Single Differential Bolt

[DSGR]

I just bought a new 2026 Space White Explorer ST. I've read many stories about the single diff. bolt, through 2025, break or bend. I've also read where Ford has improved the single diff. bolt and bushing. I'm unsure if Ford truly made an upgrade and if so, is it an upgrade that's more stable. I'm thinking of using the JBX busing insert and the Steeda single bolt upgrades. This is my first Explorer and first Explorer ST. I would appreciate your thoughts.

 

[billygoat]

congrats and welcome, i also have a single bolt diff, i myself did the JXB insert with steeda bolt and a brace also, im not taking any chances with this diff and its good insurance.

 

[DSGR]

congrats and welcome, i also have a single bolt diff, i myself did the JXB insert with steeda bolt and a brace also, im not taking any chances with this diff and its good insurance.

Thank you your reply! That's my thought as well. Given the issues, it's good insurance, especially for the cost of the parts a little bit of effort. Did you put yours on a lift, crawl under it, or use jack stands? I'll probably use jack stands, as I don't have access to a lift and a transmission jack. but once you jack it up using the jack points, I'm not sure where to place the jack stands.
Did you use the washer from the Steeda bolt? I'm doing a UPR catch can as well along with a FENFAB cold air tube.

 

[UNBROKEN]

Just get the ID Speed diff brace and be done with it. It’s engineered to work with the car as if it’s a 4 bolt car and is the best one on the market. You don’t need the insert in that case.

 

[billygoat]

Thank you your reply! That's my thought as well. Given the issues, it's good insurance, especially for the cost of the parts a little bit of effort. Did you put yours on a lift, crawl under it, or use jack stands? I'll probably use jack stands, as I don't have access to a lift and a transmission jack. but once you jack it up using the jack points, I'm not sure where to place the jack stands.
Did you use the washer from the Steeda bolt? I'm doing a UPR catch can as well along with a FENFAB cold air tube.

i have ramps and backed the vehicle up on them, yes i used the steeda washer. you can also do what @UNBROKEN said, there is more than 1 way to skin a cat.

i went with the J&L catch can which i will be installing this weekend.

 

[SlowSTExploder]

I would honestly just get a brace, ive bent 2 oem upgraded bolts, one I was obviously having too much fun launching and driving hard when I first bought my Explorer, the second one bent just doing occasional pulls (tuned) I bought the insert and upgraded 12.9 bolt, and guess what.. that bolt snapped even with the insert..

Brace up that rear diff.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I just bought a new 2026 Space White Explorer ST. I've read many stories about the single diff. bolt, through 2025, break or bend. I've also read where Ford has improved the single diff. bolt and bushing. I'm unsure if Ford truly made an upgrade and if so, is it an upgrade that's more stable. I'm thinking of using the JBX busing insert and the Steeda single bolt upgrades. This is my first Explorer and first Explorer ST. I would appreciate your thoughts.

The Ford bolt does not fix the problem, nor does the JXB insert and bolt upgrade alone. You need a diff brace to truly fix it. Like @UNBROKEN said, the ID-speed unit is one of the best designed diff braces for these cars, and will work the best.

 

[DSGR]

Thanks for your advice guys. I had looked at the video that JXB uses to show how each brace worked. They installed a camera under the Explorer facing the differential. It was surprising to say the least - a lot of stress on that single bushing and bolt. I kinda' liked the Steeda, but it's bulky, pricey, and it seems to me that it would cause NVH. The other one I looked at was the ID diff. brace. I was confident that Ford had not taken care of this issue. Now to find a promo code!