Yeah, they ain't getting along too well now.
Firestone is blaming the whole thing on the Explorer's "poor steering system" and the recomended tire pressure. Ford is saying the tires are crap. Car and Driver did a test with Goodyears where they could "blow" a tire at will. By "blow" they let all the air out of it rapidly by remote. Basically the Explorer went straight. It pulled a bit under breaking, but it most deffently didn't flip like several of the Firestone failures did.
Anyway. Firestone and Ford aren't getting along too well. Hmm... I wonder if SS220s are on sale...