Front Steering & Suspension Kit for 2011-2017 Ford Explorer - 6 Piece

In this review of the TRQ Front Steering & Suspension Kit the bottom line is simple: this 6 piece, direct-fit kit is aimed at owners of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility who need an OE-style replacement to restore front-end handling. The reviewer found the kit useful for a full front steering and lower control arm refresh because it bundles both inner and outer tie rods plus lower control arms with ball joints, saving parts sourcing time and delivering a straightforward replacement path for those seeking improved road feel.

Key Features

• Direct Fit: Components are designed to match factory mounting points so installation requires no custom modification and simplifies the swap for most mechanics.
• Complete 6 Piece Kit: Includes two front lower control arms with ball joints and two inner and two outer tie rods to replace the primary front steering and lower suspension components in one service.
• OE Replacement Quality: Manufactured to match OE reference numbers so the parts fit the intended Explorer and Police Interceptor applications with correct geometry.
• Anti-Corrosion Coating: Enhanced surface protection helps extend component life in regions with road salt or moisture exposure.
• Vehicle Specific Fitment: Clear fitment notes for 2011-15 Explorer, select 2016-17 models and Police Interceptor Utility minimize compatibility guesswork before purchase.

Who It's For

The kit is best for DIY mechanics, independent shops, and fleet managers who service 2011-2017 Ford Explorer or 2013-2016 Police Interceptor Utility models and want a single-purchase solution to replace front steering and lower control arm components. It is particularly useful when ball joints and tie rods are showing wear and the owner prefers replacing matched components together to preserve alignment and handling.

Those who need premium, lifetime-durability parts or have vehicles with automatic leveling headlights should look elsewhere, because the fitment excludes some automatic leveling headlight models and customer reports indicate occasional durability concerns with ball joint boots under heavy use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Complete kit reduces parts sourcing time and ensures compatible geometry across tie rods and control arms.
• Direct-fit, OE-replacement design makes installation straightforward for experienced installers.
• Anti-corrosion coating improves resistance to environmental wear and extends expected service life.

Cons

• Some customers have reported durability issues with ball joint boots and related components under heavier use, so longevity can vary by driving conditions.

Specifications

Kit Quantity	6 Piece
Includes	2 front lower control arms with ball joints, 2 inner tie rods, 2 outer tie rods
Fitment	2011-15 Ford Explorer, select 2016-17 Explorer and 2013-16 Police Interceptor Utility
OE Reference Numbers	BB5Z3078A, BB5Z3078B, BB5Z3079A, BB5Z3079B, GB5Z3078C, GB5Z3079G
Aftermarket References	522759, 522760, CMS40185, ES800952 and others
Pre-greased	No
Anti-corrosion	Yes

Our Verdict

The TRQ 6 piece front steering and suspension kit is a practical, cost-effective option for Explorer owners who need to replace worn tie rods and lower control arms and prefer an OE-compatible, direct-fit solution. It offers good value when replacing multiple front-end parts at once, though buyers should be aware of occasional reports of ball joint boot durability depending on driving conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this kit fit my Explorer with automatic leveling headlights?
Not all models with automatic leveling headlights are compatible; check the vehicle-specific fitment notes in the listing to confirm before ordering.

Are the parts pre-greased?
The kit is not pre-greased; components are supplied ready to install but some joints may require lubrication during installation per installer preference.

Does this kit restore original handling?
Yes, replacing worn tie rods and lower control arms with this OE-replacement kit typically restores road feel and handling when installed and aligned correctly.