2002 XLS Luggage Rack - Cross Bars question

[ttripp1]

My '02 XLS 4x4 did not come with the cross bars on the luggage rack from the factory.

Does anyone know, if I were to get the cross bars from the dealership's parts department, if I could install them myself... easily? Keep in mind, I have limited knowledge on working on a vehicle. I have installed my own radio and replaced all my speakers but that's about it.

Would they "snap" in? or would it require removal of one of the guard-rails to install it?

Thanks!
Tim

 

[P. doggy]

You can install a stereo? These are a snap then. You just remove a bolt on each side, put the cross-bar on and put the bolt back in. It looks pretty straight forward to me.
Jared G.

 

[Bottomlesspit]

Tim,
The crossbars are very easy to install and you would have no problem installing them yourself. The plastic endcaps just press-fit in place. You would just pop them off of each side on one end, then the crossrails would just slide onto the side rails. Piece of cake for you.
I would strongly recommend that you try to find some crossrails at some local wrecking yards before buying them through the parts department. Ford usually charges steep prices for items like these, and I'm sure there are a zillion wrecked Explorers in your area that would have the bars. A lot of these parts guys also talk to each other and could probably locate a pair of rails for you pretty quickly.
Just some info for you to consider.
Hope this helps,
Ken

 

[RocketFoot]

I'd like to find a set for my 03 also...

Does anyone know what part numbers these cross bars are or please direct me to a ford parts manual download...I'll check the Fast Parts Network & fordpartsmall.com but i need Ford part numbers.

 

[25Horseplay]

I have seen them on Ebay before. Or I could sell you the whole rack with them and its chrome (off a 03 limited) for $50 plus shipping!