What Have You Done To Your Explorer ST Today

Gadgtfreek · 2025-12-06T08:52:10-0600

I’ve always been a Steeda fan, and I scored a great deal on the strut bar from a member here, so I figured I might as well go Steeda across the board. I’m warming up to the idea of lowering it, so Steeda springs are probably next. I just want to see how everything feels after this install before I commit.

Have also owned plenty of aFe stuff, good company. Actually running the panel filter now (non-oiled).

SugarMouth · 2025-12-06T09:10:13-0600

Gadgtfreek said:

Ya I like the AFE in terms of the color and the mounting hardware looked good.

For the strut tower bar I'll likely go aFe because the mounting points do not use a spacer but a properly formed bracket on both bolts.

SugarMouth · 2025-12-06T09:33:35-0600

Just bought the aFe strut bar.

Gadgtfreek · 2025-12-06T09:36:24-0600

Spend that money lol

Cdubya · 2025-12-06T10:58:31-0600

Gadgtfreek said:

I was a Steeda fan too. This time, went with Eibach springs and AFe rear sway bar. Would highly recommend you go in that direction. I kept my Steeda strut tower brace v.1 and still love it--it does have spacers but I've never had to remove it so no big deal. Also got the Steeda subframe bushing support kit. Not a fan of the JXB insert so won't be getting one.

Combatvet · 2025-12-06T11:01:57-0600

Gadgtfreek said:

I went with Eibach even though Steeda was my first consideration. I don't know how Steeda rides, but the Eibach springs are perfect in my opinion.

As for the Steeda strut tower brace, I'm likely going to sell mine, and install a Houston Speed Freaks one. They just look better!

Cdubya · 2025-12-06T11:06:24-0600

Combatvet said:

The Steeda springs definitely ride firmer. The Eibach is more comfortable and looks better--I do feel it has a "jiggly" feel to the ride though, maybe because they are softer. I even have new PIU struts/shocks.

Combatvet · 2025-12-06T11:12:37-0600

Cdubya said:

I had the Steeda rear sway bar installed, and I don't feel that. I will be adding more suspension mods, but tune from Livernois is next.

Gadgtfreek · 2025-12-06T11:14:15-0600

It def feels better in turns now. I have to decide spring shock strut combo next. I love eibach but I may just go all steeda.

I want lower center of gravity but close to current ride. Not trying to ride like a mini truck with a 4” drop lol

enphor · 2025-12-06T13:21:42-0600

Gadgtfreek said:

Springs, rear sway, and don't forget subframe lockouts. Changes everything for the better in terms of handling without much sacrifice in comfort either.

FireDogATL · 2025-12-06T14:58:59-0600

Potentially fixed the leak on my passenger side from an improperly installed drain line.

Also added a kicker key500.1 and 12 in sub to the storage compartment.

Last project was add a flush mount bass knob to the headlight controller. Simple mod and I did this to my Bronco too.

Combatvet · 2025-12-06T17:12:00-0600

FireDogATL said:

Details man, I need details. How did you route it to your sound system? Did you have to buy any special add on's. What model sub, etc.......... Details man! Thanks!!!

FireDogATL · 2025-12-06T17:58:22-0600

Combatvet said:

Amp was from Plug and Play kits with the speaker level wiring harness inputs going to the DSP kicker key. Plugs right in between the factory amp (and head unit?) and provides remote turn on for the 500.1 so just need to run power. The ground is close by under the trim covering the hatch. Only need to remove the trim on the rear hatch and driver side 3rd row cup holder to access the factory amp and run ground and harness wires. Haven’t calibrated the DSP on the 500.1 it yet, but I’m rarely above 15 volume level. But it booms with the kicker 48TRTP122 box. I ordered a second kicker 12” box with a less powerful Kicker Comp 4ohm box just to see if it would be louder than the passive radiator one. Haven’t tried the 4ohm one yet. Both were on sale for Cyber Monday but are $40+ more now.

Ran the 8guage power wire from the passenger side through a grommet just under the airbox. Was a pain to get it run to it and barely had enough wire to run from the battery to the trunk on the driver side. Don’t think I’ll run a bigger amp, so this works.

I’m actually more happy that i found the potential leak in my floorboard.

FireDogATL · 2025-12-06T17:59:25-0600

Combatvet said:

Amp was from Plug and Play kits with the speaker level wiring harness inputs going to the DSP kicker key. Plugs right in between the factory amp (and head unit?) and provides remote turn on for the 500.1 so just need to run power. The ground is close by under the trim covering the hatch. Only need to remove the trim on the rear hatch and driver side 3rd row cup holder to access the factory amp and run ground and harness wires. Haven’t calibrated the DSP on the 500.1 it yet, but I’m rarely above 15 volume level. But it booms with the kicker 48TRTP122 box. I ordered a second kicker 12” box with a less powerful Kicker Comp 4ohm box just to see if it would be louder than the passive radiator one. Haven’t tried the 4ohm one yet. Both were on sale for Cyber Monday but are $40+ more now.

Ran the 8guage power wire from the passenger side through a grommet just under the airbox. Was a pain to get it run to it and barely had enough wire to run from the battery to the trunk on the driver side. Don’t think I’ll run a bigger amp, so this works.

I’m actually more happy that i found the potential leak in my floorboards.

FireDogATL · 2025-12-06T18:06:30-0600

Oh - and flush mount bass knob was run on the driver’s side away from power. You can disassemble the knob by turning it all the way “on” and then pull the knob off. It’s held into the kicker housing by a washer and 10mm nut. Loosen those and the circuitry slides out. Drill a big enough hole for just the knob to go though the light switch, replace the washer / nut and then the knob and you’re golden.

Nascarbilly · 2025-12-06T18:15:20-0600

FireDogATL said:

@ FireDog ATL: Well spoken about the FOBs and Ford's slight error. I finally ordered mine, should be here in a couple days

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What Have You Done To Your Explorer ST Today

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