Ranger Explorer Difference
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
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From: Montana Territory
Ranger Explorer Difference
They were just option packages for people that didn't know wat to select. My Ranger XLT has two tone paint, Power Steering, power brakes, high output heater, A/C, tinted glass, chrome package and stuff like that. Explorers had four levels of upgrades and there were 3 ranger levels. Prior to the ranger and explorers you had customs and sport customs. There were other options that were available like engine size and transmissions and rear end ratios.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,862
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From: Beachville, Ontario
Ranger Explorer Difference
Custom and Ranger are the two different versions. You could get the Explorer package on both trucks. I think the Explorer was a hood ornament, side badges, stripes, and chrome strips holding in the ceiling liner.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: North Alabama
Ranger Explorer Difference
I have a '77 Explorer. It I thought they were all customs but you learn something every day. Mine is a custom with the stripes side badges and hood ornament. It also has factory rims and upgraded interior with the "Ranger" type door panels and carpet. The seat is comfort weave and vinyl (can't find that anywhere). The truck is black with red stripes and red interior. They were kind of a poor mans Ranger in those days. I remember at the bank when I took out the loan to buy it the Explorer package was not listed in the NADA book value so they went by Custom. That was the best $2,900 I ever spent. It's been the best truck in the world.
Ron
Ron
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 302
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From: Southern, NJ U.S.A.
Ranger Explorer Difference
I have a 75' F-100 Custom Explorer. Truck color is brown with (I think) yellow stripes (faded). Interior has been completely redone black. New seat, headliner and trim, dash, and rubber floor and door panels. Everything else was painted black. Thanks for the post I always wondered what the difference was myself.
I tell my little nephew (10 yr. old truck kid) that I have the original ford explorer. What was the actual year of the first explorer?
I tell my little nephew (10 yr. old truck kid) that I have the original ford explorer. What was the actual year of the first explorer?
Last edited by CodaSmog; Jun 5, 2003 at 01:04 PM.
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From: Southern, NJ U.S.A.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 997
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From: texarkana, tx
Ranger Explorer Difference
...and I've just got the "plain" Custom.
He's located at <http://www.beedzncomputers.com/truck/truck.html> if you want to eyeball him. He might be "plain" on the outside but cruise around on my web site and you'll find there's a T-REX with a bad attitude under the hood!
He's located at <http://www.beedzncomputers.com/truck/truck.html> if you want to eyeball him. He might be "plain" on the outside but cruise around on my web site and you'll find there's a T-REX with a bad attitude under the hood!
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I have a 1978 1/2 f 150 ranger/explorer it has both emblems has explorer on front of the hood and on the side of the bed.On the side of the fenders has f150 ranger and the glove compratment has a ranger emblem with wood grain back ground.It also has the crome package on lower panels and running down the side of the truck With stanless mirrors .The interior is red ,red carpet,red headliner with crome trim and sliding rear window.Also has crome front bumper.I wander if this was something done at the dealer.I brougth the truck from a friend he got it from his dad.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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I've notoced that in 78 & 79 Ford couldn't make up their mind's on where to place the Explorer emblems on the bed, some were above the rear side marker lights and some were below. I've seen them either way for either year. Maby it was up to the assembly plant ?
