Ford Explorer

Everyday Explorer drivers taken by surprise by a tread separation or loss of tire pressure in high speed traffic situations may have panicked and swerved violently, resulting in a significant portion of reported rollovers. They come in olive drab, tan, and black. The Explorer did not flip in any of the numerous tests , and that was mostly because the driver managed to stay calm. GLOCK also manufactures their own line of knives: By all regards they are of good quality and are popular due to the fact that they are easily affordable and made by GLOCK. Car and Driver magazine tested a first-generation Explorer with a built-in rollcage and a special device that would flatten the tire at the push of a button. However, the GLOCK 25 and 28 pistols are relatively popular in nations where handguns in "military" calibers (.45 ACP, 9mm Parabellum) may not be purchased by the general public. Ford denied these allegations. This failure is not due to any inherent defect in the model, but due to the fact that a small pistol chambered for the .380 ACP cartridge does not meet the "sporting purposes" criteria by which imported pistols are judged.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs have argued that both Ford and Firestone knew of the dangers but did nothing, and that specifically Ford knew that the Explorer was highly prone to rollovers. GLOCK 25 or 28 pistols are not available to the general public in the United States, as they do not meet the standards required for the importation of pistols under the Gun Control Act of 1968. A large number of lawsuits have been filed against both Ford and Firestone, some unsuccessful, some settled out of court, and a few successfully. GLOCK 18/18C pistols are select fire automatic/semi-auto machine pistols and not available to the general public in most countries. A product recall was announced, allowing the Ford Explorer owners to change the affected tires for others. Rather, it is a slang term some people use to refer to GLOCKs chambered in .40 S&W. However, a subsequent NHTSA investigation of real world accident data showed that the Ford Explorer was no more likely to roll over than any other SUV. However, no such variant of the GLOCK exists at this time.

Many outside observers tend towards blaming both parties; Firestone's tires being prone to tread separation and failure, and the Explorer being especially prone to rolling over if a tire fails at speed compared to other vehicles. Note: One can come across references to a "GLOCK 40" from time to time. Ford's conclusions were confirmed by NHTSA in their report into the tire failures, published in October 2001. To disassemble a GLOCK handgun, follow these steps:. Ford, meanwhile, pointed out that tires manufactured by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to the same specification had a spotless safety record when installed on the Explorer. GLOCK guns feature tool-less disassembly to facilitate easy field maintenance. Firestone has claimed that they have found no faults in design nor manufacture, and that failures have been caused by Ford's recommended tire pressure being too low and the Explorer's design. Most handguns can be disassembled for proper maintenance and cleaning.

Ford and Firestone have both blamed the other for the failures, which has led to the severing of relations between the two companies. The GLOCK name has been misused as a generic slang term for any expensive black handgun. Many rollovers cause serious injury and even death; it has been estimated that over 250 deaths and more than 3,000 serious injuries resulted from these failures. GLOCK also claims that its "Safe Action" safety system (see above) results in smoother trigger pull. If that happened, and the vehicle was running at speed, there was a high likelihood of the vehicle leaving the road and rolling over. GLOCK pistols have gained popularity due to the fact that the lower height of the barrel compared to the grip results in less torque when shooting and lower perceived recoil, which many owners feel makes the gun more comfortable to fire. The failures all involved tread separation—the tread peeling off followed often by tire disintegration. GLOCK pistols have a significantly lesser weight than a typical all-steel, or aluminum frame handgun, which has been a point of popularity for officers and private citizens that carry a concealed handgun.

Ford investigated and found that several models of 15 in (381 mm) Firestone tires (ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness AT) had very high failure rates, especially those made at Firestone's Decatur, Illinois plant. GLOCK pistols have a great deal of popularity among police, Govt., and private citizens specifically due to the greatly reduced number of parts which comprise the gun (nearly half as many as the typical handgun), the low cost of replacement parts, and the ability to entirely disassemble the gun with a simple pin, or thin rod of any make, to fully break down the gun without the requirement of any specialized tools or time, even in the field. In May 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Ford and Firestone about the high incidence of tire failure on Ford Explorers fitted with Firestone tires. They contain a relatively small number of components, making in-the-field maintenance and repair simpler.
. They are able to function under extreme conditions and to fire a wide range of ammunition types due to their rugged construction and simplicity of design. See a complete list at List of Ford Explorer suppliers. GLOCK pistols are renowned for their reliability.

Suppliers include Johnson Controls, Magna International, Lear Corporation, Dana Corporation, and Visteon. The gun is also used in all police services in Australia except Victoria. A large number of companies are suppliers for materials and parts that make the Ford Explorer. GLOCK's website states their pistols are "in use in 65% of law enforcement agencies." The US FBI issues all agents graduating from the FBI Academy a GLOCK 22 or GLOCK 23 at the agent's preference. It is assembled in Louisville, Kentucky and Hazelwood, Missouri. GLOCK sidearms are very common handguns among law enforcement agencies in the United States; many estimates place GLOCK's market share among USA Police departments at over 60% (based on total number of guns sold, not percentage of departments). The Explorer is assembled at two different plants. GLOCK claims sales of over 2.5 million handguns in over 100 countries.

After the Firestone tire problems (see below), Ford withdrew the Explorer from the UK market. Despite the controversy, GLOCK pistols still continue to be the favorite of military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. That meant that UK SUV buyers largely stuck with Land Rovers or Jeeps. It has been purported that because of the the specific design of the polygonal rifling in the GLOCK, owners should not shoot non-jacketed lead ammunition in a GLOCK, since lead residue can quickly build up and cause a decreased bore diameter and therefore a dangerous over pressurization in the barrel and potentially create a structural failure or warping in the chamber of the barrel. Many UK buyers only bought SUVs if they needed cargo flexibility or off road capability, and they looked at the SUV as less of a family car, as they believed that station wagons were the best family haulers, unlike Americans. However, there continues to be controversy over the presence of an unsupported chamber, critics arguing that it is not necessary and is a liability for the company. The Explorer was poorly received in the UK, apparently in large part because it was designed for comfortable city cruising, rather than off road capability. Supporters also point out that kB!s occur in other firearms as well, particularly M1911 frame pistols.

With the introduction of the second generation Explorer in 1995, Ford attempted to market the Explorer in the UK, similar to the Taurus Ghia, Ford's attempt to market the Taurus in Australia and New Zealand. GLOCK, in its own defense, says that in every manual that comes with their pistols there are instructions informing the shooter of the dangers of using non-factory rated ammunition, and that if the shooter uses factory loaded, jacketed ammuntion and makes sure to properly clean and care for their firearm, the firearm will function safely. It will be a successor to the F-Series Lightning pickup with 390 hp (291 kW) and 21 inch wheels. The subsequent rapid expansion of gas into the chamber caused the pistols to fail, usually damaging the polymer frame and/or magazine. A special 2007 SVT model called the Sport Trac Adrenalin will use a supercharged version of the 4.6 L Modular V8. The lack of support in the chamber, usually combined with lead bullets, reloaded, or +P (over-loaded) ammunition, would cause the casing to fail. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ will be standard in the Sport Trac. The chamber lacks full support in the rear by the feed ramp in order to facilitate feed reliability.

Unlike its predecessor, sold through 2005, it will feature the V8 engine as an option, and will be based on the new, larger Explorer platform. The cause of this malfunction was traced to issues with a purposely oversized (loose), and partially unsupported chamber in GLOCK's pistols chambered in .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 SIG, and 10mm. Despite slow sales, a new Sport Trac will be added to the Explorer line in early 2006 for the 2007 model year. Upon pulling the trigger, the cartridge case would rupture and cause an explosion that would tear apart the gun and often send shrapnel into the shooter's face. The Explorer was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2006. Controversy arose over GLOCK's safety standards when multiple cases of explosive malfunction occurred in GLOCK pistols sold to police departments in the United States. A six-speed automatic transmission is available with this engine as well. GLOCK pistol kB's usually damage the firearm, with minor injury to the shooter.

A 210 hp (157 kW) 4.0 L V6 will be the base engine, with the 292 hp (218 kW) 24-valve V8 taken from the Mustang as the top choice. Coined by firearms reporter Dean Speir, a kB! (or kaBoom!) is the term used to describe the explosive malfunction of a firearm, with usually very costly, if not deadly, results. The new Explorer is marketed in Japan in a left-hand drive configuration, as LHD vehicles are considered prestigious there. The GLOCK pistol does not have a external hammer and thus cannot be "cocked" or "uncocked" in the conventional manner and does not make the sort of sounds that are commonly heard in TV and movies. Ford Australia has a capable local equivalent instead, being the Australian designed and developed Ford Territory. One common aspect of popular media portrayals of the GLOCK pistol is when someone pulls out or points a GLOCK pistol and the foley artists insert the sound effect of the GLOCK being "cocked" like a revolver. However, unlike previous Explorers, there will be no right-hand drive version engineered. GLOCK handguns have seen much fictional exposure in action movies and TV shows that often continue to spread misconceptions about the GLOCK pistol.

Power running boards (like those on the Lincoln Navigator) that retract when the vehicle is in motion are an option. The most commonly available GLOCK pistols with the ILS are the G17, G19, G22, G23, G26, and the G27. A tire-pressure monitoring system and electronic stability control will be standard. The ILS is available as an option on all GLOCK pistols except for the G36, however not all ILS equipped GLOCK pistols are carried by distributors nor imported with the option. Along with this new, stronger base are a new interior, redesigned rear suspension, and power-folding 3rd-row seats. When disengaged, the ILS adds no further safety mechanisms to the GLOCK pistol. The Explorer and Mountaineer are updated for 2006 on a new frame, produced by Magna International rather than Tower Automotive. When activated, the ILS renders the GLOCK unfireable as well as making it impossible to disassemble.

All three trucks use code U6 (for 4x2), U7 (for 4x4), and U8 (for AWD) in the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions of the VIN. This is done to give both a visual and tactile indication as to wether the lock is engaged or not. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ were standard for 2005. When activated, the lock causes a tab to protrude from the rear of the grip. Trim lines were the base Sport Value, Sport Choice, XLS, Sport Premium, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and top Limited. Group key hierarchic solutions are available for law enforcement agencies. Both manual and automatic 5-speed transmissions and 2, 4, and all-wheel drive were available. It is cylindrical in design and, according to GLOCK, each key is absolutely unique.

Engines were either the SOHC 4.0 L V6 (210 hp/157 kW) or a 4.6 L 239 hp (178 kW) V8, with the 203 hp (151 kW) 4.0 L V6 still available on the Explorer Sport. The ILS is a manually activated lock that is located in the back of the pistol's grip. The 4 door Explorer and companion Mercury Mountaineer were redesigned entirely in 2002, losing all kinship with the Ranger and the continued Explorer Sport/Sport Trac. In 2003, GLOCK announced the Internal Locking System (ILS). 2001 saw the introduction of the Explorer Sport Trac, which put a small pickup bed behind the four normal SUV doors. In the event of failure, the weapon should be immediately taken out of service until repaired by a qualified GLOCK armorer. Another facelift came in 1999, at which time the XLS name replaced XL as the base model . As a part of regular field stripping and cleaning, the striker safety can and should be "function checked" to ensure that it is operational.

This was replaced with more conventional lamps when the liftgate was refreshed in 1998. When combined with other major component failures, such as a broken slide rail, GLOCK pistols may fire unexpectedly. The 1995 Explorer was the first production vehicle to use a neon center high mount stop lamp. Normal wear to the striker safety may cause the striker safety to fail if the safety is excessively worn. A Mercury twin, the Mercury Mountaineer was added in 1997 as well. With GLOCK pistols, like any firearm, accidental injury can still be caused by manipulating the trigger when it is not your intention to shoot. A more-powerful SOHC 205 hp (153 kW) engine came as an option in 1997 along with an optional 5-speed automatic. Similar systems for internal safeties have since become standard for many major brand makers of semi-automatic pistols.

A 210 hp (157 kW) 4.9 L "5.0" V8 engine was added for 1996 along with real all wheel drive on the Eddie Bauer and Limited in 1997. They are:. Two more trim lines were added as well, the Limited was a higher end 4-door, while the Eddie Bauer trim level was replaced with Expedition on 2-door Explorers (1995 only, the name would be reused on the 1997 Ford Expedition). All 3 safeties are disabled one after the other when the trigger is depressed. The Explorer lineup now consisted of two models: 2-door Explorer Sport and the 4-door Explorer. GLOCK calls this the "Safe Action" system. The former "Twin Traction Beam" (TTB) front suspension was replaced with a more car-like independent front suspension. GLOCK pistols use an internal safety mechanism with three components with no external thumb activated safety switch.

The Explorer saw significant exterior, interior and suspension updates in 1995. In fact, GLOCK pistols are made of polymer and steel, are made in Austria, are visible to X-ray equipment, and are not significantly more expensive than comparable firearms. A variant of the Explorer Sport was sold by Mazda as the Mazda Navajo, which won Motor Trend's Truck of the Year award but was discontinued two years later. It doesn't show up on your airport X-ray machines, and it cost more than you make here in a month!. It featured automatic headlights, foglamps, an automatic transmission as standard equipment, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a center roof console with compass and outside thermometer, special wheels, and a special grille. That punk pulled a GLOCK 7 on me! You know what that is? It's a porcelain gun made in Germany. Available only in the 4-door style, it was even more upscale than the Eddie Bauer version. In Die Hard 2, the character John McClane portrayed by Bruce Willis specifically refers to a non-existent GLOCK 7 with many fictitious characteristics:.

The Limited version was also added for 1993. Contrary to popular movies like Die Hard 2: Die Harder and In the Line of Fire, neither GLOCK nor any other gun maker has ever produced a "ceramic" or "plastic" firearm which is undetectable by ordinary security screening devices. 15 hp (11 kW) was added for 1993 for a total of 160 hp (119 kW). In addition, virtually all of these "plastic" parts contain embedded steel to make them functional, not to make them "detectable". A 5-speed manual transmission was added, for the Sport, for 1992, and the engine lost 10 hp (7.5 kW). In fact, 83% (by weight) of the GLOCK pistol is ordinary gun steel and the "plastic" parts are in fact a dense polymer known as 'Polymer 2' which is radio-opaque and thus also shows up under X-ray security equipment. Explorers came in 4 trim levels: base XL, XLT, Sport (the two-door version), and the upscale Eddie Bauer. It has since become an urban legend that to this day continues to appear in news reports and movies, and has even been a topic of debate in the United States Congress.

There were both 2-door and 4-door bodystyles with available rear or four wheel drive. The claim that they could not was first made in an article published in the Washington Post on January 13, 1985, entitled, "Quaddafi Buying Austrian Plastic Pistol." In this article, vocal gun control advocate Jack Anderson made the allegations, which were then reported without fact-checking by the Associated Press and further reported by many United States television news stations and newspapers. Like its predecessor, it was based on the Ford Ranger compact pickup truck and was equipped with a 4.0 L 155 hp (116 kW) V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Contrary to early reports, GLOCK pistols do set off metal detectors and can indeed be detected by X-ray machines, due to their metal barrels and slides. The Ford Explorer was released in March 1990 as a 1991 model, replacing the Bronco II, which was almost exactly identical to the original Explorer. GLOCK also offers pistols chambered in .357 SIG, .380 ACP, 10 mm Auto, .45 ACP, and the new .45 GAP (GLOCK Automatic Pistol). . The GLOCK 22 is currently (as of mid-2005) the single most popular police sidearm in use in the United States; because of their ease of use, reliability, and low price, GLOCK pistols in general are in use by over 60% of the police officers in the US.

Part-time four wheel drive is an available option, and since 1995 this has been a 'shift on the fly' system with full protection against being engaged at too high a speed. GLOCK was the first manufacturer to offer models chambered in the cartridge (GLOCK 22 & GLOCK 23 - 1990), beating Smith & Wesson to the marketplace with their own cartridge. Both two-door Explorer Sport and four-door models of Explorer have been sold. GLOCK pistols are popular with law enforcement agencies and defense-minded private citizens, especially when chambered for modern, powerful cartridges such as the .40 S&W. The Explorer has also been involved in controversy, after a spate of fatal rollover accidents involving Explorers fitted with Firestone tires. Its first pistol model was the GLOCK 17 (so named because it was the 17th patent of the company), a 9 mm Luger Parabellum handgun with a 17 round capacity (unusually large at the time), introduced in the early 1980s as a response to the Austrian army asking for a new sidearm. It has been the best-selling vehicle midsize SUV in the United States each year since its introduction, and is one of the vehicles instrumental in turning the SUV from a special-interest vehicle into one of the most popular vehicle types on the road. According to GLOCK, this is technically incorrect.

The Ford Explorer is a midsize sport utility vehicle sold mostly in North America built by the Ford Motor Company since 1990 and still in production as of 2006. The names of the company and its products are often referred to as "Glock" and not as "GLOCK". The GLOCK corporate name and the pistol model designations are spelled with all uppercase letters. They later supplied the Austrian Army with machine gun belts, practice hand grenades, plastic clips, field knives and entrenching tools. The company started life manufacturing curtain rods.

Mainly known for being the manufacturer of polymer-framed pistols, GLOCK also produces equipment such as field knives and entrenching tools (shovels). . GLOCK is an Austrian defense contractor (named after the founder Gaston Glock) founded in 1963 in Deutsch-Wagram, near Vienna, Austria. Reassembly takes place in the reverse order.

Slide the barrel forward and remove the barrel. Depress the recoil spring on the slide and remove the recoil assembly. With the catch fully lowered push the slide forward and completely off. With the slide in this position, lower the catch located on either side of the pistol between the slide and the trigger.

(Cocking the gun will inhibit disassembly.). Pull the slide back approximately 3mm, making sure the gun does not cock. Pull the trigger and confirm no round was fired. Aim the barrel in a safe direction, away from any persons, animals, or objects.

Let the slide return. Remove any cartridge or brass in the chamber. Pull the slide back and engage the slide lock. Remove the magazine.

Drop Safety: the far end of the same extension bar locks the striker into place from the rear until the trigger is pulled. Striker Safety: a spring-loaded pin attached by an extension bar to the trigger assembly blocks the striker from striking the primer (Percussion cap) of the cartridge until the trigger is pulled. Trigger Safety: a lever mechanism contained within the trigger that prevents the trigger from moving unless the lever is depressed.