Trim levels and skid plates?

[manimal]

Was there a difference between 95-97 Explorers and 98-2001 Explorers when it comes to factory skid plates?

My 96 has skid plates on the fuel tank, transmission and transfer case. The 2000 has none - though it has the holes for them to be mounted.

I assume that all of the skid plates from the 96 will bolt up to the 2000. That is my plan when I gift this 96 to a family member's high school kid.

 

[dvdswan]

Some models may have an "offroad package" that may have been ordered or the manufacturer just decided to cut costs and not install skid plates on later models.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

what trim is the 96&00? Ever EB & LTD ive seen (pretty sure on LTD, 99% sure on EB) has skids. XLT if it was higher option.