Explorer Accessories

Greetings Leith

I would suggest the following. ( One off trip for the father in law )

1. Upgrade shock absorbers to good quality brand eg koni or similiar
2. Check ride height to make sure springs have not sagged
2. Install suitable front and rear recovery points
3. Perhaps Poly Airs under the rear suspension to cater for the extra load
4. UHF CB radio
5. recovery gear (one vehicle needs to carry a hand winch etc)
6. Suitable LT rated tyres
7. Suitable vehicle spares
8 Cargo barrier and tie down points.

Bull bar and snorkel are not really necessary. Michells Sacks helles Sacksis having a special on wading bras. A couple of 20 litre jerry cans, filled only when necessary, good vehicle preperation and a one day 4wd training course and all should be well with two vehicles going and a good dose of caution and care.

If you wish to take a 12 volt fridge (Engel/Waeco) look at carrying a second battery rather than installing one. The Engel and Waeco web sites have options for this.

My thoughts.

Regards

Paul

Gday Leith

Try lovells for the suspension I do not know if they have it for a 2004 modal but , The front suspension is still torsion bar so you can wind them up about 40mm the back has coil spring’s so you could use spacer’s if nothing is available. Try USA sites.

Have you thought about getting a custom b/bar made for it?
Snorkel, forget about it they are a custom job on a explorer.
Long range tank you can buy one for 1996 to 2001 modals I think, but after that?
With good fuel planing and some jerry’s you should be OK

I take it is the 4.6 V8 which are pretty thirsty but has loads of go

Leith are you really going to get the in-laws taking their Ford swimming? Baz (Redback) took his in a bit deep and it drowned and now has a 4by that is better capable of swimming with a snorkel. Not a Ford but a Landie.

In short he couldn't get one, but you can always get a replacement filter if all you are worried about is dust. You should be able to buy quite a few for the cost of a snorkel. Snorkels are to ensure you keep the intake away from water. Check up the Explorer fording depth, it may be good enough, but the strong bullbar is a different story with airbags to cope with. Does your father in-law need the winch, why not you? You could always buy a Brawn portable to share if you need it.....

Just spotted this may be worth looking into if he is serious about it.

4wheelerssupply.com, has a 4 inch lift for 2003 explorers by Superlift USA, the 2003/2004 models have the same suspension set up I THINK so it should fit, It all comes down to how much Green he want’s to spend.

The Kit is $1765 US.