Is the little "spoiler" shown in the image below something that was optional on US market Explorers? It's a 1998 model year. I've never seen one with it. I bought one car that was originally sold in Canada and I'd prefer not to do that again (too much rust). And I don't want a cheesy aftermarket add-on. I prefer factory original.

http://images.craigslist.org/00J0J_7...RG_600x450.jpg

 

I've never seen that before. It looks aftermarket, but you never know. I think those are Ranger wheels as well.

 

Agreed, that definitely looks like an aftermarket stick-on spoiler. The fit an finish does not look like what you'd get from the factory, and considering how much wind resistance that appears like it would create, I don't think the factory would have designed that since it wouldn't help fuel economy.

Through the 80's various SUVs had little wings above the rear glass but those seemed more aimed at helping to keep the rear window clean longer. Once manufacturers started including rear wipers, the little wings seemed to go away.

-Rod

 

Bought a '98 new, nothing like that was in sight anywhere, not in print and not on any vehicle.

 

Up to recent years there were units like this for sale in the aftermarket. (Lund - Windjammer?)

WINDJAMMER - Lund Windjammer (Rear Deflector) - Lund

Ford did offer unfinished and pre-finished spoilers recently (around 2008-09).

I was looking for a spoiler for our 07 Explorer, but I planned to just make a carbon fiber piece (have not done it yet).

I rather have the spoiler, since we donʻt use the rear wiper much.

The spoiler does keep dust and water off of the rear window (I had installed a FORD part on a ʻ91 Explorer back in ʻ91). It work very well.

 

A wind deflector would be great if it didn't interfere with the rear glass. I have had them on several vehicles and they are great for not only keeping the rear glass/door clean, and for not smelling exhaust in the vehicle when the door seals are less than perfect.
Something like what's on the back of my old Suburban:

 

I see what appears to be either an Eagle or a Spirit in that photo....

-Rod

 

the Saleen explorer wing is the best, but you cant find one and if you can its EXPENSIVE. a guy back in '06 on the explorer forums made a replica out of a Kia minivan wing it was not cheap either but it looks soooo good!

i had the Lund Windjammer at one time but always wanted the Saleen style wing.

 

An Eagle, AKA the biggest rolling POS on the road when it did run, and the source of enormous frustration the rest of the time. I have vowed to never again own an AMC. The concept behind AMC is great, use the best components from the mainstream manufacturers but then they slapped them together so poorly and without any regard to maintenance so it's just a giant PITA to work on them.
It wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't wanted one since they were new, but it was such a letdown. The Wagoneer I had was the same way, but the older Kaiser one was built much better. My AMC Wagoneer had had at least three electrical fires before I got it and then I wound up completely rewiring it. Giant pockets in the back body to catch any water that just happened to leak around the roof rack or inadequate rear seals, and rotted from the inside out- Yeah I'm done with AMCs.

 

I never had the, umm, fortune, of owning an AMC. Like you, I was convinced when I first saw an Eagle that I would own one someday. I was like 7 at the time. I thought the concept of a 4WD car was cool. By the time I was old enough to drive, I was interested in something more sporty.

-Rod

 

I would like to own a new AWD SHO Taurus.