08-26-08: Ford’s venerable Explorer mid-size SUV has been around for some time now in its present form. The one that set the world on fire in the 1990’s has settled down to a much slower pace in sales. Much can be said for the Explorer for defining a new class, but it has also come to represent the last of it. For many however, there is still a need for a smaller family vehicle that can also tow a camp trailer or boat. In a world where the new Ford Flex and Edge models are getting all the attention, towing and offroad prowess is still Explorer’s claim.
For 2009 Ford is adding a few tricks to the Explorer to keep it on the front lines at dealerships. The big news is the addition of Trailer Sway Control. Trailer Sway Control works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac with RSC to determine from the yaw motion of the vehicle if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or reduced engine torque – to bring both vehicle and trailer under control.
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“When we first introduced AdvanceTrac with RSC on the Explorer in 2004 we offered customers even more security than traditional stability control systems by including roll sensing,” said Steve Kozak, Ford’s chief safety engineer. “And now with Trailer Sway Control we are giving our customers who tow trailers more control of their load. Ford is committed to continuing to develop features and technologies that help make the driving experience easier and safer.”
2009 Explorer will also feature the XLT sport package. The interior features Charcoal Black cloth seats, a white instrument cluster and all-weather floor mats. Black-accented wheel lops, exterior step bar, and fascia show off the sporty side of Explorer. The XLT sport package is available in the following exterior colors: Sport Blue, Colorado Red, Brilliant Silver, and Black.
The package uses the nice new wheels from the Explorer Sport-Trac Adrenaline that really look hot. We think that the SLT sport package is a well needed shot in the arm for image as the Explorer has become a bit vanilla in the past few years.
Also new to the Explorer for 2009 is Ford‘s latest voice-activated navigation system. Featuring Sirius Travel Link, it lets you access to up-to-the-minute information and entertainment content through the vehicle’s navigation system.
Ford has added just enough to the 2009 Explorer to keep it up to date as it heads into the sunset. There is word that a replacement is on the way for the 2011 model year that is based on a uni-body chassis and will use the new line of Eco-Boost engines. The Louisville plant where the Explorer is made is slated to be converted soon for production of small cars. Thus, the current model is definitely scheduled for departure. Get them while you can.
2009 Ford Explorer Specifications:
BODY
Construction
Steel body on fully boxed frame
Steel body on fully boxed frame
Final Assembly Location
Louisville , Ky.
St. Louis, Mo.
Louisville , Ky.
St. Louis, Mo.
ENGINE
Type
Cast iron block and aluminum head
Cast iron block and aluminum heads
Manufacturing Location
Cologne, Germany
Romeo, Michigan
Configuration
V-6
V-8
Intake Manifold
Composite, shell welded with internal runner pack
Composite shell-welded single runner, charge motion control valves
Exhaust Manifold
Cast iron
Cast iron
Crankshaft
Cast iron
Cast iron
Redline
6,000 rpm
6,250 rpm
Idle Speed in Drive
625 rpm
635 rpm
Throttle Body
65 mm
75 mm
Valvetrain
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder, variable camshaft timing
Valve Diameter
Intake: 46.0 mm
Intake: 33.8 mm
Exhaust: 39.0 mm
Exhaust: 37.5 mm
Pistons
Hypereutectic aluminum
Hypereutectic aluminum
Connecting Rods
Forged steel
Cracked powdered metal with floating wristpins
Ignition
Distributorless with coil pack
Coil-on-plug, high-thread-insert spark plugs
Bore x stroke
3.95 x 3.32 in. / 100.4 x 84.4 mm
3.55 x 3.54 in. / 90.2 x 90.0 mm
Displacement
245 cu. in. / 4,009 cc
281 cu. in. / 4,606 cc
Compression ratio
9.7:1
9.8:1
Horsepower
210 @ 5,100 rpm
292 @ 5700 rpm
Horsepower per liter
52.5
63.5
Torque
254 lb.-ft. @ 3,700 rpm
315 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Recommended fuel
87 Octane
87 Octane
Fuel capacity
22.5 Gallons
22.5 Gallons
Fuel Injection
Sequential multi-port fuel injection
Sequential multi-port fuel injection
Emission Control
Closed loop with catalyst
Closed loop with catalyst
Emissions (tailpipe/evaporation)
Tier II, Bin 4 / ULEV II
Tier II, Bin 5 / LEV II
Oil Capacity
5 quarts with filter
6 quarts with filter
Recommended Oil
GF-4, 5W-30
GF-4, 5W-20
Coolant Capacity
12.5 quarts
12.7 quarts
DRIVETRAIN
Layout
Rear- or four-wheel drive
Rear- or four-wheel drive
TRANSMISSION
Standard
5-speed automatic overdrive
6-speed automatic overdrive
Gear Ratios
1st
3.22:1
4.17:1
2nd
2.29:1
2.34:1
3rd
1.54:1
1.52:1
4th
1.00:1
1.14:1
5th
0.71:1
0.86:1
6th
N/A
0.69:1
REV
3.07:1
3.40:1
Final Drive
0.71:1
0.69:1
REAR AXLE RATIO
Standard
3.55
3.55
Optional
3.73
NA
SUSPENSION
Front
Independent short- and long-arm (SLA) architecture with coil-over shocks; 32-mm stabilizer bar
Rear
Independent Trailing Blade short- and long-arm (SLA) architecture with coil-over shocks; 25-mm stabilizer bar
STEERING
Type
Low-friction rack and pinion with power assist
Steering column
Tilt
Ratio
18.9:1
Turns lock-to-lock
3.6 turns
Turning circle curb-to-curb
36.8 ft
FUEL ECONOMY (city/hwy)
4x2 4.0-liter V-6
5-speed automatic
2009 MY figures N/A
4x2 4.0-liter V-8
6-speed automatic
2009 MY figures N/A
4x4 4.0-liter V-6
5-speed automatic
2009 MY figures N/A
4x4 4.6-liter V-8
6-speed automatic
2009 MY figures N/A
BRAKES
Type
Four wheel power disc brakes with standard 4 sensor, 4 channel anti lock braking system (ABS) and AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control)
Front
305 x 30 mm ventilated
Swept area
780 cm 2
Rear
301 x 12 mm solid
Swept area
608 cm²
Power assist
Vacuum
TIRES AND WHEELS
P235/70R16 A/S OWL tires/ 16 x 7.0 inch painted aluminum wheels
P245/65R17 A/S OWL tires/ 17 x 7.5 inch painted aluminum wheels
P245/65R17 A/T OWL tires/ 17 x 7.5 inch machined aluminum wheels
P235/65R18 A/S OWL tires/ 18 x 7.5 inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
P255/50R20 A/S BSW tires/ 20 x 8.0 inch polished aluminum wheels
