Can we start a campaign to get Ford to make a vertical to horizontal conversion kit?

CoHPhasor · Apr 5, 2024

Now that Ford has taken the feedback to not be so stupid, and have the large SYNC screen be horizontal in 2025 models, it would be nice for all us customers who made them so much money, to be allowed to pay them more money for a horizontal conversion kit.
The design decision is bad for safety alone, not even accounting for the fact that usability went down in general. I appreciate that someone was trying to cut corners and look like a corporate superstar by making only one width of dash, but this implementation hopefully went the opposite for their career.
(My previous-gen with 8" is more useful, how did we go backwards not forwards in 5 years?)

I would love to see enough consumer pressure for Ford to correct this for us.
I really don't want to have to fab a dash and hack this sh**, but I will dunk on them if necessary.

2020FordRaptor · Apr 5, 2024

Ford would never spend the development money to do a conversion kit. For some people it is good enough. Also, 2025 Explorer doesn’t have Sync, it has Google software system.

UNBROKEN · Apr 5, 2024

This is already available through the aftermarket using oem parts. No reason to “dunk” on anyone…just buy the shit and swap it out. Takes about 30 minutes.

CoHPhasor · Apr 5, 2024

UNBROKEN said:

Interesting - I didn't realize there was already a way to swap in the 2025 Explorer Infotainment system from the aftermarket already... link?

2020FordRaptor · Apr 5, 2024

CoHPhasor said:

He referring to the 10” to 8” horizontal Sync-3 downgrade. There will be no way, ever, that we will be able to directly swap the Google software system based 2025 infotainment system into our Sync 3 vehicle. There is a better chance of Ford putting a Coyote in these things then Ford ever offering a vehicle swap kit. It would require a whole dash assembly swap at least.

CoHPhasor · Apr 5, 2024

2020FordRaptor said:

Which is where I was going.
I don't mind getting nuts on the dash (Dont bring a blacklight), but for it to be viable, I need to be able to electronically join the unit to the vehicle, even if it requires a software update.
(Instead of the Lincoln hack)

UNBROKEN · Apr 5, 2024

CoHPhasor said:

It’s not a software update to Sync 4….it’s a hard replacement of every piece in the system that can’t talk to the rest of the car anyway.
if you want a horizontal screen…slap in the 8” conversion and be done with it.
Sync 3 and 4 share nothing at all.

CoHPhasor · Apr 5, 2024

UNBROKEN said:

I appreciate the sentiment, but it's really an old school mentality that we shouldn't let manufacturers lean on any longer.
We aren't talking Legos and K'Nex, we're talking about Legos with a certain functionality, being swapped out for other legos.

- The chassis, or at least where the dash fits, is the same
- The vehicle's electrical system runs on a CAN bus (same spec)
- The ECU does not run infotainment

What am I getting at?
It is entirely possible for one system to be changed out for another.
Does that mean it's a straight screen swap? No, it is not.
Does it mean I should be able to swap my dash and the infotainment control unit? You bet your a** it does.
We are not talking rocket science, or even swapping out the entire infotainment system from a Bentley into a Ford, we're talking Explorer to Explorer in the same generation 1 yr apart.

boiler662 · Apr 5, 2024

CoHPhasor said:

Once we get some vanity panels made for the Lincoln screen they should look better and as Unbroken said if you don't like the Lincoln screen get the 8" landscape screen that fits 100%.

In the past APIMs were swappable as newer sync versions were released, this time they are going from Sync to Google I HIGHLY doubt it will be possible and even if it were you are going to have the same issue as the Lincoln swap and to even suggest swapping the entire dash for a screen is just a little bat shit crazy.

CoHPhasor · Apr 5, 2024

boiler662 said:

In your world and many others, it may be batshit crazy to do a dash swap.
For the rest of us, it's Tuesday.
- Auto trans to Manual swaps
- High-power-capable trans swaps
- Clutch disc installation kits
- Turbo upgrades
- Porting and polishing
- Engine swaps
- Full suspension changes

People do those things all the time, and many of us do it not for track days, but just because we want it.
I dont see why any of this is such an argument, or why people seem so quick to defend the idea that Ford shouldn't allow for an option.
Wires are wires. Adapters are made all the time, and new-functionality radios are introduced to vehicles all the time.
Going from a 10" portrait system to a 10" landscape system should be a non-issue.
Coming from the software world, I'll tell you that APIM/SYNC to Google is a non-issue. You change out a controller, that is not welded into the car, and does not control the engine system - it's just wires you guys.

I appreciate that many of you don't feel the need for this, but you're already hacking the dash and having custom parts made, and using display systems that are super expensive (once your swap is official the price of used will go sky-high or be unavailable), and your systems aren't working 100% the way they should anyway.

CoHPhasor · Apr 5, 2024

Here, take a look and open your mind to the possibility that something not meant for something else can be transformed.

https://www.theautopian.com/how-som...berpunk-cluster-for-their-1980s-nissan-300zx/

UNBROKEN · Apr 5, 2024

LOL….good luck. Post the results.

Dale5403 · Apr 5, 2024

UNBROKEN said:

Doubt we will ever see that. Pretty stupid shit for sure.

GearHead_1 · Apr 5, 2024

CoHPhasor said:

I appreciate the sentiment, but it's really an old school mentality that we shouldn't let manufacturers lean on any longer.
We aren't talking Legos and K'Nex, we're talking about Legos with a certain functionality, being swapped out for other legos.

- The chassis, or at least where the dash fits, is the same
- The vehicle's electrical system runs on a CAN bus (same spec)
- The ECU does not run infotainment

What am I getting at?
It is entirely possible for one system to be changed out for another.
Does that mean it's a straight screen swap? No, it is not.
Does it mean I should be able to swap my dash and the infotainment control unit? You bet your a** it does.
We are not talking rocket science, or even swapping out the entire infotainment system from a Bentley into a Ford, we're talking Explorer to Explorer in the same generation 1 yr apart.

You should make a fortune. Be sure to let us know when you have the bugs worked out and it is available. I have no doubt Ford will be very disappointed they didn't add this to their aftermarket accessories.

CoHPhasor · Apr 5, 2024

As I expected from people on a forum like this.
A lot of shade for someone inquiring about something they dont find feasible, though you're happy to post about changing out your subframe for an Aviator one to get a second bolt, or dropping in the Infotainment unit from a Lincoln, or tearing out your entire interior to put dynamat all over the unibody - seems pretty hypocritical.

I posed a question that is outside your realm, and I can appreciate that, but you clearly could have spent your time in another thread instead of hating on someone else's desires for their vehicle, especially when it has to deal with something you all loathe, and are trying to overcome as I speak.

Dale5403 · Apr 5, 2024

CoHPhasor said:

As I expected from people on a forum like this.
A lot of shade for someone inquiring about something they dont find feasible, though you're happy to post about changing out your subframe for an Aviator one to get a second bolt, or dropping in the Infotainment unit from a Lincoln, or tearing out your entire interior to put dynamat all over the unibody - seems pretty hypocritical.

I posed a question that is outside your realm, and I can appreciate that, but you clearly could have spent your time in another thread instead of hating on someone else's desires for their vehicle, especially when it has to deal with something you all loathe, and are trying to overcome as I speak.

Why did you buy it? Did you have your eyes closed? Or was your head up your ass?

Your question is just plain stupid. Go take on Ford for your stupidity .

CoHPhasor · Apr 5, 2024

^ How surprising, someone criticizes someone else and says "Why did you buy it" - it was the onr thing I didnt like, and quickly grew to HATE it - guesd what? Everyone downgrqding or eying the Linclon did the same - your argument is invalid.

If I look at your posts and find things you changed that you would have known when you bought it, that makes you a hypocrite, right?

I think we all make compromises because no one makes EXACTLY what you want.

That all said, the more I learned about the system itself (only sae it last night), the more it disqualifies itself. You all get your wish - I wont be letting Google into my vehicle to this degree.

Being an infotainment system main feature is one thing, but Google being deeply engrained in the system, controlling the cluster, and having its AI/recording sysyem running all the time is a dealbreaker.
Google simply cant be trusted.

2020FordRaptor · Apr 5, 2024

CoHPhasor said:

Obviously it wouldn’t just be a software update. I think the Lincoln screen is your only option if you aren’t happy with the vertical screen.

CoHPhasor said:

I don’t think you will ever get the modules to get along together.

CoHPhasor said:

A google system swap, even if viable would be extremely expensive. People are barely scratching $1,000 with Lincoln swap with used parts. All of the custom mods you mentioned above are done on vehicles that aren’t so technologically centered like these new vehicles.

CoHPhasor said:

That part is for a 1980 Nissan, not a 2020 Explorer ST. Sure, adding modules aren’t going to be extremely difficult, but adding or replacing modules will be expensive and probably too much of a headache than it is worth. If you want to do it, and you have the dough, do it. We here are just trying to tell you that it is not viable.

CoHPhasor said:

A subframe swap is drop out and drop in, not completely recomputing a vehicle.

Dale5403 said:

@CoHPhasor honest question, why not just get a 2025?

CoHPhasor said:

Now I do agree with you somewhat on some of this.

Dale5403 · Apr 5, 2024

@CoHPhasor honest question, why not just get a 2025?

So why not you stupid idiot. Are you related to Newsom?

Cruising68 · Apr 6, 2024

Hey, do whatever you want, that’s my philosophy!

And for the record, I swapped my subframe and never criticized your project. Just sayin

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Can we start a campaign to get Ford to make a vertical to horizontal conversion kit?

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