A design in which the wheels of the vehicle are pulled as far outward, forward and rearward as possible, within the constraints of the vehicle dimensions, thereby encroaching less on the passenger compartment and creating more interior space without increasing the overall vehicle length and width.

Acronyms for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing, which may be used separately or in conjunction with each other. CAD uses computers to generate drawings and to perform complex design scenarios and structural analyses. CAM uses computers to numerically program and control machines to produce automotive parts

The acronym for Corporate Average Fuel Economy. This miles-per-gallon (mpg) figure is a sales-weighted average of the fuel economy for all cars and/or trucks produced by a manufacturer. The minimum required car or truck standard is established by the federal government.

The shape of each lobe on a camshaft that determines the amount or duration of time that an intake or exhaust valve is open and the valve’s maximum opening, or lift.

See Alignment.

A shaft in an engine block or cylinder head that includes a series of lobes which regulates opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, helping the engine to breathe.

A removable and retractable cover that keeps valuables in the cargo area of hatchbacks, station wagons and sport utility vehicles out of sight.

Optional equipment which allows you to extend the bed of your truck an extra 12-plus inches for more cargo space.

A net, usually made of nylon mesh, that secures cargo and packages in a vehicle’s luggage compartment or rear cargo area.

This figure includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight, including cargo and optional equipment (consult salesperson). When towing, trailer tongue weight also is part of the Cargo Weight.

See Alignment.

A muffler-shaped device in the exhaust system. Usually contains platinum or palladium, which acts as a catalyst in a chemical reaction that converts unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into water vapor, carbon dioxide and other gases that are less toxic than untreated exhaust fumes.

Cellular telephone communication functions by means of a technologically advanced two- way radio link between a cellular phone and a local telephone network that services a given area.

The point at which the entire weight of a body is considered to be concentrated so that, if supported at this point, the body would remain in equilibrium in any position.

The portion of the vehicle that constitutes the functional elements that attach to the frame, including:

• Suspension
• Steering components
• Powertrain
• Brakes
• Fuel system

An unfinished truck featuring an occupant compartment, or cab without a cargo bed. A chassis cab requires the addition of cargo carrying (cargo box, flatbed), work performing (tow lift) or load-bearing components (dump assembly) to perform its intended functions.

A mechanical device that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission/ transaxle during shifting, operated by a pedal to the left of the brake pedal. Depressing the clutch pedal interrupts power flow to the transmission/transaxle. Releasing the clutch pedal with the gear shifter in place will re-engage the transmission/transaxle. The clutch must be fully depressed to start a vehicle with a manual transmission/transaxle.

A spiral-shaped spring that can be compressed or extended without permanent deformation and that is widely used in front and rear suspension systems, including the MacPherson strut front suspension used on many Ford vehicles.

The portion of the engine’s cylinder head where the air/fuel mixture is ignited and converted to mechanical energy.

A slight resiliency, or give, designed into suspension bushings to help absorb bumps and road irregularities.

Any material that consists of two or more material components typically combined to take advantage of the best material properties of each; e.g., fiberglass--glass fibers bonded with plastic.

The ratio between the engine cylinder volume (including the combustion chamber) when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke, and the volume when the piston is at the top of its stroke.

A production vehicle modified for installation of new design concepts for evaluation of functional feasibility.

The mechanical link between the piston and the crankshaft that enables the piston’s up-and- down travel to be converted into the crankshaft’s rotational motion. Some Ford engines use
Forged, Powdered-metal, Cracked Connecting Rods. These connecting rods are manufactured using a process pioneered by Ford. Connecting rods are typically forged from a flat or round metal billet. Powdered-metal rods, however, begin as loose metal powder blended to the required composition and forged in a form that is nearly at the final net shape.

A refined version of a universal joint, typically used on front-wheel-drive vehicles to help reduce vibrations inherent in normal universal joints. The CV joint or double universal joint cancels out vibrations caused by the transfer of driving power to the front wheels.

A suspension element that typically connects a spindle or hub to the frame or body with the use of bushings and/or ball joints.

An advanced four-wheel-drive system that allows you to select between two driving modes. Select "Auto" and split the torque-on-demand between the front and rear wheels. Or select 4x4 "On" mode, which locks the front and rear axles together for adverse conditions.

(Explorer 4-Door and Expedition)
The Control Trac® system includes electronic logic and a full-featured, 2-speed transfer case

• For Explorer 4-Door, the system is activated using push buttons on the instrument panel with three selections: 4x4 AUTO, 4x4 HIGH and 4x4 LOW
• For Expedition, the system is activated using a rotary switch on the instrument panel with three positions: A4WD (four-wheel drive auto), 4H (four-wheel drive high), and 4L (four-wheel drive low)
• The 4x4 AUTO (or A4WD) mode provides four-wheel drive with full power to the rear axle, and to the front axle as required for increased traction. This mode is appropriate for any driving, whether on dry pavement or in adverse conditions; though for extreme winter weather or off-road driving, a customer may choose to switch to 4x4 HIGH (4H) or 4x4 LOW (4L)
• The 4x4 HIGH (4H) mode provides four-wheel drive with full power to both axles. It is only intended for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow and ice (where no pavement remains uncovered), and shallow sand. 4x4 HIGH should never be used on dry pavement, as the vehicle will bind when going around corners
• The 4x4 LOW (4L) mode supplies four-wheel drive with full power to both axles and includes a lower gear ratio for low speeds. It is only intended for off-road applications that require extra power including deep sand, steep grades, and when pulling a boat and trailer out of water. 4x4 LOW should never be used on dry pavement, as the vehicle will bind when going around corners
• Only the Explorer 4-Door automatic models can be retrofitted with a Neutral Tow Kit through a Ford dealer to allow the transfer case to be shifted to Neutral. This permits the vehicle to be flat towed for extended distances (such as behind a motor home) without risking damage to the automatic transmission. The Expedition does not have this capability.

The system that removes heat from the engine by the forced circulation of coolant and thereby prevents engine overheating. In a liquid-cooled engine, it includes the water jackets, water pump, radiator, and thermostat.

Lamps located at the front corners of a vehicle and activated with the turn signal to provide improved side illumination when turning. Cornering lamps are automatically deactivated when a turn is completed and the turn signal stalk returns to its idle position.

Pairs of lamps, such as the side door stepwell lamps, which provide additional illumination for occupant convenience. Available on select models only.

The vertical portion of the vehicle body behind the engine and immediately to the rear of the hood and under the windshield.

The primary shaft in the engine that converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotary motion. The crankshaft forces the pistons, via the connecting rods, upward to compress the air/fuel mixture prior to combustion. The combustion of the fuel then forces the piston downward, causing the crankshaft to rotate. The crankshaft is connected to the flywheel and clutch or torque converter flex plate, which transmits power to the transmission

The cross car beam helps reduce steering wheel movement in a frontal collision to help keep the airbag in proper deployment position. This beam also helps enhance structural rigidity.

Any one of the several horizontal support members in a vehicle structure positioned laterally between chassis side members.

Sections of a vehicle body and/or frame engineered to progressively deform in a collision, thereby absorbing impact forces instead of transferring them to the passenger compartment. Also known as crush zones.

The weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, oil, lubricants, coolant and a full tank of fuel. Note: This definition may differ from definitions used by governmental regulatory agencies.

An incomplete vehicle (based on the Ford E-Series Van) that includes a driver/passenger compartment without a rear wall and is intended for use with specialized conversion bodies.

The aluminum or iron casting that houses the combustion chamber, intake and exhaust ports and most or all of the valve train, and located directly above the cylinders.

Also known as the cylinder sleeve, the circular housing in which the piston moves when it is not an integral part of the engine block.

The tubes in an engine block in which the pistons move up and down. The number of cylinders and their configurations determine the engine type (in-line, V, etc.) Cylinders are bored, or drilled, into an engine block formed of cast iron or aluminum