I work for an auto supplier who makes sound insulation, including insulators that are placed on the sheetmetal dash (ie., firewall, though the automakers hate that word) behind the instrument panel. So removing the dash (or IP) is pretty common around here. As some of the guys have stated, it's not that hard, just can take a while to find all the little connections that you don't think about. Lots of wiring, lots of little screws and bolts holding the dash to the heater core, firewall, tunnel, center console, and attaching e-brake, steering column, etc.. I have never torn an Explorer dash out though, so I don't have any specific tips on it. I'm assuming that you just want the dash off, in which case you shouldn't have to worry about draining the HVAC system, disconnecting the brake, coolant lines, etc. The whole thing probably looks more intimidating than anything.
