We're referring to the no-drill factory accessories running boards. I'll link you:
https://accessories.ford.com/catalog/product/view/id/11806/s/step-asy/category/154/
I did finally get my Ford OEM running boards installed last week, haven't gotten a picture yet - but why bother, they look exactly as they do in the previous link! They fit 2011-2017 Explorers. Part # HB5Z-16450-AB
I bought them from Tasca Parts Center for $401.94 + 34.81 S&H, no tax (any Ford dealer nationwide would charge tax on top of their higher price and delivery), did the drivers side install first which took about 3.5 hours, did the passenger side the next day which took just over 2 hours since I knew what I was doing then. The hardest part, as I mentioned in an earlier post, was that I was shorted one nut and holding washer, so had to figure out what I needed at Home Depot - cost a few bucks, if that (it's all metric if that might help anyone - I love metric for sockets, they're SO much easier! Still can't find a metric screwdriver though ;-) ). Actually, to be honest, the hardest part was putting in the new locking caps (5 on each side) that keep the under-door trim in place (best way I can describe it).
Now, as some have mentioned, many don't think the Explorer sits high enough to need Running Boards. For normal people, perhaps not but, as I mentioned, I've had 5 back surgeries and can't lift my right leg over the door threshold easily, others have mentioned shorter passengers, including children. So they honestly DO come in handy for some people - but no, most people wouldn't need them. I will say though - they look really nice! It just adds a little something. Someone also mentioned that they will just get the back of your pants dirty while exiting. Well, this is true as well. I only need them for getting IN the car (and it would be REALLY nice if Ford put hand grips on the driver's side pillar like many other SUVs have). I don't really need them to get out and I'm not yet used to them being there, so yes, stepping out rubs your pants against the running board.
One other bonus of running boards? I'm only 5'8" so they make washing the top of the car SO much easier! When I had my Expedition, even with the auto running boards (and you had to crack the door as you wash the car to get them to extend) I had to use a step ladder to wash the top!
So, there you have it. These were super easy to install (once the illustrations made sense), it was really a one person job, but I did have a helper to hand me things as I was on the crawler under a jacked up car (on jack stands), they're very sturdy, and they look awesome. I couldn't be more pleased.
One last addition - as discussed earlier, these running boards DO allow for front and back molded splash guards. I installed those some time ago and didn't need to remove them for access or anything, the front molded splash guards were not in any way obtrusive to the install or placement of the running boards. I know for some (myself) having the splash guards was a must, and others weren't interested in them so aftermarket running boards that would not allow splash guards was workable. For the user that had those awesome aftermarket boards (I'm locked in an edit window so can't look) and posted the link to the aftermarket site, I still really love the look of yours. Had I not already received the OEM boards long before seeing your post, I would have given the ones you got some serious consideration (plus they were much cheaper as well if I recall!)
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