Few simple Gen III Explorer Questions

[NJExplorerFan]

Couple questions I had on the Gen III Explorers:

1. If the license plate bracket is missing, can you buy another one from Ford and put it into the factor holes? Or, is it easier to just drill 2 holes and put the plate on? Once the bracket is gone, can you replace? Is it even needed?

2. Is it the case that Ford did not provide a 5th lug nut lock special key? Or, did all the 17" wheel Explorers come with just 5 standard lug nuts and no special 5th lock nut?

3. Did Ford ever issue an official recall on the applique split on the rear tail gate? If it is fixed, what is replaced?

 

[RickM]

1: Our front license plate bracket mysteriously disappeared a couple years ago. The dealer does sell a replacement. I can't recall but it was between $45-$65 for the "assembly". I purchased an inexpensive metal license plate frame/holder and bolted it to the existing holes in the bumper. IIRC, I had to drill holes in the new frame to match holes in the bumper.

2: All the lug nuts on my 17" wheels are standard....as delivered.

3: No recall that I've seen. The old broken plastic panel is removed and a new panel is painted to match and glued on.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Wow- that's a lot of cash! I had to buy a front plate frame/holder for my 2004 F150 and it was $7 at the dealer... That's a soak!

 

[RickM]

Wow- that's a lot of cash! I had to buy a front plate frame/holder for my 2004 F150 and it was $7 at the dealer... That's a soak!

I agree. Since the bumper is curved there's an Explorer specific bracket that follows the contour for a plumb position.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Still though- the F150 bracket was specific, becasue it riveted to the top and clipped under the bottom of the bumper. That's way out of line for an item that would be standard in most states! Wow...

 

[BigRondo]

Recently purchased a license plate bracket from the dealer for around $20. The plate was just screwed to the bumper cover by the top holes. I like the bracket much better.