• Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer Sport Trac (2001-2003) 4.0L V6 Engine - Red
  • Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer Sport Trac (2001-2003) 4.0L V6 Engine - Red
  • Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer Sport Trac (2001-2003) 4.0L V6 Engine - Red Default Title

Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer Sport / Trac (2001-2003) 4.0L V6 Engine - Red

$94.99
$94.99
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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 - A straightforward bolt-on, but requires a delicate touch when handling aged plastics and sensitive engine management sensors.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm wrench and 10mm socket with a 1/4-inch ratchet
  • 8mm socket or 5/16-inch nut driver
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • T20 Torx driver
  • Panel popper (or trim removal tool)
  • Socket extension (6-inch)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
On the 4.0L SOHC platform (Explorer and Sport Trac), the factory PCV breather hose that connects to the intake tube suffers through brutal heat cycles. After two decades, that plastic is incredibly brittle. Do not just yank it. Gently twist the hose to break the seal before pulling. Furthermore, when transferring the MAF sensor, NEVER touch the exposed wire element. If you get dirt or finger oils on it, you’ll be chasing P0171 and P0174 lean codes all weekend.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to prevent check engine lights on your 2001-2003 Ford Explorer 4.0L.
  2. Unplug the Sensors: Gently press the locking tabs to disconnect the wiring harnesses for the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor. Use a panel popper to carefully pry the wiring harness retaining clips out of the factory airbox so you don’t tear the wires.
  3. Loosen the Clamps: Take a flathead screwdriver or an 8mm socket and loosen the factory hose clamps securing the accordion intake hose to the throttle body and the airbox lid.
  4. Disconnect the PCV Breather: Carefully remove the PCV breather hose from the side of the factory intake tube. Gently twist the plastic elbow first to free it up before pulling outward.
  5. Remove the Airbox Assembly: Unbolt the lower factory airbox tray using a 10mm socket and socket extension. Once the bolt is out, pull the entire intake tube and airbox assembly straight up to pop it out of the lower rubber mounting grommets.
  6. Extract the MAF Sensor: Place the factory airbox on a workbench. Use a T20 Torx driver to remove the two screws holding the MAF sensor in the housing. Gently pull the sensor out, taking extreme care not to bump the fragile wire element against the housing walls.

Phase 2: Installing the Red Cold Air Intake

  1. Mount the Heat Shield: Drop the new heat shield assembly into the engine bay, lining up the pegs with the factory rubber airbox grommets. Secure the upper mounting tab using the provided hardware and a 10mm socket.
  2. Transfer the MAF Sensor: Carefully slide the factory MAF sensor into the precision-machined slot on your new intake tube. Secure it using the supplied bolts and an Allen wrench. Tighten gently—over-torquing will strip the threads or crack the sensor flange.
  3. Install the Intake Tube: Slide the provided silicone couplers onto the throttle body and the heat shield opening. Insert the new red intake tube into the couplers. Slip the new hose clamps over the ends and position them so they are easy to reach. Once everything is aligned, lock it down by tightening the clamps with an 8mm socket.
  4. Reconnect the Lines: Push the factory PCV breather hose onto the new aluminum nipple welded to the intake tube. Reinstall the IAT sensor into the supplied rubber grommet by pushing it in firmly. Finally, snap the MAF and IAT wiring harnesses back onto their respective sensors.
  5. Final Check and Relearn: Verify all hose clamps are tight and tools are clear of the engine bay. Reconnect the negative battery terminal using your 10mm wrench. Start the engine and do not touch the gas pedal for 20 seconds. Let the vehicle idle so the ECU can properly adjust the fuel trims to the increased airflow.

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 Sport / Trac (2001-2003) 4.0L V6 Engine - Red

$94.99