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Unobtanium?

74 Bronco Billy

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Sr. Member
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Jul 4, 2016
Messages
790
Has anyone found a source for flange bolts, (preferably with bolt heads per original), for the Explorer Serpentine timing cover? Mine got bent when I took them from pick n pull, and are real rusty. I’m doing a nice rebuild, and wound like to start of right.
Thx
Forrest
 

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Boss Hugg

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I don't think those bolts are made of Unobtanium. If they were, they wouldn't bend and break so much.

I agree with the "dealer" option.
 

sykanr0ng

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Aug 11, 2014
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5,363
Maybe the Ford dealer

Back before Ford declared them obsolete and stopped stocking them they were $13 for the bolts and $20 for the studs, EACH.

From what I have read the 95 Mustang 5.0 timing cover is almost identical only lacking the timing pickup part since it was OBD1.
So the bolts and studs for that, which are available should work.
 
Last edited:

Broncobowsher

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Jun 4, 2002
Messages
35,632
Drill and tap the heads of regular bolts. Screw in some studs.

Fine for non-critical fasteners like a cover, not something I would do for a main bearing cap for the oil pickup tube.
 

904Bronco

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Sep 28, 2004
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San Martin, CA
Has anyone found a source for flange bolts, (preferably with bolt heads per original), for the Explorer Serpentine timing cover? Mine got bent when I took them from pick n pull, and are real rusty. I’m doing a nice rebuild, and wound like to start of right.
Thx
Forrest

Unless you are using the brackets that mount to them to hold the wiring harness, do you even need them?

Those usually are in pretty good shape, its the intake manifold ones in the water passages that are boogered up badly.

Dealers ship help, I have lost faith in them. The two new Gals on the front counter cannot help me with anything unless I have a Vin #. The older guy that supports the shop end of the business now, was money!
 

BanditBronco

Sr. Member
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Jul 2, 2008
Messages
690
late model restoration has an arp kit for the timing cover/water pump. it is for a fox mustang I believe but it has at least 3 stud bolts they should be very similar if not exactly the same.
 

73azbronco

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Nov 11, 2007
Messages
8,195
Pick and pull.

But I see no need as they are used primary for mounting wire harness stuff right?
 

sanndmann3

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Jun 13, 2007
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1,790
Yes, studs are for wire harnesses on the stock Explorer 5.0.
Just go to a bolt supply place and get 3 1/4" long grade 8 bolts and you should be good...
 
OP
OP
74 Bronco Billy

74 Bronco Billy

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Sr. Member
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Jul 4, 2016
Messages
790
Thx for responses. I was hoping for a kit so I could replace with exact replicas cause I like the ability to use the studs for the new wiring harness. Mine are from p n p, but damn everything gets bent to hell on a 200K vehicle you're removing stuff from. Was hoping to have easy package to buy. Thanks all.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
 

dmoses42

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Jan 25, 2017
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You could try Dorman part # 23744, Water Pump Stud Kit, $4.91 at RockAuto. I stumbled across it a few days ago. Just a thought. Its listed under cooling for a 1999 5.0 Explorer. Not an exact replica, but looks like it would work.
 

Cooter_76

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Joined
May 18, 2004
Messages
863
You could try Dorman part # 23744, Water Pump Stud Kit, $4.91 at RockAuto. I stumbled across it a few days ago. Just a thought. Its listed under cooling for a 1999 5.0 Explorer. Not an exact replica, but looks like it would work.

I bought one of these kits, and I don't think a single bolt fit my application. Wound up buying some grade 8 bolts at Fastenall.
 
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