Upgraded LED lighting for the rear

 One thing I'm huge on is visibility when you have tinted windows.  Upgraded LEDs can make a HUGE difference, not only in driver visibility but also to be seen better by other drivers.  The rear lights on the Explorer ST are good, but like most OEM parts can be upgraded.  I reached out to one of the Facebook groups and found this setup from Houston Speed Freaks  Upgraded turn signal bulbs, backup lights and license plate lights.  All are about 2-3X brighter - which is amazing!

pop off this square tab, and the taillight pulls out from the outside

you can use a socket to loosen the screw

simple swap of the old bulbs for the LEDs

the backup light is an extended part, just tuck the wires inside the housing

oem license plate bulb

new LED bulb, less power, less heat, and 2x as bright!

Upgraded to the Steeda strut tower brace and J&L Oil Catch Can

 Minor upgrade IMHO, but looks pretty cool!  I paid the extra $25 to have the Steeda Blue powdercoat, and the swap took about 30 minutes. https://www.steeda.com/steeda-555-5734-explorer-strut-tower-brace

While I was under the hood, I also did the J&L Oil Catch can to keep that oil bypass out of the intake, great cost and worth the trouble - especially with twin turbo vehicles.

 

OEM Strut tower brace, just a stamped piece of aluminum

simple removal - just a ratchet and 4 bolts

comparison of the OEM (top) and Steeda (bottom)

you can see the Steeda brace with extra hardware, nice flash of color!

The J&L Oil Catch can took about 15 minutes to install!