Want to Start Modding Your Explorer ST? Here’s Where to Start

Hello everyone! So you want to start modifying your Explorer ST? With so many different aftermarket parts available, where do you start? Today we will be going over great starter modifications that will transform your Explorer ST from a fairly quick SUV, into a total sleeper. Enjoy!

#1: PCM Tuning (2020-24 cars only)

Let’s Talk PCM Tuning!

These cars respond very well to these two modifications. First, custom PCM tuning is the modification that nets the biggest gains. Usual numbers from a custom tune and intercooler are around the following:

• Stock 91/93 octane: 330awhp-350awhp; mid 13-second quarter miles
• Tuned 91 octane: 450-475 AWHP; lower mid 12-second quarter mile times
• Tuned 93 octane: 460-490 AWHP; low 12-second quarter mile to high 11 second quarter miles
• Tuned E50 mix (highest ethonal content with most performance gained): 500-540 AWHP; high 11-second quarter mile to low mid 11-second quarter miles

All of those numbers are average numbers and depend on many different variables like DA, fuel quality, dyno type, other supporting mods, etc.. More importantly then AWHP numbers are quarter mile numbers, and as shown above are much improved over stock.

#1: Upgraded Intercooler

Secondly, is an upgraded intercooler. Although a upgraded intercooler does not increase peak HP, it helps retain peak HP by reducing heat soak. The stock intercooler is a joke, and even stock tune Explorer ST’s experience heat soak very quickly. All intercoolers perform the same, the CV-Fab unit tends to be the cheapest (especially with TYLERCLARK1 code) and has an amazing warranty.

Let’s Talk Intercoolers!

For 1-Bolt Rear Subframe: Rear Differential Brace

In early-2021 Ford decided to cut costs and put the 1-bolt rear subframe on the ST, Platinum, and then-new King Ranch. The 1-bolt was the rear subframe that was on the 2.3L Explorer. The product of that, is even with the stock 400-HP that the 3.0L produces, under hard driving and especially launching causes too much pressure on the one-bolt, causing it to snap. It is an horrible snapping sound that is very apparent. The vehicle is then rendered unusable as the rear differential hangs freely. Also, someone has recently found the bolt to be bent, which is new. This displays that even if you are not launching often, and just occasionally hard driving, it can bend the bolt and weaken it, making it more susceptible to snap. That is why I highly recommend a rear differential brace. I recommend the AWR or ID-Speed unit.

Let’s talk Differential Braces and Why They are Needed!

#4: HSF Led Kit (2020-24 cars)

The factory reverse lights are very underwhelming, and the halogen rear turn signal bulbs and license plate bulbs look cheap. The Houston Speed Freaks LED Light Kit is an great upgrade. For the reverse lights, it’s brighter then most headlights (2500 lumens from each bulb), and the crisp look of the LED turn signals and license plate bulbs give the car a better look. They also come with an industry leading 3 year warranty from date of purchase.

#5: Rear Sway Bar

Sway bars are a very integral part of the suspension. They are tasked with preventing too much body roll and keeping weight distribution as even as possible. Due to the relatively large weight of the Explorer ST, a upgraded rear sway bar completely transform the way this 4,000LB. SUV handles. I recommend the aFe sway bar, the Steeda units coating tends to have rusting out easily.

Let’s Talk Sway Bars!

#6: Lowering Springs

Lowering springs are my favorite cosmetic modifications for the Explorer ST. Lowering the car gives the car a better stance and helps handling. Lowering springs get rid of the wheel gap that a performance SUV should not have.  I recommend the Eibach lowering springs.

Let’s Talk Lowering Springs

#7: Wheels or Spacers

The stock 21″ wheels are very good looking in my opinion, but their biggest downfall is their bad offset. Tucked inside the fenders, the car just does not look right. 1.25″ wheel spacers all around with -.5* of camber in the rear will make the wheels perfectly flush with the fenders.

If you want to upgrade to different wheels, the golden setup is 22×10.5″ with +30 offset wrapped in a 295/40, 305/35, 305/40 (with some rubbing), or 315/35.

#8: Custom Emblems

One of the things that is frustrating, is that the ST did not receive the black emblems from the Timberline. I love how a pair of custom emblems look. Emblem City makes a great pair of emblems if you are looking to go custom, and Ford Accessories have the Black emblems from the Timberline.

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