• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


rear diff bolt upgrade

Messages
309
Reactions
310
Points
67
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
#1
Replace the weak OEM TTY bolt(s) on your Explorer ST before it bends or shears off
The upgrade is perfect for any 1 or 2 rear bolt ST's with or without an aftermarket rear diff brace
Features:
class 12.9 alloy-steel
Includes 1 bolt, 1 lock washer, 1 flat washer
Recommended torque: 100 ft/lbs
Requires a 12mm , 1/2" drive hex socket to install

Link to product >>> https://whoosh-motorsports.myshopif...me-duty-rear-motor-mount-bolt-set-explorer-st

IMG_2497 (1).jpg
IMG_5846 (1).jpg
 

Last edited:

2020FordRaptor

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,472
Reactions
707
Points
162
Location
Nevada
Vehicle
'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#2
That’s very neat. Now I would also be interested in a bushing upgrade for the subframe.
 

Cruising68

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,627
Reactions
1,185
Points
262
Location
Chicago, IL, USA
#3
I ordered 2 just to be safe even though I replaced the 1 bolt with a 2 bolt. Let’s just say the oem was not confidence inspiring the way it bent like spaghetti.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Cdubya

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,692
Reactions
842
Points
262
Location
NE Ohio
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#4
It would be something if this upgraded bolt could replace the need for an aftermarket rear diff brace.
 

OP
ron@whooshmotorsports
Messages
309
Reactions
310
Points
67
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Thread Starter #5
I ordered 2 just to be safe even though I replaced the 1 bolt with a 2 bolt. Let’s just say the oem was not confidence inspiring the way it bent like spaghetti.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
thank you
 

OP
ron@whooshmotorsports
Messages
309
Reactions
310
Points
67
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Thread Starter #6
It would be something if this upgraded bolt could replace the need for an aftermarket rear diff brace.
I don't believe that's possible especially if you have a rear single bolt style subframe
The bolt upgrade is definitely added cheap insurance against the stock bolt(s) bending or shearing off
 

Excalibur

Member
U.S. Navy Veteran
Messages
32
Reactions
9
Points
2
Location
Moncks Corner, SC
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#8
Any data on the difference in shear strength between the OEM one and this one?
 

Cruising68

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,627
Reactions
1,185
Points
262
Location
Chicago, IL, USA
#10
Nice. Looks like about 20% improvement in shear strength too. I’m assuming a bending bolt is a result in too low tension strength. My single bolt was definitely bent before I put the 2 bolt subframe in.

Worst case these bolts should give some cheap insurance and a little piece of mind. Until the diff housing cracks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Messages
43
Reactions
24
Points
2
Location
Pearland, TX
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#11
I'm curious why the recommended torque on the Class 12.9 bolt is only 100 lb.ft., when the OEM bolt spec appears to be 148 lb. ft., per RCLRPT-23V675.
 

Messages
406
Reactions
235
Points
37
Location
Ontario, Canada
#12
Nice. Looks like about 20% improvement in shear strength too. I’m assuming a bending bolt is a result in too low tension strength. My single bolt was definitely bent before I put the 2 bolt subframe in.

Worst case these bolts should give some cheap insurance and a little piece of mind. Until the diff housing cracks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I think this is a good point. Sometimes you design a system with a built-in in weak point so you know what will break first. If you strengthen the weak point then something else might break first instead. I have no idea if a stronger bolt will out perform the diff housing threads, but it could and which would you prefer to replace a bolt or the housing. I would prefer neither, but of the two...
 

Messages
85
Reactions
32
Points
17
Location
Colorado
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#13
I'm curious why the recommended torque on the Class 12.9 bolt is only 100 lb.ft., when the OEM bolt spec appears to be 148 lb. ft., per RCLRPT-23V675.
Was wondering the same thing.
 

Gatorst1r

New Member
Messages
11
Reactions
4
Points
2
Location
Crestline, ca
Vehicle
2023 Ford Explorer ST
#15
Any tips on getting the existing diff bolt removed for replacement? I’m having a hell of a time trying to loosen it
 

Messages
281
Reactions
92
Points
27
Location
Desert South West
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#16
Any tips on getting the existing diff bolt removed for replacement? I’m having a hell of a time trying to loosen it
I used 10" race ramps and beaker bar extensions......It's nearly impossible to do unless it's on a lift.....
 

Messages
326
Reactions
156
Points
37
Location
NC
Vehicle
Black 2020 ST
#17
Last edited:


Top