Frame and Body Mounting

Frame and Body Mounting
The frame consists of 2 steel channel rails, 9 crossmembers for Explorer Sport Trac or 8 crossmembers for Explorer/Mountaineer including a front crossmember, transmission support crossmember and a rear crossmember (trailer hitch). New side rails and welded crossmembers, including the trailer hitch, are not installed separately. A front frame rail repair kit is available if the front rail is to be repaired and a rear crossmember (hitch) repair kit is available if the rear crossmember or rail is to be repaired.

The 1B crossmember and transmission crossmember are included in assembly to the frame but can be serviced separately.

Frame-Mounted Heat Shields
The frame-mounted heat shields are attached to the top of the frame and crossmembers with bolts. The body must be lifted off the frame enough for access to the bolts that attach the heat shields to the top of the frame.

Structural Enhancement - Explorer:

Structural Enhancement - Explorer Sport Trac:

The purpose of these inserts is to enhance the structural rigidity of the frame in this area. The inserts cannot be replaced or repaired.