Stock to "better" stock mods...

[mitchness]

Hi. I'm new here and should probably introduce myself in the intro thread. Well, I've been wanting to do something to my X that I just have a hard time finding my question, let alone an answer. Just bits and pieces. So here it goes:

I have a 2004 XLS with auto 4x4 and 4.0 v6 engine.

I already have the dash panel installed with included fog light switch and power pedal switch and located the factory fog light wire harnesses. The fender skirts from the XLT fit no problem (just supply your own nuts n bolts). I was wondering if it was possible to just buy the bumper with the factory fog light holes and install it to give it the other model's look, or would I have to pick up other brackets or a part my model might not have to make it all fit? The same question goes for back bumper.

When looking at OEM pics on a google search, The Limited's front bumper looks like it's the exact same, add fog lights, while the XLT looks like different bolt patterns, but I don't know. I can't tell with a thumbnail size 2d image.

It's a slow investment but I promise an elite membership with before and after shots. This site has always proven great in troubleshooting and repair issues. Let's see if I picked your brain enough with this one.

 

[BigRondo]

I have welcomed you in the other thread so forgive me if I don't do it here. :

Some one on here successfully replaced the bumper cover on their XLS with one from, I believe, an XLT. I'll see if I can find the thread.

Where did you find the factory fog light harness? How did the light switch with fog lights compare to the switch without fogs?

Good luck with your project.

 

[BigRondo]

I couldn't find the bumper swap thread. Here are some threads related to removing the bumper:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183192

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=337274

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234286

 

[mitchness]

On the XLS, if you take off the cover below the steering wheel, the harnesses for the switches are on a dummy plug. Just get that panel with the switch and it already works as long as you install the lights to go with it (tested with volt meter). As for the ones under the hood, I'll try to get a picture if I'm even right about them. Could just be for extra stuff from other models.

 

[BigRondo]

On the XLS, if you take off the cover below the steering wheel, the harnesses for the switches are on a dummy plug. Just get that panel with the switch and it already works as long as you install the lights to go with it (tested with volt meter). As for the ones under the hood, I'll try to get a picture if I'm even right about them. Could just be for extra stuff from other models.

I am familiar with the connectors plugged into the dummy port. I ran into them when installing my Mounty cluster. So I'm guessing the one on the headlight switch side is for the fogs. Interesting. That would be great if you could get a pic of what you suspect is the connector under the hood.

Thanks - Rondo

 

[mitchness]

It was the first day of snow. I'm putting that bumper replacement on hold until spring. I still want to collect everything I need over the next few months. I won't forget about this and update it then!

So my guess was right about the front bumper covers swappable? Looks super easy to do. Can knock that out even in this weather. Got the tow hooks last week. I just need to know if I have to look for some brackets or extra bolts while I wait to install all this.

 

[BigRondo]

Any luck with the pic and location of the suspected fog light harness?

 

[mitchness]

I stand corrected on the harness thing. The morons at the shop never put the driver front speed sensor wire back on. This probably explains why my transfer case feels like it's yelling at me... and my harness to the horn on the driver side got old, dried out, and fell off in one of those extremely rare flukes. And fixed my cold air leaking in problem by shoving that foam padding back where it needs to be by the driver door.

Ok, off bumper topic for one sec. I have the black front corner lenses and rear Altezza tail lights in shipping at this time. I will post day/night pics with side by side comparisons of a multi smd led and a standard bulb. The reverse white ones will blow you away at the difference.

I ended up meeting the lady who owns that one. She let me look at the patterns...direct match!!