SnailflyRunning Boards Fit for 2020-2025 Ford Explorer Base ST XLT Limited Platinum ST-Line Timberline Side Steps w/Mud Flaps

Do NOT hesitate to buy these, the quality and fitment is great. the car looks better with than without. The enclosed directions are horrible but the awesome people who have done reviews and explained some of the installation is priceless. One thing I have not seen mentioned is I would use a piece of tape to hold the threaded backing plate in place instead of the plastic alignment pin that comes with it

Awesome Running board!Running Board installation.Quick Background: I did the installation on my own, just simple DIY. I am expert on information technology and not on automative. I credit other reviewers that uploaded their installation experience as well as the different online videos on somewhat similar installations.From all of these, I open the delivered box to get some idea what I am dealing with.1. I open the box, laid out and distribute the "short flange nuts", "long flange nuts", "steel long semi-flat straight mending plate", "steel flat mending plate" to each metal Brackets.There is a plastic screw to hold the steel flat mending plate but it's optional. You only use it to help you place the short flange nuts.This will help you in the actual install as it is already organized and properly distributed down to the components that you need and matters.2. While preparing to install, I ready the running board in the ground both left and right side of the Explorer, I have 3 brackets to each side of them as well as removing all the inserted short and long "Flange Nuts" and Mending plates to make it ready for actual install.3. You can start in either left or right. I started by visually located the target areas where I put the brackets. They are easily identifiable and that makes this install quite easy enough to follow.4. I inserted the "steel long semi-flat straight mending plate" in the square hole then I inserted the "steel flat mending plate" between the plastic and steel body, align the 3 holes on it.Position the Bracket and put the short nuts (don't tighten it yet) then put the long nuts after. You can do it in any order you are comfortable with. You have the option to use the plastic screw to hold it as well. I use the Rachet and 1/2 socket to set the nuts or you can just your hands at the moment as you just need to set it in place but don't need to tighten it yet.5. Do and repeat for all 6 brackets.6. To install the Running Board, I flip it first to see the bottom and align the attached nuts to the brackets. 2 for each bracket. Flip it back and gently put it in position over the brackets.Set and tighten the 2 nuts for each bracket.7. To complete the install, I go back to each bracket and tighten all short and long flange nuts using Ratchet and 1/2 socket.8. I visually check and actually test the sturdiness. You can just adjust as needed but more likely it will fit perfectly.See Pictures to get visual idea.Quality: It pass my initial inspections, looking forward to test it more and/or see how it do against typical wear and tear.Pros:I am happy with how it looks, it looks OEM indeed. The design is simple, minimalistic and just black, the way I want it. It blends so well with our 2021 Ford Explorer XLT Sports Start White.Another plus point for me is that when the door is close, the running board is almost hidden or don't stick out much, however when you open the door, it gives you enough space to step into and safely alight the vehicle. For casual observer it will really look like an original part that came with our unit.Cons:2 minor issues that does not impact the 5 star I am giving.1. The metal clip for the Mud Guard were missing from the package, it was not there.2. The installation guide definitely need an overhaul or redesign. If the seller care about branding, they need to improve it. Have someone create a short installation guide with references to what nut, what brace and where it goes. Have it printed nicely too. Branding is essential to have repeat customer and also attracting new customers.*** Update 10/21/2021 - The seller promptly addressed #1, really appreciate their attention and quickly resolving this.

Target vehicle is a ‘22 Explorer Timberline for reference.Summary: these are good looking, surprisingly sturdy units once installed, especially given the price. Time will tell how well the polymer end caps hold up, which I had to lightly modify to work with existing mud guards. Now for the very long, detailed nitty gritty.Packaging: product arrived in a long box, undamaged - amazingly, since there was very little internal support or protective packing inside the box. The running boards were each in a bubble wrap sleeve.The large support brackets were in a loose cardboard box that was too small, so metal ends were protruding. Fortunately, they didn’t rub against the powder coated boards in transit. The rest of the mounting hardware was blister packed. The mud flaps were in a plastic bag. Everything needed parts-wise was included.Installation: NO instructions included. NO product and vehicle specific videos on YouTube or elsewhere. NO support number for the company. Say goodbye to 5 stars Snailfly. Ridiculous. Thank goodness for the helpful info from other reviewers and install videos of similar brands. Plan on spending an hour of research to figure it all out. Once you understand where the brackets go and how the hardware works, actual installation is not that difficult.TIP: if you’re not planning to jack the vehicle up, a small pocket mirror is very useful (mandatory?) for finding bracket mounting locations and determining alignment of the mounting hardware. You will also need a 12mm socket wrench (deep well socket or short extension). The included plastic Phillips head alignment pins are fairly useless. I just used a short screwdriver to help get the holes aligned.After you get all the parts de-packaged and sorted, I recommend you first explore under your Explorer, with a support bracket and pocket mirror in hand. Along the underside edge of the kick panel face, you will find three locations (one @ front of front door, one @ rear of front door, and one about 2/3 down @ rear door) where there is a slight extended tab about 2 1/2” wide, with 3 corresponding holes in the metal edge lip of the floor pan behind it (mirror!). These match the three holes in the mounting bracket. This is where the small flat brackets go (flat edge facing down), sandwiched in between the plastic kick panel and metal lip, such that the holes in the bracket align with the holes in the body lip (the unthreaded center hole in the bracket is for those plastic alignment pins that just get in your way).A few inches inboard at each location, you will also see a pair of corresponding square and circular cut-outs in the floorboard (see pics). This is where the mounting bracket with the long flexible extension tab goes. You bend the tab as needed and insert it in the square hole such that the threaded portion lays flat and centered in the round opening (see pic). Taping the tab extension in place is helpful.TIP: test fit all the bolts into the mounting threads BEFORE you get down on the floor and try to install them; I found some had burs that were easily cleared by test threading them first using a 12mm wrench.After you figure all that out it’s just a matter of installing the support brackets at each location. Patience and beer. Install the mounting bracket using a long bolt into the long tab bracket in the floorpan first, leaving it just loose enough to adjust alignment with the other flat bracket at the lip. There is enough clearance to slide the flat bracket into place after the mounting bracket is in place. In most cases I found there was enough friction between the metal and plastic lips to hold the plate in place long enough to get a short bolt started. Once you have the threads started in all three bolts, begin to alternately tighten the flat bracket bolts to pull the mounting bracket firmly against the lip, as you tighten the floor pan bolt to snug it against the floor pan. Don’t get too crazy on the torque; I suspect the tabs would strip if you use too much muscle. (If I had to guess, I applied about 20 ft/lbs.)Once the three mounting brackets are firmly installed, you can put on the running board, clamping the six captured bolts pre-installed on the underside of the board (2 per bracket; loosen to slide them where needed) into the corresponding slots in the mounting brackets. Open the doors and check fit and alignment before final tightening.Modification for Existing Mud Guards: as many have stated, the included front mud flaps are sketchy, and too small. That didn’t worry me at time of purchase as I had already installed Weathertech flaps front and rear. However, as a result, the integral bracket molded into the front end cap of the running board interfered with my existing mud flap, so the running board stuck out into the rear wheel well. After a trial fit and measurement with the running board front cap removed, I determined the boards were 1” too long. Since I had no need for the front flap bracket, I ran 1” masking tape along the contour of the front face for a guide, and cut the front off with hacksaw; easy 3 minute mod, after yet another half hour of figuring out what to do. Came out great! See pics.Design: The mounting hardware seems a little cheesy and low grade, but it works and the end result is surprisingly sturdy. Boards look fantastic on the vehicle and really complement the rugged look of the Timberline - 5 stars there. The width of the steps is functional but unobtrusive. Once the door is open, they are useable; not so much when closed, so if you were thinking about using these to help get your kayak or Thule off the roof rails, probably not. Yes, they could be an inch or two wider, but then you would risk hitting your shins. My vertically challenged wife appreciates them. I like that they look great and will help keep muck off the doors. Personally I think the width is just right.Overall: if you don’t want to spend $400 or more on other options, these are a pretty good value, despite the shortcomings noted. Recommended for those mechanically inclined. Novices may struggle a little bit. Hope you found this helpful.

WOW - What a nice product. Fits great- looks like factory. Directions not very clear, but otherwise GREAT.

Love these running boards. Adds esthetics and sportiness without being obtrusive. Definitely functional as it adds a much needed step and will safely hold up to 300 lbs. The instructions are ambiguous and indecipherable and basically useless. Not difficult to install once you figure it out. CLUE: The #1 single nuts with the handles slide through the frames square holes on top and line up with the single hole for the single hole in the top of the brackets. The #2 metal pieces line up with the three holes in each position on the side of the vehicle frame to line up with the three holes in the brackets. The rest should be self explanatory… good luck!

Relatively easy to install. Instructions good be more detailed. The included splash guards needed holes drilled for installation. That was not going to happen.

The instructions included in the box weren’t very helpful, but after going through other reviews, I was able to install them on my own. They've been in place for over a year now without any issues. They look great and work perfectly. Considering the dealership alternatives would have cost over $800, these are definitely a great value for the price.

Once I figured out the installation instructions (not clear) it was easy to install. But looks good on the Explorer