[olerodder]

After all the back-and-forth, I just put an "EcoBoost" badge on the tower brace. I was surprised at how flimsy the brace is. Sure hope its shape helps do the job. I guarantee I couldn't twist the brace on my Mustang as easily.

Not sure if you have ever road raced or drag raced an early Mustang/Maverick/Falcon, but tower braces were there for a reason and I doubt many people could feel the difference between a stock Explorer XLT or one with a brace...but I sure can and for a 5800lb brick, it corners 100% better than without one. Just as a case in point, my 19 GT PP1/A10 has brace that would hold up the Empire State Building and has some understeer much like the Explorer did without the brace. On my Mustang, with a little more aggressive front end alignment it showed a lot less understeer and became a lot more enjoyable to carve corners at speed, using the throttle to correct the direction of the apex...IMHO

 

[olerodder]

Hello all, Newbie here

I'm hesitant about getting a brace for my '21 XLT since the holes don't have threads.
So the screws will cut their way in and be secure?

Don't be hesitant, the holes are there for a reason, and that's to attach the tower brace. Just apply a little pressure and use a socket and ratchet and you'll be fine. I've done this on my Explorer and a neighbors and neither of us have had any issues.