2025 Ford Explorer ST Agate Black Metallic Build

[AMCfoxbody]

Hello all! Here I will document my 2025 Ford Explorer 4WD EcoBoost Agate Black Metallic 'build' for anyone interested and, primarily, for me to document what I have done with the truck.

I also have a 2022 Ford Maverick XL EcoBoost AWD Shadow Black that you can check out at https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...ick-xl-ecoboost-awd-shadow-black-build.26547/

I ordered my Explorer ST in August 2024 with these factory options - All-Weather Floor Liners, Engine Block Heater, and Roof Rail Crossbars. I expected to take delivery in early November 2024 purchasing the truck at MSRP with X-Plan Pricing. The truck was officially delivered to the dealership on 8 November 2024 and I picked it up on 9 November 2024.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions!

Installed/Completed:

• Steeda Strut Tower Brace
• Steeda ECU Cover in Red
• Steeda Pro Differential Support System (Rear Differential/Pinion Bushing Kit + Rear Differential Brace)
• Steeda Adjustable Rear Sway Bar, Medium Setting
• FENFABrication Rear Billet Ford Badge in Black
• FENFABrication Front Billet Ford Badge in Black
• FENFABrication High Flow Air Intake v2
• FENFABrication Transmission Mount Insert
• Thermal R&D 3" Catback Exhaust w/ Coated Tips
• CVFabrication Intercooler in Silver w/ Aluminum Pipe Kit
• H&R Lowering Springs
• MRT No Drill Hood Strut Kit
• AutoStop Eliminator
• Zeus3D Diffuser Hitch Cover in Textured Black
• RokBlokz Mud Flaps in Black/Black
• CravenSpeed 'Platypus' Front License Plate Re-locate
• Hecotrax ST Pedal Covers
• The OCDPlug Visor Warning Overlays in Blackout
• Tinted Front Windows & Front Windshield Banner
• Tinted Headlight Side Markers, Fog Lights, Side Mirror Lights, Rear 3rd Brake Light, Reverse Lights, Rear Lower Reflectors
• Steering Wheel Ford Oval Overlay in Red/Black
• Removed 'Explorer' on Hood and 'Explorer' and 'ST' on Rear Tailgate

Pending Installation:

• FENFABrication Rear Toe Links in Black
• FENFABrication Rear Vertical Links in Black
• Velgen 'Classic5 V2' Wheels in Gloss Bronze - 22x10.5 +30 via HoustonSpeedFreaks
  • Lionhart LH-Five UHP All Season 305/35/ZR22 110W XL Tires

Pending Purchase:

• CVFabrication Catted Downpipe w/ Stainless Steel Gaskets
• Cobb AccessPort

Considering Purchasing:

• FENFABrication Rear Subrame Lockout Kit
• J&L / UPR Passenger & Driver's Side Oil Catch Cans
• RealTruck Go Rhino SRM500 Roof Rack - 55" x 52" OR Ford OEM Roof Rail Delete Kit

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

Welcome to the forum! That's a good list to start with! I'd recommend moving the CVF intercooler somewhere near the top of the list. If you are going to do the subframe lock-out bushings I'd recommend getting them from FenFab. I just like to support the small guy whenever I can.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I’m not sure if anyone makes stainless steel brake lines for the stock brakes, I’ve never seen anyone run them either. I’d replace the Steeda rear diff brace with a unit from ID-Speed. The ID-Speed unit is superior, and Steeda has problems with their bolts snapping. Also, the strut bar is just for looks. The thermostat replacement doesn’t do anything for these cars, so I’d save the money. I’d definitely add the rear vertical links (the stock ones are like spaghetti), rear toe links, and subframe bushings, they’ll round out the ultimate suspension setup for these cars. Otherwise, that list is pretty great!

Also, like @BrooseDaMoose said, I’d try to get as many parts from Fenfab, Houston Speed Freaks, or Whoosh Motorsports. They are ST Guys like us and run their own small business’s.

 

[AMCfoxbody]

Thanks @BrooseDaMoose and @2020FordRaptor - appreciate the insight. Steeda diff brace is already in the mail so I'll cross my fingers on snapped bolts, but good looking out! Yes on the strut tower brace - it's just a bad habit I have of putting one on anything I own! I was reading mixed opinions on the thermostat so this is helpful - that will get crossed off. Thanks again!

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Thanks @BrooseDaMoose and @2020FordRaptor - appreciate the insight. Steeda diff brace is already in the mail so I'll cross my fingers on snapped bolts, but good looking out! Yes on the strut tower brace - it's just a bad habit I have of putting one on anything I own! I was reading mixed opinions on the thermostat so this is helpful - that will get crossed off. Thanks again!

Steeda’s costumer service is excellent, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much, plus they might have gotten a fix for it too or you might get lucky. I just thought I’d suggest a better alternative.

 

[skylercolwell]

Steeda changed the hardware for the brace, just got mine in today. Looks like the frame studs are now bolts.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Steeda changed the hardware for the brace, just got mine in today. Looks like the frame studs are now bolts.

Interesting. Not surprised they tried to rectify the problem.

 

[AMCfoxbody]

Picked up the ST yesterday and spent some time today personalizing:

• Steeda Strut Tower Brace - This is all for looks but an easy install and so much better looking than the flimsy, OEM piece
• Steeda ECU Cover - All for show but does hide the very raw looking ECU
• CravenSpeed 'Platypus' Front License Plate Re-locate - This would have looked 'better' had Ford not pre-drilled and mounted the OEM license plate bracket into the bumper that now shows three holes
• Hecotrax ST Pedal Covers - As usual, the accelerator took 2 seconds and the brake pedal took 10 minutes...but a nice, clean upgrade
• FENFABrication Rear Billet Ford Badge - This badges are very nice, extremely heavy-duty. I took the four bolts out of the top of the front grille to install the front but could not get enough room to get the 10mm bolts off. I'll save this for when I install the inter-cooler so I do not break the grille.
• Steering Wheel Ford Oval Overlay in Red/Black - A quick, nice upgrade to help the oval match the red and black interior
• Remove 'Explorer' on Hood and 'Explorer' and 'ST' on Rear Tailgate - Of all the years, cars, and emblems that I have removed in my life, the adhesive on these letters was by far the toughest I've ever dealt with...Took a LOT of time but finally got all the 'goo' off

More to come - looking forward to doing the 'real' modifications.

 

[BeyondEOD]

You have picture of the front plate mount?

 

[AMCfoxbody]

You have picture of the front plate mount?

As soon as it stops raining here, I'll post up some pictures.

Got the front windows and windshield banner tinted yesterday, completely changes the look of the car - extremely happy with the results.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

As soon as it stops raining here, I'll post up some pictures.

Got the front windows and windshield banner tinted yesterday, completely changes the look of the care - extremely happy with the results.

I got whacked yesterday for having my front windows tinted! It’s a $275 fine for anything under 35% here in MA! I tinted mine to match the rest of the windows. The thing is, everyone has tinted windows, including the police! I’ll pay the fine but I’m not taking it off!


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[AMCfoxbody]

You have picture of the front plate mount?

Here you go - let me know if you have questions.

 

[AMCfoxbody]

I installed the MRT Hood Struts yesterday. While they are 'no drill,' installation does require trimming of portions of the plastic trim cover to allow mounting of the bracket and enough room for the strut to fit while the hood is closed. I do appreciate the utility of these hood struts but wish the install were a bit cleaner - I'm sure it would be if I were a professional!

 

[bhunted1]

Picked up the ST yesterday and spent some time today personalizing:

• Steeda Strut Tower Brace - This is all for looks but an easy install and so much better looking than the flimsy, OEM piece

More to come - looking forward to doing the 'real' modifications.

Not just for looks. Installed mine last weekend. The handling on curvy roads and faster recovery going into a fast turn has dramatically improved. ST straightened right out coming out of a turn much better also. Def noticeable...
Cheap upgrade but in my humble option, worth it.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Not just for looks. Installed mine last weekend. The handling on curvy roads and faster recovery going into a fast turn has dramatically improved. ST straightened right out coming out of a turn much better also. Def noticeable...
Cheap upgrade but in my humble option, worth it.

Strut bars do nothing. All the bracing is lower down. Any handling benefits would be too minimal for anyone to notice.

 

[bhunted1]

Strut bars do nothing. All the bracing is lower down. Any handling benefits would be too minimal for anyone to notice.

I dunno. Both my wife and I both noticed it.
Must be there for more than decoration.


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[2020FordRaptor]

I dunno. Both my wife and I both noticed it.
Must be there for more than decoration.


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Can't argue with what you felt, it definitely does dress up the engine bay and looks nice though.

 

[bhunted1]

Can't argue with what you felt, it definitely does dress up the engine bay and looks nice though.

Since I got it, it was rough straightening out of a turn on the pike. My 23 didn’t feel that way.
Wife use to say, why are driving like that. Told her it’s not me. After watching some reviews, fig I give it a shot. Other than computer mods, it’s the only mod I added.

Refuse to upgrade anything till the darn dealer admits I have a clunking noise at slower speed.
I can hear it and they can’t. Not even with their noise sniffer.
Plus, moonroof shade not closing straight.


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[AMCfoxbody]

Today, as the weather was beautiful and the Commanders are getting embarrassed by Dallas, I installed the RokBlokz mud flaps. I have them on my WRX and Maverick and really like the quality. I think they'll look better on the ST once it is lowered. Something I have noticed so far with installation for the hood struts and the mud flaps is that while the 2020+ instructions are close enough to work, there are certainly tweaks with the 2025 refresh that some manufacturers will probably start incorporating with their design and/or year-specific instructions.

 

[AMCfoxbody]

Received and installed the Zeus3D Diffuser Hitch Cover in Textured Black today. I didn't have a stopwatch going but I think total install time was 12 seconds?