Turbochargers for Ford Explorer (2013-2018) 3.5L EcoBoost Left & Right

Direct-Replacement Twin Turbocharger Pair for 2013-2018 Ford Explorer (U502)

What it Does: The replacement turbocharger pair restores factory boost pressure, throttle response, and towing output on the 2013-2018 Ford Explorer 3.5L EcoBoost by eliminating internal oil blow-by and wastegate play.

The Stock Ford Explorer Turbocharger Failure Points

Factory turbochargers on the transverse EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 suffer from accelerated journal bearing wear, carbon coking in the oil feed lines, and internal turbine seal degradation over time. Under high thermal loads and frequent heat cycling, the original GT1549SL turbochargers develop excessive radial shaft play, leading to compressor wheel scrubbing, oil migration into the charge pipes, and cracked wastegate flapper arm bushings. These failures manifest as severe underboost DTCs (P0299), visible exhaust smoke, sluggish transient boost response, and whistling CHRA bearings under boost.

The Engineering Solution

This replacement left (driver) and right (passenger) turbocharger assembly utilizes premium cast iron turbine housings and precision-machined aluminum compressor housings engineered for direct fitment on the U502 chassis. Built to OEM GT1549SL specifications, each unit features water- and oil-cooled center housing rotating assemblies (CHRA) to manage thermal stress, calibrated internal wastegate actuators, and OE-matched manifold flanges to eliminate exhaust leaks. Restoring proper dynamic oil sealing and calibrated wastegate tension re-establishes stock spool-up characteristics, low-end torque delivery, and towing capacity without requiring PCM recalibration.

What's Included

• 1 Right-Hand (RH / Passenger) Turbocharger
• 1 Left-Hand (LH / Driver) Turbocharger
• Installation Gaskets

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 2013-2018 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5L EcoBoost
• 2016-2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.5L EcoBoost

Frequently Asked Questions & Fitment Warnings

Does this fit the U502 Explorer?

Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2013-2018 Ford Explorer equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 engine. Not for the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6, the 2.0L / 2.3L EcoBoost, or 2019 models.

What pre-installation steps are critical to prevent premature turbo failure?

Flush or replace the oil feed and return lines, change the engine oil and filter, inspect intercooler pipes for residual oil, and fully prime the center bearing housings with clean oil prior to initial startup.

The Ford Utility Caliber

Engineered to handle sustained boost requirements under heavy load, this turbocharger pair restores the rigorous towing stability and sustained low-RPM pull expected of your twin-turbo Explorer.