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Tuning 26 ST RWD

Haddezz07

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2026 Explorer ST black
#1
Greetings guys .. Really looking forward to tuning my ST, but since its a RWD don really know how aggressive i should go. I cant find much info about RWD ST tuned, since AWD seems to be the go to. Anything i should know ? Changes to make ? How aggressive to go without having to change or add diff, mounts, etc. thanks
 

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'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#2
Greetings guys .. Really looking forward to tuning my ST, but since its a RWD don really know how aggressive i should go. I cant find much info about RWD ST tuned, since AWD seems to be the go to. Anything i should know ? Changes to make ? How aggressive to go without having to change or add diff, mounts, etc. thanks
You’ll want a differential brace no matter what for sure, but all the other stuff you’re more then fine to go ahead and do.
 

Combatvet

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2025 Explorer ST
#3
My '25 is tuned with ZFG, and in Sport mode with a tune at WOT the shifts are brutal. I'd say almost race car like. Not sure how I feel about that on stock Pirelli's in RWD. You should be good though with better tires like Michelin or Continental.
 

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#4
My '25 is tuned with ZFG, and in Sport mode with a tune at WOT the shifts are brutal. I'd say almost race car like. Not sure how I feel about that on stock Pirelli's in RWD. You should be good though with better tires like Michelin or Continental.
If you don’t like them, you can ask him to soften them up.
 

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2023 Explorer ST
#5
You'll want to do a diff brace if you plan on launching. If not you'll probably be ok.

I'd recommend an intercooler too if you can.

I'm currently tuning ~20 of the new 25-26 cars. They do very very well.

This was the last one on the dyno!

+107hp with an intercooler + intake.
dyno vs stock.png
 

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2025 Explorer ST 4WD
#6
ZFG or Goose. If you want to be more safe, get the Ford Perf Tune.

As stated, she's a beast in sport mode at full send. I had Adam soften my shifts some, and it's a daily driver.So far, ZFG is the best tune I've ever had. I have a whole thread here on it with some good newb discussion. The Pirelli tires suck in the rain and will spin once tuned when you hit 2nd and 3rd in sport at full send with TC off. I just went with the Velgen wheels and Michelins, and they grip like a motha.
 

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