that helps.