• Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer (2001-2003) 4.0L V6 Engine - Blue
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  • Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer (2001-2003) 4.0L V6 Engine - Blue

Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer (2001-2003) 4.0L V6 Engine Blue

$99.95
$99.95 $135.00
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Give your 2001-2003 Ford Explorer or Sport Trac 4.0L V6 the airflow upgrade it deserves—designed to deliver sharper throttle response, increased torque, and a more aggressive engine note without the restrictive factory airbox.

Built for the SOHC V6 That Does the Work

The third-generation Explorer and first-gen Sport Trac are trusted platforms—reliable daily drivers, capable towers, and proven off-road rigs. But Ford's factory intake system wasn't built for performance. It was designed for quiet operation and emissions compliance, which means your 4.0L V6 has been breathing through a straw since day one.

This cold air intake changes that. By replacing the restrictive stock airbox with smooth-flowing T-304 aluminum tubing and a high-flow washable filter, you're giving your engine the oxygen it needs to respond instantly. The result is crisper throttle, better low-end torque, and a deep induction sound that reminds you there's real power under the hood.

What Makes This Intake Different

  • T-304 Aluminum Tubing: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant construction reduces intake temps and improves airflow efficiency
  • Washable Performance Filter: Reusable design saves money and delivers consistent airflow for the life of your vehicle
  • Complete Hardware Kit: All clamps, couplers, and brackets included for a straightforward bolt-on install
  • Aggressive Sound: Deep mechanical growl under acceleration—no more muffled factory tone

Real-World Performance Benefits

  • Improved Throttle Response: Instant pedal feel from idle to redline
  • Increased Torque: Better pulling power for towing, climbing, and merging
  • Horsepower Gains: Measurable power increase across the RPM range
  • Fuel Efficiency Potential: Optimized air-to-fuel ratio can improve MPG when driven conservatively

Installation & Fitment

This is a direct bolt-on upgrade. Remove the factory airbox, install the new aluminum tubing and filter, secure everything with the included hardware, and you're done. Basic hand tools and about an hour in the driveway are all you need.

Important: Before starting installation, disconnect the negative battery cable and leave it disconnected for at least one minute after you finish. This allows the ECU to relearn the new airflow parameters. Make sure the engine is completely cool before beginning work.

Compatible Vehicles

  • 2001-2003 Ford Explorer (4.0L V6 SOHC)
  • 2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac (4.0L V6 SOHC)

What's in the Box

  • T-304 aluminum intake tubing
  • High-flow washable air filter
  • Couplers, clamps, and mounting hardware
Engine Safety Rating
Difficulty 

Fitment

Make

Ford

Engine Size
  • 4.0L

Year
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - Basic bolt-on, but requires a delicate touch when transferring sensitive factory electronics.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm socket and ratchet (for battery terminal and airbox bolts)
  • 8mm socket or nut driver (for hose clamps)
  • T20 Torx bit (for the factory MAF sensor transfer)
  • Flathead screwdriver or panel popper (for releasing harness clips)
  • Pliers (for the PCV breather clamp)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The 3rd Gen (U152) Explorer 4.0L SOHC community constantly battles P0171 and P0174 lean codes caused by the factory ribbed "accordion" intake tube cracking in the valleys. When removing this old tube, the plastic PCV breather fitting is notoriously brittle. Wiggle it gently with pliers—don’t force it, or you’ll snap the vacuum line leading back to the valve cover! Upgrading to this solid aluminum tube permanently fixes this known chassis headache.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal on your 2001-2003 Ford Explorer 4.0L using a 10mm wrench. This prevents accidental shorts and clears the ECU’s long-term fuel trims so it can relearn for the new airflow.
  2. Unplug the Sensors: Locate the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor on the factory airbox lid and intake tube. Gently depress the locking tabs with your thumb or a flathead screwdriver and pull the connectors straight off. Tuck the wiring harnesses safely out of the way.
  3. Disconnect the PCV Breather: Squeeze the tension clamp on the factory PCV breather hose using your pliers. Slide the clamp back and carefully twist the hose off the factory plastic intake tube. Remember, the plastic is old and brittle—take your time.
  4. Loosen the Clamps: Grab your 8mm socket and loosen the factory hose clamps securing the rubber intake tube at the throttle body and at the airbox lid.
  5. Extract the Factory Airbox: Pull the ribbed factory tube off the throttle body. Next, use your 10mm socket to unbolt the factory lower airbox assembly from the passenger-side fender well. Lift the entire chunky, restrictive assembly out of the engine bay.

Phase 2: Installing the Blue Cold Air Intake

  1. Transfer the MAF Sensor: This is critical. Using your T20 Torx bit, carefully remove the MAF sensor from the factory airbox lid. DO NOT touch the delicate exposed wire element inside the sensor. Insert it into your new Blue Cold Air Intake tube and tighten it down using the supplied hardware. Ensure the flow direction arrow on the sensor points toward the throttle body!
  2. Install the Heat Shield: Drop the new aftermarket heat shield into the space left by the factory airbox. Secure it to the factory fender mounting points using your 10mm socket and the provided hardware. Install the rubber edge trim along the top of the shield to seal it against the hood.
  3. Mount the New Intake Tube: Slide the provided silicone couplers onto the throttle body and onto the new blue intake tube. Position the tube into the engine bay and securely tighten down all T-bolt or worm-gear clamps using your 8mm socket.
  4. Reconnect the Vital Systems: Push the factory PCV breather hose onto the new tube’s welded aluminum nipple and secure it with the factory clamp. Plug the MAF and IAT sensor wiring harnesses back in until you hear a solid click. Finally, slide the high-flow air filter onto the end of the tube inside the heat shield and clamp it tight with your 8mm socket.
  5. The ECU Calibration Startup: Reconnect your negative battery terminal with your 10mm wrench. Start the vehicle, but do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds. The 4.0L Cologne V6’s computer needs this uninterrupted idle time to adjust its fuel mapping to the massive influx of dense, cold air.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2001-2003 Ford Explorer 4.0L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.

Warranty

All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]
Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer (2001-2003) 4.0L V6 Engine Blue

$99.95