What Have You Done To Your Explorer ST Today

[Fmoser]

Finally got around to installing the skid plate. Easy job while simultaneously a huge pain in the ass.

View attachment 31272

Was it the size that made it a pain?
im thinking about getting the timberline one or HSF

 

[cheetoduster]

Was it the size that made it a pain?
im thinking about getting the timberline one or HSF

While the skid plate is a little heavy and unwieldy, it mostly had to do with not being able to fit under the vehicle. I could only get under from the front and had to fully extend one arm to hold the skid plate up while starting the threads on the bolts towards the front. Even with the Explorer on ramps (and stock height) my chest was a few inches from the underside so it was pretty cramped, luckily I'm also tall so I have a long reach. Also, the threaded holes in the trans mount were so gunked up I could not get the threads started on those bolts. I had to grab a 9mm bore brush and clean those threads out. Once all the bolts were started, it was easy after that.

Shit like this makes me rethink things like "if I ever do exhaust, I'll install it myself"

 

[Fmoser]

While the skid plate is a little heavy and unwieldy, it mostly had to do with not being able to fit under the vehicle. I could only get under from the front and had to fully extend one arm to hold the skid plate up while starting the threads on the bolts towards the front. Even with the Explorer on ramps (and stock height) my chest was a few inches from the underside so it was pretty cramped, luckily I'm also tall so I have a long reach. Also, the threaded holes in the trans mount were so gunked up I could not get the threads started on those bolts. I had to grab a 9mm bore brush and clean those threads out. Once all the bolts were started, it was easy after that.

Shit like this makes me rethink things like "if I ever do exhaust, I'll install it myself"

Thanks, sounds like I should have my son help when I get around to it.
Agreed! it’s nice to do stuff yourself…to a point, then it’s time to have someone else