ARIES Black Steel Grille Guard, Select Ford Explorer, Sport Trac Grille GuardARIESIn Stock
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2011 - 2015 Ford Explorer
Confirmed to Fit
Always the correct part
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Includes grille guard and mounting hardware
Grille guard may interfere with forward-facing cameras or sensors
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Finish: SEMI-GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Material: Blank
Color: Black
For the conqueror in every truck, Jeep or SUV owner, the ARIES grille guard offers the tough, trail-ready look you demand. It begins with a one-piece frame of 1/4" thick welded plates and 1-1/2" mandrel-bent tubing for a solid build. Each one is made with a vehicle-specific design for a better fit, easier install and more secure mounting. The side brush guards are custom-bent to contour to the profile of your vehicle, while the mounting brackets are positioned for a no-drill application. This means pre-existing factory hol es are used to ensure optimum fitment and less vibration. This particular custom grille guard fits specific years of the Ford Explorer (see application info to verify). The ARIES grille guard also makes it easy to customize the look of your vehicle. Not only does the crossbar have two pre-drilled holes for mounting aftermarket LED lights, but many of our grille guards are also available in two finish options -- polished stainless steel or semi-gloss black steel. The stainless steel grille guard is made with 304 stainless, being high in nickel content and truly resistant to rust and corrosion. This option comes with a mirror-like polished finish for a definitive shine. The semi-gloss black grille guard is made with high-strength carbon steel for added strength. It features a tough, dual-layer E-coat and black powder coat finish to protect against rust, scratches and the elements. All ARIES grille guards also come with rubber stripping along the risers to protect the frame against scuffs and scratches.
Explore ARIES products at TowUniverse for top-tier grille guards, side bars, nerf bars, headache racks, and more. Upgrade your vehicle with ARIES today!
ARIES is a fast-paced marketer and innovator of truck, Jeep, SUV and CUV accessories. From automotive enthusiasts to professional builders, our products are built for the champions of individualism, innovation and attitude.
We offer the perfect combination of unique style and durable construction, specializing in custom-fit grille guards, bull bars, side bars and running boards, as well as Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator accessories.
ARIES products are made vehicle-specific for a custom fit, and they are available for a wide variety of makes and models sold in North America.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 - 2015 | Ford Explorer | — |
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The ARIES Black Steel Grille Guard, Select Ford Explorer Grille Guard (Part #BBDR3065) fits 2011-2015 Ford Explorer models. The 2015 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the ARIES Black Steel Grille Guard, Select Ford Explorer Grille Guard (Part #BBDR3065) is designed to fit the 2011-2015 Ford Explorer.
The ARIES Black Steel Grille Guard, Select Ford Explorer Grille Guard (Part #BBDR3065) fits the following vehicles: 2011-2015 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The ARIES Black Steel Grille Guard, Select Ford Explorer Grille Guard (Part #BBDR3065) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the Curt 3065 and 3065-2 Grille Guard are designed for 2011-12 Ford Explorer models. The installation procedure is the same for both part numbers.
Yes, the grille guard will fit vehicles with or without the factory fresh air inlet. However, if your vehicle has the factory air inlet (scoop) in the plastic bumper cover, you will need to cut material from the mounting area of the inlet using a hacksaw. The metal clip on the inlet must be moved or replaced with the included 5mm x 25mm screw, two 5mm flat washers, and 5mm nylon lock nut. If your vehicle does not have the air inlet, the passenger side installation is identical to the driver side.
You will need a hacksaw or sharp knife to cut the plastic bumper cover and, if applicable, the air inlet. A tape measure is required to locate the center of the bumper and mark cutting lines. Safety glasses and equipment are required at all times when cutting. Masking tape (not included) is recommended to protect the grille and plastic cover during top bracket installation. A wrench or socket set will be needed to tighten fasteners.
Yes, assistance is highly recommended. Step 1 explicitly states that assistance is highly recommended, and Step 9 specifies that positioning the grille guard onto the mounting brackets should be done 'with assistance.'
Yes, cutting is required. The plastic bumper cover must be cut to clear the mounting tabs on the grille guard. If your vehicle has a factory fresh air inlet, that inlet must also be cut. A hacksaw or sharp knife is needed. Safety glasses and equipment are required at all times when cutting, as any cutting tool may break or shatter.
Drilling is optional. The manual states 'Drilling is optional' in Step 1. Drilling is only needed if you choose to replace the metal clip on the factory air inlet with the included 5mm screw and hardware; in that case, you would drill a 1/4" hole through the top and bottom of the scoop.
Drill a 1/4" hole through the top and bottom of the scoop. The hole will accommodate the included 5mm x 25mm screw, two 5mm flat washers, and 5mm nylon lock nut.
You may remove the bumper cover to cut the slots for the grille guard, which may be considerably easier. However, the bumper cover may be held in place with rivets, making removal and reinstallation very difficult. Check if the bumper is held in place with rivets (visible from the outside below the fog lights) before attempting to remove it.
Measure the width of the grille guard mounting tabs (approximately 37" to 37-1/2"). Locate the middle of the bumper cover using a tape measure or mold mark on the back. On the driver side, mark a vertical line 18-1/2" out from the middle and a second line 19-1/2" out from the middle. Use the previously installed frame mounting brackets to determine the top and bottom horizontal lines. Cut out this rectangular area with a sharp knife or hacksaw. Do not cut through the top or bottom edge of the bumper cover—only remove enough material to clear the mounting tabs. Repeat for the passenger side.
Hold the frame bracket in position over the bolt and nut plates and mark the outline of the bracket onto the mounting tab on the plastic air inlet (scoop). Remove the inlet and place it on a clean, stable work surface. Use a hacksaw to cut the required material from the mounting area. Check the fit often and trim material away as necessary. Do not cut off the mounting tab. The metal clip must be moved to the location shown in the manual or replaced with the included 5mm x 25mm screw, two 5mm flat washers, and 5mm nylon lock nut (do not over-tighten). Complete the grille guard installation before reinstalling the air inlet.
1. Install the driver side frame mounting bracket first by inserting the nut plate and bolt plate into the frame channel, then securing the bracket with hardware (leave loose). 2. Install the passenger side frame mounting bracket, checking first if the vehicle has a factory air inlet (which requires cutting). 3. Cut the bumper cover to clear the mounting tabs. 4. Position the grille guard onto the mounting brackets and attach with bolts (do not fully tighten). 5. Install the top brackets by marking their location, cutting the plastic cover, applying foam tape, and bolting the brackets to the cover and grille guard. 6. Align and adjust the grille guard, then tighten all hardware. 7. Reinstall the air inlet if it was removed.
No. The manual specifies that hardware should be left loose or snugged but not tightened at several stages: when securing the frame mounting bracket to the bolt plate (Step 3), when inserting the long hex bolt through the bracket and spacer plate (Step 3), when attaching the grille guard to the mounting brackets (Step 9), and when installing the top brackets (Step 14). All hardware should only be fully tightened after the grille guard is properly aligned and adjusted (Step 15).
The grille guard is attached to the mounting brackets using six 12mm x 35mm hex bolts, twelve 12mm flat washers, and six 12mm nylon lock nuts. Three bolts, six washers, and three nuts are used on each side (driver and passenger).
The spacer plates (90mm x 50mm x 9mm) are slid between the frame channel and the frame mounting bracket to provide proper spacing and alignment during installation. One spacer plate is used on each side (driver and passenger).
Each top bracket is attached to the plastic cover with one 6mm x 35mm hex bolt, one 6mm flat washer, and one 6mm lock washer.
Each top bracket is bolted to the inside of the grille guard upright with one 10-1.50mm x 25mm button head bolt, two 10mm x 20mm x 2mm flat washers, and one 10mm nylon lock nut.
The 25mm x 20mm x 5mm adhesive-backed foam pads are applied to the bottom of the top brackets to prevent damage to the plastic grille finish during installation. The 100mm x 50mm x 1.0mm adhesive-backed foam tape is also used on the top brackets. Additionally, a 2" x 2" piece of thin adhesive-backed foam tape should be placed on the underside of the top brackets anywhere it can contact the top of the plastic grille.
Masking tape should be applied to the top of the grille and plastic cover (driver and passenger sides) to avoid damage to the finish during top bracket installation. The tape is also used to mark the location of the top brackets on the plastic cover before cutting.
After marking the location of the top brackets on the masking tape, remove the cover and note the location of all factory hardware for reinstallation. Cut out the front edge of the cover and the front side of the indented pocket for the hex bolt to clear the top brackets. The exact cuts depend on your vehicle and bracket position, as the manual notes that illustrations are provided for example only and the installer is responsible for determining exact cuts.
The frame mounting bracket is secured to the bolt plate with one 12mm flat washer, one 12mm lock washer, and one 12mm hex nut. This hardware should be left loose during initial installation and only fully tightened after the grille guard is properly aligned and adjusted.
The frame mounting bracket is secured to the nut plate with one 12-1.75mm x 50mm long hex bolt, one 12mm lock washer, and one 12mm flat washer. This hardware should be snugged but not fully tightened during initial installation.
The nut plate should be inserted into the large oval opening in the bottom of the frame channel with the flat side down and the welded nut facing up. It should be slid forward in the frame and lined up so the threaded hole in the nut plate aligns with the factory hole at the front of the frame. The bolt plate should be inserted into the large oval opening with the threaded bolt centered in the oval hole.
The width across the grille guard from mounting tab to mounting tab is approximately 37" to 37-1/2".
Safety glasses and equipment are required at all times when cutting. Any cutting tool may break or shatter. Government regulations require safety glasses and equipment at all times when cutting.
No. The manual explicitly states 'Do not over-tighten 5mm hardware.' This applies to the 5mm x 25mm screw, 5mm flat washers, and 5mm nylon lock nut used to replace the metal clip on the factory air inlet.
Wax the grille guard after installing to protect your investment. Regular waxing is recommended to add a protective layer over the finish. Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives, as these could damage the finish. For stainless steel finishes, aluminum polish may be used to polish small scratches and scuffs, and mild soap may be used to clean the guard. For gloss black finishes, mild soap may be used to clean the guard.
Do periodic inspections to ensure that all hardware is secure and tight. The manual does not specify a particular interval for these inspections.
Yes, the Curt 3065 and 3065-2 are designed for 2011-12 Ford Explorer. Installation is the same whether your vehicle has a factory air inlet or not, though vehicles with the inlet require cutting the inlet material.
You need a hacksaw or sharp knife, tape measure, safety glasses, and masking tape (not included). A wrench or socket set is needed to tighten fasteners. Drilling is optional.
Yes, assistance is highly recommended, especially when positioning the grille guard onto the mounting brackets.
Yes, cutting is required. The plastic bumper cover must be cut to clear the mounting tabs. If your vehicle has a factory air inlet, it must also be cut. Safety glasses are required.
Drilling is optional. It is only needed if you choose to replace the metal clip on the factory air inlet with the included 5mm screw and hardware; drill a 1/4" hole through the top and bottom of the scoop.
No. Leave hardware loose or snugged during installation. Only fully tighten all hardware after the grille guard is properly aligned and adjusted.
Wax the guard after installation and regularly to protect the finish. Do not use abrasive polish or wax. For stainless steel, aluminum polish may be used for small scratches. For gloss black, use mild soap only.
Do periodic inspections to ensure all hardware is secure and tight.
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