Best Mods for under $500?

Just got a 2021 St and was wondering,
what are the best modes for under $500.

Don;t get hung up on the $500. Some of the best mods I did to my Ram Truck were small, cheap simple things.
Most cost less than a $100 but want to get even more ideas, so ...$500 it is.

Absolutely the best mod- bang for the buck- is a tune. A bit more than $500, but 60-100 more hp.

Look around the Explorer_ST_Addicts IG page. There’s nothing but mods and ideas posted from free to expensive. You’ll find some ideas there.

Springs def best bang for the buck for a mod under $500.

Match up the tint on front windows to back ones.

$100

Jim

After market wheels. I paid $2260 for my wheel package. It included 22" wheels, 22" tires, pressure sensors, shipping, mounted and balanced. I installed at my home in about an hour or so. I sold my 21" OE complete set up for $1900. Out of pocket $360.00

Imitation Carbon Fiber interior bits for Steering Wheel and dash pieces.
$150.00

Radar Detector and Mirror Mount
Uniden R7 and Mirror Mount hardwire cable $490.00

Where did you do your wheel/tire package shopping?

Here is where I purchased, see attached Order Summary.
Wheels, Rims, Tires, & Vehicle Accessories - Family Owned & Operated! (bbwheelsonline.com)
Sales took another 3% off because I was hesitant to pull the trigger. Sales wanted to close the deal before year end so I went for it. IMHO the wheels look great and I get quite a few "Hey nice wheels". Everyone has different taste.
I had BB wheels drop ship to "Elite Roads" in South Florida. They have the expertise to handle after market wheels without destroying them and have many hub centric rings in stock if you require them. I requested rings even though the were a really tight fit, I am happy I did. I have zero vibration at any speed. Once mounted and balanced, a friend picked them up in his pickup and we swapped out at my house. Elite Roads charged me $ 80.00.
*** The reason I didn't have Elite Roads do the install as they are always busy and wait time are off the chart. They called when my wheels were done, (I have done business with them for 20 years so we are on a first name basis), and my buddy did me a solid because he lives 10 minutes from them. Easy Peesy! ***

Cost breakdown:
$ 2170 for the wheels, Tires, Sensors and Lugs. No tax and free shipping
$ 80 for Mounting and Balance.
$ 10.00 for rings.
Total: $ 2260

This was right at years end so your mileage may vary with regard to prices but shop around. No local shops stock after market wheels, so just drop ship from an internet vender to you local installer.

Good Luck with your decision. I never leave factory wheels on. I like my cars to stand out from the crowd.

Thanks for all of that info. Very helpful!

I'll have to make this happen. Not a huge fan of the fake cf, but I already have some wear and scuffs on a lot of those areas that the pieces cover. It'll also help prevent future wear and damage.

Fake is our option for that I would think. Real, if possible would be tough to make and big $$$$$$$$.
here is what I purchased. I hope it helps.

Mike

Carbon Accessories Dashboard Center Console Stripe Trim for Ford Explorer 20-21 | eBay .... Not here yet, just ordered.
Carbon Fiber Accessories Front Air Vent Outlet Cover Trim For Ford Explorer 2020 | eBay .... Not here yet, just ordered.
Carbon Fiber Accessories Interior Kit Cover Trims 5 sets for Ford Explorer 20-21 | eBay .... Installed as previous post # 7
Car Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Protector Cover Trim For Ford Explorer 2020 2021 | eBay .... Installed as previous post # 7

The wheels that I purchased also come in titanium and black. Would look awesome on a Silver or Black ST.
Please let me know if you pull the trigger.

Mike

Where does one get those?
EDIT: Found it in following post.

Thanks!

Carbon fiber looks great! Where did you pick them up?