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Page 1: General
Page 2: Interior
Page 3: Interior Mods <<
Page 4: Exterior Mods
Page 5: Chassis Mods
Page 6: V8 Swap / Supercharger
Page 7: Centralia
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Steering Wheel Controls

Here's the beginning of the Explorer Limited steering wheel changeover. The airbag is out, getting ready to pull the stock wheel.

These parts came from the salvage yard. The disc with the yellow harness attached is the clockspring assembly that carries the conductors to the steering wheel controls while allowing the wheel to turn. The conversion requires the substitution of the Explorer clockspring assembly which has more conductors for the steering wheel controls.

The finished installation. New dash wiring has been added for the control of the dual media head unit, six disc remote changer and the EATC climate control. Electronic speed control is operated as on the Explorer.

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Electronic Climate Control

The installation of a Mountaineer or Explorer EATC climate control system is a time consuming but satisfying mod. Read more about it in John Griggs's excellent installation how-to here.

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LED Lock Indicators

The factory lock rods and pins were removed and replaced with red/green bipolar LEDs.

When the polarity of these LEDs is reversed, the color changes. When the ignition is off, these LEDs flash red or green to indicate locked or unlocked.

When the ignition is on, the flashing LEDs are off and these LEDs near the switches take over. In addition, these lights remain on solid for about 20 minutes after the ignition key is removed. Because they are in the interior and, therefore, more shaded, they are more useful in daylight.

This is the relay box that controls the LEDs with inputs from the Central Security Module, the Powertrain Control Module and the Generic Electronic Module.

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Real Oil Pressure Gauge

A late model Ford oil pressure gauge does not read oil pressure! It is controlled by an on-off sending unit and always reads the same value as long as a set minimum pressure is present. I didn't like that idea so I adapted a variable resistance sending unit and an earlier gauge movement.

To test the concept, I made a up an apparatus with the gauge segment, the sending unit, a variable resistance, a 12V power source and regulated air pressure.

The current Ranger circuitry does not return the early gauge to zero when the engine is shut down. A few parts from an electronics supply house and I had a box with a time delay to power the gauge for a couple of seconds after the key was turned off.

Also in the box are relays and diodes to control a low pressure alert. This setup is triggered by the starter circuit of the engine and a latching circuit keeps it armed until the engine is shut off. If pressure is lost while the engine is running, a Sonalert annunciator begins beeping.

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ABS Disable Switch

There are certain off-road situations where ABS is less than effective. Sometimes, in conditions such as loose rock or sand, there is much more braking available without ABS. I decided that I wanted to be able to turn the ABS off if desired when driving off road.

This is my modified radio bezel with the new ABS Disable switch. The bezel also has switches added for driving lights and heated mirrors.

The upper switch is an Explorer rear window defrost switch that has been turned upside down to match the contour of the left side of the bezel. This switch will eventually be used for heated mirrors. The switch in the middle, above the lighter, is a Traction Control Disable part from an 05 Explorer/Expedition. It will become an ABS-disable switch on my truck - I think the icon is close enough.

Since the Explorer switch was designed for a flat surface, Ii was necessary to alter the contour of the bezel where it mounts, using plastic wedges and body filler. The switch sits a little below the surface to help prevent accidental use.

This switch has a dash illumination LED and an "OFF" LED as well as a momentary on switch.

Installed and functional.

Mid-mod dash carnage. LOL.

Page 1: General
Page 2: Interior
Page 3: Interior Mods <<
Page 4: Exterior Mods
Page 5: Chassis Mods
Page 6: V8 Swap / Supercharger
Page 7: Centralia