Question about Stock Running boards

[jfbillups]

Greetings all, I have a 97 XLT that I would like to put some stock running boards on. I found a pair on craigslist for a fair price. I was looking under the explorer to see how to mount them up, but for the life of me I do not see anyplace for them to mount to. They do have the mounting brackets on them.

Does the XLT have the ability to take stock running boards? Did all explorers this year have the same set up as to allow the boards to be mounted?

Would anyone mind uploading a photo so I can get an Idea of what I am looking for.

Thanks & Kindest Regards

 

[Joe Dirt]

Yes- I put them on my '97.

I had the trim caps when I got it:

I put the factory boards on- they go in place of the trim caps:

You will need the clip-nuts that clip to the body to accept the bolts that go through the board mounting brackets, as well as the bolts. The upper bolt threaded inserts are covered with rubber caps from the factory. Pull off the caps and the inserts are already there for the bolts to go into.

This was my old Ex, I pulled the boards off to paint rust-bullet on. The holes will all be used- the boards clip into the same holes that the trim clips into. I used a screwdriver /needle nose pliers to pop them loose.

This is under, sorry- only pic I have. The 2 blue ones are the bottom holes which you will need the clip-nuts to go into. The red one is the top insert that is already there, covered by a rubber cap. There will be a top threaded insert for all of the brackets, just need to pry them off with a screwdriver.

Here are the clip nuts and the bolts used. These are extras I didn't use, just so you know what they look like if you have to find some.

 

[jakebrake]

wow. I guess that pretty much sums it up right there! Nice answer joe dirt.

 

[jfbillups]

Wow Joe, That's an awesome post... thank you so very much for your help! Much more than I expected

 

[Joe Dirt]

Hey, no problem- I was feeling useful...