Anyone know anything about the Explorer trim? I had my bed replaced(long story) and the one I picked up says Explorer on the side. I've also noticed that the Explorer box feels more secure(and heavier on the back). Anyone know anything?

 

Does no one know anything about this trim level? If Wikipedia had a more in depth article I wouldn't've posted here. I was just wondering if the trim level covered f250s as well as f150s.

 

Wish I could help. I have an explorer edition F-150 that i just bought a week ago, but no clue what the difference is.

I'm interested in hearing the answer though, if anyone gets around to it.

 

It's a limited edition Trim and options package. The years go from 1968 to 1986.

They were avaliable in F-100, F-150, F-250 and F-350 stylesides, and in the earlier years on Rancheros and Broncos too. They were also avaliable on the mid sized ranger for a short time.

They were only avaliable for a few months each year model, and were not featured in the main brochures. Each year Explorer model is different, with different limited edition trim, equipment or stripes. The Limited edition Explorer Stripes started in 1973, and the unique explorer hood ornament was featured on 1975-1981 year models with slight changes. Also special limited edition paint colors were avaliable and limited edition seat fabric were installed on Explorers.

The Eddie Bauer replaced the Explorer as the sole limited edition by 1987.

Here is a Explorer Gallery of pictures I put together that shows an example from each year, with their unique stripes and features.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayalbum.php?&userid=205875&albumid=16651



Hope this helps...

 

there was a huge thread about this maybe a year ago. If I remember right it had a bunch of good information, as well as some super sexy pictures of some explorers. I myself have an '82 f-150 explorer that should be 100% rebuilt by the end of this year. Its bright blue, has a different grill (might have been replaced by my grandfather, but I doubt it), 302, C6, manual windows/locks, Bright blue, 4x4, but Aside from the explorer badge and striping, I don't know whats different about it. I'd love to get my hands on an explorer brochure for that year, If anyone knows how.

 

I have a 1981 Explorer Brochure, however since they changed so much each year it wont do much good for any year except 1981.

I got my brochures on e-bay, and from my local dealer when they were cleaning out their automotive library.

 

I'm having a heck of a time finding one on e-bay...maybe I'll stop by my local dealer and see of how little help they can be for me. Was there ever a book that contained all of ford's trucks and options for each year?

 

Yeah they had manuals and such that covered the different trim levels and options.

 

Other than the Brochures, not really.

They did have an options and accessories catalog, and it does contain valuble info. However it's more to do with, well options and accessories you can add, rather than what came with a certain trim level.

The 1982 Explorer Brochure is what you really need. Probably more rare than the actual truck unfortunately.

Just for Reference, 1981 Explorer Brochure info. Will only really match the 1981, but anyway....

1981 Explorer Package A:

1: Explorer Tri Color Tape Stripe (Bodyside and tailgate) in three Color Choices
2: Explorer Bedside nameplate
3: Explorer Hood Ornament
4: Sport Wheel Covers
5: Bright Rear Window Moulding
6: Wheellip Moulding
7: Chrome Grille
8: Chrome Tailgate Release Handle
9: Custom Trim Series Avaliable in choice of:
9A: Unique Plaid Cloth and Vinyl - Medium blue / Red / Nutmeg
9B: Unique Knitted Vinyl - Medium Blue / Red / Nutmeg

Package B:

1: Package A
2: Unique Tu-tone paint configuration
3: Cloth Headliner and moldings except supercab
4: Ranger Door Trim
5: Color Keyed Floor Mats
6: Security Lock Group

Package C:
1: Package A and B
2: Ranger XLT door trim
3: Color Keyed Carpet
4: Woodtone instrument panels
5: Deluxe Steering wheel
6: Automatic Transmission (requires 5.0L engine on 4x4)
7: Power Steering
8: Power Brakes
9: Air Conditioning
10: Tinted Glass
11: Am/Fm stereo
12: Tu-tone delete option

Package D:

1: Package a-b-c
2: Speed Control
3: tilt Steering wheel
4: Sports Instrumentation (Tach)
5: Convenience Group
6: Auxillery Fuel TanK

Model Avaliability:
1: F-100/F-350 except chassis cab
2: Regular and Supercab (LWB-SWB)
3: Stylesyde pickup box, except six wheeler
4: 4x2 and 4x4 models

Option restrictions, following not avaliable on 1981 Explorers:
1: Tutones / Regular / Combination / Deluxe / Victoria
2: Upper bodyside protection molding
3: Trim Levels: Ranger/Ranger XLT/Ranger Lariat
4: Freewheeling package
5: Seat trim, all vinyl or heavy duty vinyl
6: Captains chairs
7: Lower Bodyside protection moulding
8: Upper bodyside accent stripes
9: Tie Down Hooks.

Hope this helps...

 

I'm going to add this to the sticky suggestion as: 1968 - 1986 Explorer Trim

Keep the Explorer trim info coming!

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

Wow that's alot of info! Anyone have in-cab pics? Wikipedia and Google seem to be lacking them. I'm thinking of making my base model into an Explorer edition. Also apologies if my responses seem rushed - dealing with intermittent internet.

 

The interior of mine is pretty basic, it's Explorer Package A.
That's mostly outside options. Pictures of my interior can be seen in my gallery for my 1981.

 

Wow those pics in your gallery really help - I also found out the paint underneath the brown is as blue as the truck bed(yay go Ford) o.O

 

Ironically enough, if the outside of the truck was painted, you'd pretty much never know you had an Explorer. There's nothing in the documentation of the truck that indicates it's the special Explorer package. The one I just bought came with all the original paperwork, including the window price sticker, and it says nothing about being an Explorer. If you were to check the rear end, you'd find it had a 3.08, which came with the Explorer package. This is really helpful for highway driving when you have a 300 straight 6.

 

I'm not sure,but when I ordered an options sheet from Ford on my F100,the first thing it listed was the Custom trim level.So there's a chance it shows up on that.

Some of the Explorers had special seat/interior trim that was specific to a certain year,so as long as the seat/trim weren't changed,you could still tell.But it doesn't work for them all.