10 DIY Upgrades | Ford Explorer

See below for all the links you’ll need. And thanks for watching! Hope this inspired you to upgrade your Ford Explorer today!!!
Recommended Products:
Rain Guards - amzn.to/3Lm4wVK
Reverse Lights - amzn.to/3eX3q6P
License Plate Frame - amzn.to/3xxrN1r
Hitch Cover - amzn.to/3VrMu8g
Lamp Guards - amzn.to/3dkyJZ1
HVAC Control Module - parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/cli...
Black Badging/Ovals/Emblem - accessories.ford.com/products...
Red Letters - www.etsy.com/listing/98926543...
Racing Stripes - accessories.ford.com/products...
Recommended Gear:
Mechanics Chair - amzn.to/3SsYKof
Meguiar’s Clay Bars - amzn.to/3xYBBBO
Jack Pad - amzn.to/3DHzhCG
All Amazon links are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Instructions:
Ford Ovals - www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...
Racing Stripes - accessories.ford.com/products...
Rain Guards - www.autoventshade.com/images/...
Lamp Guards - assets.weathertech.com/assets...
Reverse Lights - www.foexplorer.com/ford_explo...
HVAC Control Module - www.foexplorer.com/ford_explo...
Jack Points - www.foexplorer.com/ford_explo...
Time Codes:
Intro - 00:00
Rear Badge/Oval - 00:31
Front Badge/Oval - 01:50
Red Letters - 04:09
Racing Stripe - 04:27
Rain Guards - 06:01
Hitch Cover - 07:18
Lamp Guards - 07:36
Reverse Lights - 09:00
License Plate Frames - 10:18
Rear HVAC Control Module - 11:18
Jacking Up - 12:46

[@ericperry72]

Dude, you definitely know how to add just the right touches to enhance the car own style and not look tacky! Awesome job.

[@darelljackson1288]

Now this is how you mod a vehicle!!! All the right touches. Not overdone. Best looking Explorer ST I've seen. Congrats!

[@EvilDeadFan11]

Good video. Makes me happy that my new explorer came with black badging. Also, touchless carwash means no swirls. Touchless is the only way.

[@makatron]

That black oval looks legit, but boy does it take some work that front one. All these are pure function and zero bluff. Great video mate.

[@TomGlander]

That black emblem looks super nice.

[@mrcleod]

I think it's bc you're so calming when you talk about this. Great production too

[@Zaltic]

I love all the small details. Nothing major but they make a huge difference

[@henryharle89]

The black Ford ovals look great. The whole car looks awesome. Now I have to trick out my 2020 ST.

[@bbrewer609]

Nice job, I have a 21 ST and I have done about half of your mods but I like the other ones as well. That red Explorer lettering on the plastic kick panel is a very nice touch. Nothing goofy everything nice, clean, and subtle. I had never seen that jack pad before I was always using a small piece of 2X4 on my jack so thanks for that. I'm gonna order the jackpad and reverse lamps right now!

[@nebaseball6]

Just got a ‘22 black ST 2 weeks ago. This video was perfect. Thank you🤙🏼

[@tkuh5978]

Nice ride. the black on black looks great. I love the red lettering & the rear climate controls. Thanks for sharing.

[@Eighty8Fitter]

I recently wrapped the top half of my wife’s white ST black to give it that “Range Rover look”. Looks incredible and no one else in the area has an ST like hers now!

[@2007farenheit]

Beautiful! I just got a 2021 limited in infinite metallic blue. She’s a beauty. Awesome video man!

[@Skawt28]

Glad I found your video. I was able to find the rear hvac control module and installed it today.

[@lmedina4731]

She looks good, I like subtle customization

[@freshstart6]

Yes, on the rain guards!

[@Ninja-nl2io]

Cpol video, you nailed the look. Everything looked really good and like your attention to detail with the logo delete on the rain guards.

[@ekaddo]

Thanks for taking the time. great information

[@chefduane3742]

Interesting in the jack pads. I didn't know they made those so I used hockey pucks from Academy and cut slots into them for the pinch welds.

[@Hotokie]

Very very great stuff! What do you think about painting mat side parts? JP-Performance did it, and it looks insane!

[@lorinledger]

Awesome! Love the black look.

[@Robert8455]

I don't even have an ST but considering one. I like your mods, they turned out nice. Slick trick with the rear A/C controls.

[@0GS0]

I love your narration brother. Keep it up.

[@TaylorRayKunTree]

Very helpful! Thanks muchly! Starting my to-do list for the new whip!

[@BrawndoQC]

For the light covers it's with a heat gun or hair dryer. Same concept than tinting windows. Black emblems was the first thing I did. It's kinda necessary to shrink the material in the curves.

[@macmake89]

Thank you for taking the time show us

[@ellanguajardo8866]

Love the racing stipes! !

[@fefella3937]

One minor thing that Will absolutely completely change the look of your vehicle will be if you tint all the windows around!!

[@rainbowsunshinekitty3953]

I did to protect anyone in the back on long trips from sunburn. And previous owner tinted the front with 20%. Front and back match. And windshield tint 50% to finish her off.

[@alexxbaudwhyn7572]

Imo, it's dangerous to other drivers to tint windshield and front door windows so much you can't see the driver. Facial cues and 2 way eye contact are important parts of driving with others on the road

[@sbenn6917]

I agree, it makes a huge difference. The only problem is that you can't see at night.

[@Eighty8Fitter]

I second this. Tinted my wife’s ST immediately

[@kmscrap]

Depends on the laws in your state on tinting.

[@Corvetjoe1]

Man, that looks good! I just blacked out my burgundy 2017 Flex and now I’m getting magnaflow mufflers added. Now that my kids all drive and it’s paid off, I decided to make it the way I wanted it to be. I plan to keep it until the engine goes and then put a new engine in it because it’s a great car and that’s way cheaper than buying a new vehicle😉. Great mods on your Explorer. Thanks for the great tips.

[@raydogg1965]

Looks good. I just got that same trim this week. I like the add ons.

[@PhuNguyen-hk8tj]

Very nice. I am probably going to wait for the refresh for Sync4 before I pick up a ST.

[@Sick_ridz]

You should look into the zeus3d Hitch cover. It covers that whole back piece way cleaner look. Great Video

[@Will_Bx_NYC_718]

Awesome mods, makes me wish I had an Explorer to do the same mods myself.

[@qbagcal]

Thanks for the video and ideas for mods.

[@NashOrleans]

My 2019 explorer has a single tone horn. They stopped putting the dual tone horn a little bit before mine. The dual tone was a bit to find but for less than $100 it sounds so much better. It was just one bolt and all the rest was the same. The fit was tight to get it in, but patience did it.

[@-king_ace_omerta_313_]

Great vid bro. Very detailed. Instant New subscriber.

[@NashOrleans]

You mentioned not using acetone when changing the oval. I recommend the same. It is a very strong solvent and can mess up some finishes and plastics.

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

Looks great! Makes me want one!

[@rjfullhouse5560]

Dude that rear hvac hack is aswm! I am sure that will surprise tons of people

[@toddrunyon]

Agree 100%. I just bought my new Explorer XLT today and am going to see if the wire is there. If so, I found the controller on line at multiple places for around $60.

[@raytorres8249]

Good job!!! I have the XLT in black maybe I will make a few changes my self.

[@johnthomas7177]

Wow I'm sold this truck is beautiful I'm getting on just like this

[@nobaiat5621]

Awesome job!

[@FrancisEdward-jt7sv]

Hello, did the ford black oval came with both for the front and the rear? Thank you

[@johnkeeney1554]

Nice job. Good blend of ricer and old man car.

[@mikeg.8107]

Appreciate the video, well done👍

[@Shad0wC0mpany2]

Does Ford offer these factory black emblems for the 2019 Explorer?

[@BRIANMcQuiston]

I hated my factory license plate lights, so I replaced with LED. looks so much better.

[@SBHink]

There's some nice covers for the gas and brake pedals to look more like a hot rod. Aluminum looking with rubber bars running down them.

[@jeffharding5725]

Great video! Can you switch the turning signal in the tail light to LED as well?

[@Ericsson2k11]

Nice Video now i just need a Ford Explorer

[@yomamalisa]

❤⭐️❤⭐️❤⭐️❤⭐️ Looks great! You made it your own

[@jerryclark5689]

Some cool stuff, thanks man,

[@FanofLocke627]

Great video !

[@user-ul9kt4es6d]

Does the window gap from the rain guard increase road noise in cabin?

[@marvinjackson2641]

I'm thinking about getting this vehicle. Saving this video for sure to get some ideas on clean mods. What size are your rims and are they stock?

[@cagilber]

Love some of the ideas. Can’t believe you found the rear HVAC control. I’ve been waiting since February 2022 for them to come in, but it feels like they never will.

[@mugs132]

lascoautoparts on eBay was the seller I purchased it from. Not sure if they have any more. I joined the explorerst forum and got some tips from other members who found one but got lucky on eBay one night. Good luck, it’s especially convenient for rear passengers in the winter.

[@MikeHarris1984]

I've been looking for the rear HVAC controller and heated seat controller too... The seats are there with the heated parts in and wired, but we cant turn them on! ugh

[@mrlnjlf72]

How do you control real hvac with out that?

[@mugs132]

Using the screen in the front. There’s setting for temp and air speed. I don’t believe the rear heated seats can be used without the module though.

[@johnmanning4895]

Oemfordpartsfast has that controller but said it won’t fit my 2022 explorer hybrid. Hmmm. I’d like to nest all that upgrade.

[@IRDC305]

Great video

[@celuis9]

Sick ride!! I changed the reverse and turn signal bulbs to LEDs on wife’s Limited

[@o0oStillWeRiseo0o]

what size wrench?

[@ricklavoie3703]

Great job bud

[@akeemg7711]

Just beautiful 👏

[@brianbachmeier34]

Beautiful

[@LP-lb7jo]

Great video! to the point not a lot of BS. Our tastes are very similar. Looks awsm!!!

[@robertgomes7548]

I just bought one same car I freaking love it and it screws too!!!!!

[@koman8036]

Tinted windows would also look good on that black on black on black.

[@mugs132]

Noticing more and more vehicles with tinted front windows. I actually don’t prefer tints ironically. The old man in me wishes it was brighter inside the cabin. Makes it easier to switch lanes and see blind spots

[@bobyoung1698]

Nice.👍 I went with all LED bulbs on my '88 Mustang GT and it looks lot better.

[@jabezn3018]

Wow ] Very good job. I have explorer too. so given me ideas ; thank.s

[@MrNorm-lr5iv]

This was a good video.👍

[@iCEBERG711]

I’m getting a 2020 model next week…. I’m doing almost all of these mods!! Lol mine is black so I’m not the proudest to bite another man’s style but this looks amazing.

[@offdatgogo]

As a new owner of a '16 Sport, I approve these mods. My Ex is burgundy and I think I'll go with the all matte black emblems front & rear. I crazy that your model requires the front bumper to be pulled away just for the emblem but it looks very well worth it. Also crazy the the rear HVAC module is missing yet has the harness. Ford always does little weird crap like this. But well done. Your Ex looks killer.

[@lifegoeson05]

They did that cause “supply chain issues” most 22 and newer don’t even come with massage seats.

[@fordaeromax]

FYI...you can also get red stick on letters for the rear EXPLORER lettering underneath the rear windshield. Have seen it and it looks good!!

[@aboalooos]

Very nice video

[@markusronnblad]

Cool mods and nice video. But the background sound the hole video? What was that, the neighbor doing the lawn?

[@dannyj7618]

Explorer is ST is one SEXY MACHINE! I have 2013 interceptor - and its cool, its 3.7L, but man do I want a 3.5L EcoBeast! Black on Black on Black is SICK!

[@niborro4862]

I love that car man awesome

[@yuxinli0915]

Thanks for the video. Love it. For the front end, I use the same jack spot to lift it and then put jack stands at the pinch well. I wonder where is the best place for the rear end.

[@mugs132]

First off, it’s a bummer that Ford didn’t design and engineer jack points to raise the entire front or rear of the vehicle at once with a floor jack so we can rest the car on jack stands. Ridiculous. So we’re on our own to find a way that won’t damage the vehicle. For the rear, I think there’s possibly a decent spot on the rear subframe. Look at schematic E302520 here www.foexplorer.com/ford_explorer_removal_and_installation_rear_subframe-1496.html there’s two huge bolts in purple holding the subframe to the car (forward of the axle) I would Not floor jack under these (or any) bolts, but just next to them looks like a strong point that’s flat. I’ve not tried it yet, just a guess and something I plan to try in the future. Check explorerst.org to see what others are doing.

[@yuxinli0915]

@@mugs132 Thanks for the reply. I agree with you. Those are similar spots like the front end. However, they are not as flat. So not sure if it's going to work well with jack. I've also seen a post where someone mentioned using the rear differential as the jack spot but I don't think it's good idea.

[@youcanthide004]

KILLER‼

[@resistance_codm6245]

If you have troubles trying to get vinyls (like the lamp guards) to stick use a little bit of heat from a heat gun but be sure not to hold it on one spot for too long as it can ruin it. I use it to install vinyl graphic kits on dirtbikes

[@SEGxEnjoy]

Near the rear HVAN control, is it possible to swap the cigarette style power point to the AC 110 150W?

[@ryanbae_special]

Hello i have a 2021 explorer Will the black emblem fit my car too? I wonder if it's the size 😅

[@MikeHarris1984]

Just picked up my 2022 Ford Explorer ST last week... Fully loaded with 401a high tech package and ST high package I cant find black ford emblems anywhere!!!! I like the black matte stripes... I think I'll do that too... Mine is a black on black ST with the blackout package. I have done this week -Mishimoto Intercooler -aFe CAI -Thermal R&D Downpipe back exaughst -Changed the chrome lugs to BLACK lugs to match the BLACK out package -aFe strut tower support brace -SPD Performance 3" catted Downpipes (multiple forum members show a 30+hp and 40+Ftlb increase with JUST this alone) -Building my custom tune on my HPTuners MPVI2+ system For performance, the one thing that will WAKE up the ST, do the intercooler, its a $1k purchase, but WELL WORTH IT!!!! the stock intercooler might as well be just a pipe its so useless...

[@mugs132]

Black ovals product link is in the description. Available on the Ford Accessories website. accessories.ford.com/products/black-badging-ford-oval-explorer

[@2nd-place]

What year is your ST and have you had any issues with it? I'm doing research to buy one and would prefer 2020 to save on cost but may have to do 2021 as people are saying the 2020 has more trans issues? Thoughts?

[@matthewkollarits1133]

Nice video! Any new additions since? I did mud flaps - weathertech... A must for us in Cleveland!

[@mugs132]

Nice! Got some black ST badges and Love the look.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Nice video

[@donovanleighton5700]

I can’t find these ovals at the Ford Accessory website. Are the same as the F-150 oval?

[@victorsavalza2806]

I have the 2021 St also Where did you get/ buy red letters..?

[@Lv2blade22f2g]

How are the back up lights holding up?

[@jasonramsey1511]

Cool video I've done a couple of these things already and plan on doing some others. I work at Cleveland Engine and am local you

[@compacheo603]

I don’t Even have an sT and I’m watching this lol goood subtle details. You plan on tinting the windows ?

[@jjrkkr02]

Have you had any issues with the bulbs you used?

[@edswrld]

Two more things , get the shiny black pillar covers covered in tpu wrap, and two also add the TPU behind the door handles to prevent scratches

[@thomasnock4007]

You guys are so lucky in the US to have really incredible cars like the Ford Explorer and the Ford Expedition and the Ford Edge we did have the Ford Edge on sale in the UK when they first came out but the Uk 🇬🇧 Sales on them wasn’t that great so they stopped selling them here I believe we are going to get the all new electric Explorer in the Uk 🇬🇧 sometime next year I think but it looks nothing like the explorers you guys own and nice job on the Mods btw the explorer looks really cool 😎 especially the explorer lettering in red and the racing stripes it’s not in your face it’s just nice and subtle and I absolutely love the Black on Black it’s looks proper Bad Ass 👍🏻

[@mugs132]

Thanks so much

[@yoscroll1136]

Where did you buy the hood decal from?

[@stboost549]

Wait does the rear ac and the heated seats actually work?

[@Zbeeeb]

I had an all black 2021 explorer ST and got rid of it cause of issues with it. I still miss it very much. Since then i had a mazda cx30 turbo and now the cx50 turbo and they don’t compare in feel and in bad ass effect. I am gona get another explorer ST but waiting for the 2024. Apparently they are changing the lights and few things. Will have to wait and see Btw your explorer looks amazing!!

[@seanhall5024]

I'm looking to add ceramic tinting all around including a sheet on the windshield to dissipate the heat. I'm also planning on changing out the stock thermostat that starts cooling at 190 to one that starts cooling at 160. Not to mention I'm going to add a larger Whipple intercooler and a tuning kit to add another 93 horsepower. I'm also going to add a borla S-Type cat back exhaust system.

[@mugs132]

Love the S-Type! Sounds like a Ferrari actually. These twin turbos are just dying to be upgraded for more wheel horse power. I’ve been eyeing up the ZFG tune, whipple intercooler and aFe cold air intake after I do the Steeda lowering springs & stabilizer bar.

[@seanhall5024]

@@mugs132 you should go through the dealership for those parts. I know the location that I'm going through for my St doesn't even go to steeda for some of their parts. They actually cut out steeda and go directly to borla and they do the same thing for whipple. Especially if you do the intercooler and tuning performance package. Which by chance is $2,100 for the ST. Ends up costing just a little bit less. Not to mention both of those company work with Ford that way nothing gets voided for your warranty. And I'd really hate to see anybody have their warranty voided.

[@mugs132]

Yeah there’s a Roush Ford dealer near me. They’re definitely willing to do these upgrades. My local vanilla dealer is a hard no, lol.

[@seanhall5024]

@@mugs132 same here. I was going to a Ford dealership near my location that's only 20 minutes away but on the day I went to meet with him to talk about a few things he wasn't there until 10:00 even though an appointment was made for 9:00 and the people doing the scheduling knew this. So I just happened to be in another part of the city and was actually able to test drive and St even though it was only a 2022 and their dealership has everything. Collision, glass, and a customizable parts department. I've already decided I'm going to go to them and drive 40 minutes and get the quality salesman and service that I'm asking for rather than the run of the mill ordinary dealership near me.

[@nypigskin]

You're looking, planning and going to do a lot and have done nothing. Lol😂

[@lendodge7138]

I have looked on Amazon for the red letters for the rocker panels but cannot find them. Where did you find these, please. I enjoyed your video.

[@mugs132]

Link is in the description below the video. Purchased from Etsy. That seller has lots of color options and related products.

[@mrlnjlf72]

Please tell me you don’t take your black ST thru the car wash?

[@mikev3956]

how do you know where the jack points are? Is that info in the manual?

[@michaelhood1291]

SUUUUUUUPER DOPE. I want one BAD. But my regular 2020 EXPO is paid off and I don’t want a payment again 😩 the ONLY thing I want to see you do now is tiny those front windows to match 🤤

[@stsairsoft6073]

Use a heat gun on those stubborn headlight protectors. Much easier to get those tricky spots to lay flat.