2K Ford Explorer Sport Trac's

1678911

Comments

  • scoot99scoot99 Member Posts: 18
    I too have a 96 ranger splash, and am hoping on trading it in towards a sport trac. Did you trade yours in towards it?? If so, if you don't mind me asking, how much did you get for it, was it in excellent, good, fair, etc condition??? Thanks.
  • fillerupfillerup Member Posts: 3
    My Splash is 4x4, extended cab, excellent condition, 68k miles. Got 10,500 on trade. Add that to 500 over invoice on ST. I'm happy or will be when I'm driving the ST.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    BTW, if you're going to quote someone or something you better make sure you are quoting correctly.(i.e. "everything comes to him who
    waits , if he waits till it comes")
    The correct quote is, "Good things come to those who wait..." ad naseum, infinitum.
  • jsullyjsully Member Posts: 15
    Here is another tonneau cover to consider. It rolls up and releases from the inside so with the lockable tailgate it is considered lockable. Though a good sharp knife will allow entry, but then so will a crowbar to a fiberglass tonneau. A little expensive but looks good. Has anyone dealt with this company before??
  • jsullyjsully Member Posts: 15
    Here is the website
    http://www.realtruck.com/
  • ramarantramarant Member Posts: 9
    Hello:

    I place the order on my st on the 16 of May and I still waiting for the production date. I own a 95 mustang and fell in love with the ST; this will be my first pick up and I'm joust wondering how I'm going to fill driving the st. I order the Toreador Red with leather, sport package, and 4.10 dif. 4x2


    I can wait to have the ST here with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • alcat4alcat4 Member Posts: 16
    Picked up s/t after 11 weeks.. Like to say it was worth the wait, But I'm just not that silly. It is however everything I expected, and everything we need. Put 250 miles on it comming home averaged 17.7 m.p.g. at from speeds 35 to 85. Have 4.10 gear/w 16" wheels 85 is alittle over 3000 rpm. Head liner like others no trim? every thing eles is cool. Still pissed about tonneau!! lsvegan if you get cover that doesnt fit first production run i'll have fits with ford. as for car people bitching about ride try a toyota 2 door pu. heads-n-shoulders better ride. People with wind noise use manual to confirm proper use of sunroof if no sunroof turn on radio! only thing left is if we s/t owners call as many after market companies ie tonnaeu,vent shades,air intakes filters and exhaust maybe well get stuff before y3k .
  • markiem1markiem1 Member Posts: 4
    I've had my ST just over 3 weeks now and have loved every minute of it. My ST is a white 4x4 loaded(no engine block heater or tonneau). Here is an update on concerns.

    1. shimmy - I only have the shimmy when I am in 4x4 mode making low speed parking maneuvers. No shimmy in 4x2 mode. *Anyone with 4x4 ST notice similar conditions?

    2. moonroof - no leaks, even though we have had several extreme downpours. I will keep a close eye on this regardless.

    3. gas door - has just started to rub ever so lightly. Will contact body shop,not service dept.
    *does anyone know if there is a technical service#
    on this yet?

    4. rear view mirror - also pivoted it up and this was a big help. THANK YOU for the suggestion.

    5. Premium console - Just curious, my console does not have a c/d holder in it(every other ford I have seen has had one). Did anyone with the console upgrade get one??

    6. MPG - I'm on my 5th tank of petro - best mpg has been 16.2 - lowest has been 14.4 - avg.-15.5

    (ramarant)- I traded my 95 mustang for the ST and you will absolutely love riding up high in yours when you get it.
  • slurpee98slurpee98 Member Posts: 6
    Since I've had quite the ride buying a ST, I thought I'd share my experiences for anyone else having the same problem. I first placed an order for a ST 4x2 (fairly loaded) in early May. After waiting 7 weeks for a build date, or VIN, or anything from the dealer (who I paid too much to for this vehicle anyways) I checked around. Two associates had ordered and received their STs during this time. The dealer just gave me the run around about limited production and building in stages, etc. A word of caution to anyone buying a Ford in College Station, TX. Anyways, now that my wedding is a week away and I've cancelled my first order, I'm going to be renting a towncar as my getaway vehicle. Sigh.

    My second attempt at buying a ST has been much more succesful. I went to several different Autonation owned dealerships via email to their internet departments. These guys all did their best to locate the ST I wanted, and then gave me an upfront price better than what I was wanting to pay using the Edmunds formula. I was shocked after the hell I went through the first time at College Station. The guy I finally went with showed me proof of several recently ordered STs order and delivery dates and had the best price. I think I spent a grand total of 2 hours on this process. 1 hr of it was driving down to the dealer to give him a hold check personally so I could meet this savior.

    In 5-6 weeks I should have my nice new Estate Green 4x2 with Medium Tan interior, sport, convenience, leather, limited slip axle, and 6-CD player. The moonroof just cost too much money, maintenance, noise, and headroom for a silly luxury in my humble opinion.

    My lesson learned. Do your research. Invoice and MSRP prices are hardly all you need to negotiate. Ask about delivery dates, proof of such, and if you have the slightest bad feeling about the salesman, then leave. I liked the first guy, but something about him made me uncomfortable anyways. I should have just walked away. You should NOT have to wait two months for the order information on a vehicle. Especially when a half dozen of them are popping up on each lot every week.

    -lesson learned
  • jjbennyjjbenny Member Posts: 4
    My ST has arrived, Yes!.... Ordered on 5/3 Built 6/5-12 Delivered to Dealer on 6/14.
    6 weeks total. My Red 4X2 with Prem. Sport Pkg., Cloth Comf. Group, Conv. Group,
    6 Disc CD, 4.10 LS Axle, and of course Cargo Cage is here or should I say there as I ordered it from a dealer in NC and I live in Florida, but the planned trip to NC will begin next week, should be driving my new Sporty by Saturday.
    I already told the dealer to check the usual before I arrive. My gas cap does not Rub!,
    I have the proper 16” Wheels installed not last years model as was mentioned in earlier posts. No Shimmy noticed either, of course I will check that out in depth when after I take delivery. I didn't order a Moon roof so let it rain......and didn't order a Hard Tonneau so looks as though I’m good to go. Can’t wait, what a great Fathers day gift to myself this will be! Yes!!!!! Thanks to all for all the great posts its mad the relatively short wait a lot of fun.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    What do you mean by the "proper" 16" wheels? Tell me what the difference is between the two?
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    dolphin66,
    What I think jjbenny was referring to was my post 500 where I had noticed that the 2 door Sport was shown on Ford's, Edmund's & KBB's site with the same premium sport 16" wheels as the ST but the ones I saw on the road had last years 16" wheels.

    I spent time at my dealer yesterday getting ready for my ST, test drives to quench my thirst, interest rate review etc. I noticed two things about the 2 door Sports & STs on his lot:
    1) All 2001 2 door Sports with PS group also came with last years wheels. Ford's web specs now show a detail of the wheel options (last year's wheels) Note: their exterior color pics still show the ST 16" wheels on it by mistake.
    2) None of the 8 or so STs on the lot had PS Group (all steel wheels). These were quoted as being "Ford generated" packages, what Ford most wanted to sell presumably.

    It would appear that post 449's comment of a commodities shortage of the new 16" wheels was right on target & that Ford's response was to limit the application to the ST. Anything that makes the ST more unique than the rest of the millions (billions?) of Explorers out there is a good thing in my book.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    Still confused (I'm a little slow ;-) So what SHOULD the "new" 16" wheels look like? We've had our ST since the end of May and we're considering switching out the wheels from our '95 Expedition Explorer which look a lot better than these.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    We have the 16" wheels that match what is on the Ford website. Are these the ones from last year? Show me a site where they show what the 16" SHOULD look like.
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    Sorry for the confusion, I'm occasionally guilty of giving so much commentary that I bury my point.

    All ST pictures & STs in person I've seen with Ford's Aluminum wheels are the "new" ones, 5 straight spokes rather than the "old" ones, 5 teardrop spokes (typical classic Ford Premium wheels).

    IMHO both the "old" & "new" (ST) 16" wheels look good. I prefer the new ones only bc they're fresh & unique to the ST.
  • alcat4alcat4 Member Posts: 16
    jimz2 your scary with that memory!!!!!!!!but back to facts. DON'T BUY FACTORY STEREO WITH SINGLE DISC IT SUCKS!!!!!!! for me it's ok I planned to upgrade any way I need tape/cd ,ok call me a dinosaur/audiophile analogue is better. Truck/st is still cool and boy are you'all right EVERYBODY IS LOOKING!!! GOTTA DRIVE SEE YA. T.
  • acbrown1acbrown1 Member Posts: 6
    Broke a plastic corner brace that holds a side bed rail to the bed rail behind the cab. Cannot use the cover at highway speeds - ripped the rails in the this corner off the bed - turnbuckles and adhesive weather strip no match for 60 mph wind at highway speed.

    WHO MAKES THE SOFT TONNEAU COVER FOR FORD???

    NEED REPLACEMENT PART - DEALER NO HELP.

    PLEASE HELP.
  • acbrown1acbrown1 Member Posts: 6
    Still have not gotten my low speed steering problem fixed by dealer. Went over everything with the real shop manager - spent half an hour discussing possible solutions. I am an experienced and retired GM mechanic. His shop is very busy but he gave me the time and we went over the Ford TSBs on his computer. Found nothing - but manager said the 16 inch wheels have caused problems on other Explorer model - real touchy steering at highway speeds and some low speed problems because of the bigger tire's footprint/grip.

    Did not know about OASIS # 14005 Special Service Bulletin on steering and the bleeding off air in steering pump. Wanted to put a couple of hundred miles on ST before aligment - those delivery trucks and binders to hold the vehicles on the truck cause a lot of problems that go away or sometimes get worse. This is why the dealers should check the vehicle out before letting the customer test drive. By the way, I caught the steering problem in the test drive before purchasing - Did not count on having to wait/get the run around from a "junior
    assistant service manager." Heck I forgot more about trucks than they will ever know.
  • acbrown1acbrown1 Member Posts: 6
    Sport Trac does NOT have a gravel shield to stop small (pea size) gravel getting caught between the brake caliper and rotor. 16 inch tires have a tread pattern that throws up a lot of gravel used on rural roads. The gravel can fall off later on a paved road and scare the dickens out of you.

    I got a rock caught between the caliper and rotor - sounds/feels like you ran over an are dragging your own muffler or ran over and are dragging a garbage can under the ST. Thought that the spare tire had come loose and was dragging.

    Easy fix - stop ST on shoulder quickly and safely; then slowly backup 1 foot. This should free the offending rock/pea gravel. You may have to repeat this a few times to dislodge it.

    If this does not work you may be able to dig it out/wedge it out with a screw driver - be careful not to damage the caliper pad or the disc rotor with the screwdriver. Not handy then I would get the vehicle towed. If you have to drive it with the rock stuck and all hell breaking loose - get it to a shop ASAP - you may have ruined the rotor even if it does break loose after diving it a couple of miles.
  • mandarin_gmandarin_g Member Posts: 17
    O.K., but tell me what the center axle cap on the old Vs. new wheels looks like. I've seen two different styles. One has a large shiney chrome cap that sticks out about 3" - 4" from the spokes. The other type of cap is not shiney and about the same diameter but is almost flush with the spokes and has the "Ford" emblem/word printed in the center of it.

    On the official ST brochure it shows the "flush" center cap, but on the lots, I've seen both. However, on the dealer lots I didn't check to see if maybe the different center cap was due to 15" Vs. 16" wheels. Does this make a difference?
  • deciding2deciding2 Member Posts: 24
    Your second description was much better. I have both brochures the ST and the 2001 explorer sport. Please restate--the straight 7 spoke is the new one--just like in the ST brochure? I'm still confused because the Explorer Sport brochure shows 3 different wheels--the 16" premium sport group is the tear drops--but for the 4x4. Then it shows a crome 15" premium sport 4x2 that is different, can't really explain--it's not tear drop or straight it kinda has triangles and slits. And then it shows a 15" cast aluminum that is standard, which looks like slashes and dots. So--where they putting the tear drops on the ST or are they still?

    acbrown1-What do you mean No gravel shield? And do we need one, how do we get one? I think the easy fix would be getting the gravel shield rather than your easy fix of rolling back and forth. I am still waiting on my 4x2 deliv. date of 7-5. but I think this would be even a bigger problem for anyone wanting to do some four wheeling? Don't you think?
  • robb14robb14 Member Posts: 3
    I am also experiencing a squeeky driver's seat. If anyone finds out a fix, let me know. I will be taking it in soon for an oil change and I am going to ask the service guy about it. If I find out anything, I let everyone know.
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    This link to Ford's 2000 4 door Explorer shows the wheel options (5 choices) & names of each.
    http://www.fordvehicles.com/vehiclespec.asp?vid=8

    The ST brochure & all other pictures I've seen show (2) "new" options unique from the (5) for the standard Explorer.
    The base ST wheels, 15" steel units are all that I've seen at various dealer's lots. None of the 15 or so STs I've seen in my area have had the PS Group (16" Aluminum wheels with 5 straight spokes & flat cap with the Ford logo on a grey background).

    Since Ford apparently revised the wheel spec for the 2-door 2001 Explorer I wondered if there was a change to the ST as well.

    mandarin_g & all,
    Do your ST's or ones you've seen have any of the (5) wheels shown in the attached link?
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    Lasvegan,
    I remain in the same boat with you. Saturday I found out bad news on my ST & trade in.
    1) The VIN number I was given was not for my ST but the Explorer listed below mine on the computer screen. Ford CS asked for my VIN & Personal info (name, phone etc), not sure which piece they use to track an order but I'm confused as to why the mismatch never came up.
    2) The elusive tonneau cover status I now have now matches what the rest of the world has been told, on hold till July 24th (if not more).
    3) Tonneau cover would cost me parts counter price if I take delivery without it.
    4) My 95 Contour SE loaded with 102k miles is only worth $2,000 on a trade in. There's a TSB for my Contour's 5 speed tranny (grind noise going into 3rd gear) that would make it tough to sell to a private owner. I solve the problem the Doctor's way... "Dr. it hurts when I do this." -----"Well don't do that.." I skip 3rd gear. When the clutch goes, I'll drop in a newer junkyard tranny & keep the car for work travel. I do enough miles to justify the cost of keeping the car after my ST arrives as a beater & better place to stack the big miles of solo driving.

    Since I'm keeping my car, I'm going to bite the bullet & wait for the ST (hopefully before Labor Day). Yes I am crazy to be so in love with the ST & still choose to wait. Lasvegan & I really seem to be in the same boat on this.
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    Can anyone please supply the phone number of the factory where the ST is built and the brand manager's phone # that was mentioned in some of the recent postings. It would be greatly appreciated.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    Our ST does NOT have the wheels shown on that Ford link. We have the 16" ones shown in the ST brochure.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    It seems to me that the dealer would give some kind of agreement to get the tonneau (after market) at the same cost as you would have gotten it had you waited. I would think they would be up for that option since it would help their sales for a particular month.
  • wpoewpoe Member Posts: 41
    My 4x2 ST with the 16" wheels also have the rims that are on the brochure.
  • jlurksactojlurksacto Member Posts: 17
    Have been watching this board since I ordered my ST 3/23. Ordered it with the tonneau cover and in mandarin gold. After reading about the hold on
    the vehicles with the cover, cancelled the cover.
    Ever since then, I had been told that "the vehicle is in the computer, waiting assignment." This morning I called the Customer Service Center and was told that my order was on hold again because of the color (mandarin gold). Talked to
    the dealer and he said that only four colors are now available: torador red, estate green, black, and oxford white. Changed the color to oxford white and now the dealer thinks my ST will be assigned and built within the next two weeks. I orginally wanted silver (and still do) but that
    isn't an option yet. Have a toreador red F150, like it, but wanted a color change. Don't like green, and have a black 450SL (one black vehicle is enough). So I end up with white. Still want a silver one tho. Many thanks to all here that are keeping us current on the status of everything about the ST and the after market parts available. Ford sure isn't. Jim
  • melvin7melvin7 Member Posts: 32
    I wanted to know about the axle ratios. The one ordered for me is 3.73 for the rear axle. Is that better for gas mileage, And ok for average towing and hauling? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Mel
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    FYI Everyone: I have an uncle who was a vendor for Ford for many years (not sure for what exactly)and evidently Ford is changing all of their vendors for parts and accesories so that would explain the hold up of the ST and the tonneau.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    Still haven't found a better built vehicle than Ford.
  • lambchoplambchop Member Posts: 24
    My 4x2 ST with the Premium Sports Group has the wheels that are pictured on the front of the ST brochure.
  • lambchoplambchop Member Posts: 24
    I tried to roll up my rear window and it kept going up about 2/3rds of the way and then would go back down. I finally hit "vent" and it went up to the vent position. I then turned it up and it went all the way up. Anybody else having rear window problems. I am afraid to roll it down again. We are having lots of rain in Dallas.
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    Did the dealer put the TEMP plate on the rear window. If so when you removed it did it leave any sticky stuff on the window?

    The Window is designed to stop if it hits an obstruction. The sticky stuff left over from TEMP tags is enough to stop the window.

    BTW,
    I think I discovered why the rear window only has UP, DOWN and VENT. I believe it is a safety issue to prevent the window from becoming a guillotine in an accident with a center passenger.

    If the window is up you break it with the back of your head if the window is down you get whiplash. But if your neck comes down hard on the top edge of the window..... WHIP-SLASH
  • mdemarcomdemarco Member Posts: 13
    I complained about the seat "rocking" slightly and my Ford dealer ordered a new seat track. It was "machined improperly"

    I didnt have the new track installed yet, but the seat then began squeaking recently. I fixed it with good 'ol WD-40 on the seat track, and surrounding metal parts. Hopefully the new seat track will perminately fix the issue.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    When we picked up our ST, our sales guy told us that we have to be careful not to reprogram the window. I think what he said was if you hit the button 3 times consecutively without waiting for it to open/close you could potentially be "messing up" the program and the dealer would then have to reprogram. Doesn't make sense to me but who knows?
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    Lambchop---

    I would suggest that you follow the procedure listed out on page 25 of your owner's manual called Position Recovery Mode to reset your rear window.

    As the manual says, if that doesn't solve the problem, see the dealer.
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    Jimz2---

    Your posts regarding the old and new wheels continue to cause confusion on this board.

    There are only 2 types of wheels for the Sport Trac.

    Standard 15" wheels.
    Upgraded 16" wheels with the Premium Sport Group.

    Your information regarding what the 2001 Explorer Sport now has should go on that board and not the Sport Trac board. All you've been doing is creating confusion and concerns with Sport Trac owners that they may have old wheels. Yet not one single person has reported seeing a Sport Trac with these older wheels.

    mandarin g---to answer your question, yes the different cap center is due to the different size of wheel. If it has the shiny cap that sticks out several inches, it's a 15" wheel. If it has the flat cap with the Ford emblem it's the 16" wheel.
  • mandarin_gmandarin_g Member Posts: 17
    Thanks zack for clearing that up. I was hoping that would be the case. I would want 16" tires and like their style wheels (flat cap, straight spokes, no teardrops) much better than the 15" style.

    Now if I could just hog-tie & gag Ford to keep them from eliminating ALL the colors I like --- apparently my 2nd favorite color (Island Blue) has bit the dust!
    This is getting ridiculous!!! As a recent post indicated, only 4 colors now being offered - now, that's plain stupid. I hope it isn't true.
  • myafchakmyafchak Member Posts: 6
    I took delivery of my Island Blue Sport Trac on Tuesday June 13th. I absolutely love this truck! I never thought I would find a truck I would like more than my '97 Sport!

    I have some of the same issues like the low speed shimmy. But no problem with the gas cap. I have also noticed that in the vent position my rear window seems slightly off level. Has anyone else noticed this? I've also noticed that the molding on the driver's side window has a pretty noticeable bulge in it. It appears to be loose but that should be easy to fix.

    I also suggest that everyone check the speed control. Mine did not work when I tried it the other day. I am bringing it in to the service dept. for that on Wednesday.

    For the record:
    Island Blue
    4x4
    Sport, Cloth and Convenience paks
    No tonneau cover
    Cargo Cage
    16" wheels that look like the ones in the brochure.
    NO MPG yet. Still on the first tank of gas! :-)
  • jsullyjsully Member Posts: 15
    Here is a little info on tonneau covers. I found 2 aftermarket companies making them. Astro-cap and A.R.E. Both sell for $600 to $670 depending on the dealer. The Astro-cap is a little larger and you must remove the outer tie downs as the cover extends over the side of the bed past the tie down locations. The A.R.E. tonneaus are slightly smaller so you don't need to remove the tie downs. If you have a S.T. any color other than black you will have a black band around the outside of the cover. Both are watertight and seem to have the same quality of construction. Thought some of you find this information useful.
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    I agree that the wheel thread got a bit long, not my intention.
    Can you post a link to the 2-door Explorer Sport board you recommend. I can only find this board as an active Explorer board for general issues (not transmissions). Please help, I'm Confused at the info you posted.
  • craig002craig002 Member Posts: 32
    I have had my ST for a while, and would now like to add the cargo cage. I have called the parts department and the sales people at the dealer. No one is "for sure" on the price.

    Has anyone purchase this item after delivery? and what did you need to pay?
  • melvin7melvin7 Member Posts: 32
    What does the different axle ratios mean and what is the best one for average hauling, towing, and driving for the Sport Trac? Come on who's the mechanic out there?
    By the way, I think Tracker is a better nickname than Sporty for the vehicle.
    Thanks,
    Mel
  • mltwo2mltwo2 Member Posts: 4
    craig002

    here is the deal on the cargo cage. Dolphins66 told me they paid 185.00 for theres- i have called 8 dealers and it sells for 354.00- you can only get it for the 185.00 if you ordered it with the truck- all the dealers told me the same thing. i have f riend that works in conn for a ford dealership and i have a call into him to see what he says.

    Mileage: I just filled mine for the first time and got 18.5 around town- not bad at all
  • deciding2deciding2 Member Posts: 24
    HELP!!!!!I am still awaiting my ST--and growing very impatient. I know that some are held longer that others, I'm assuming that is based on how many are going to each location/direction. Mine was built on 6-12, and is in route--Dealer given arrival date of 7-5. It's stop off is Winston/Salem, NC. That's all my dealer could help. Any way to track my Trac? It shouldn't take another three weeks. The dealer did say they have been coming in early. But I WANT IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • mljohnmljohn Member Posts: 9
    Well, Ford couldn't do it so the aftermarket is. I
    just ordered a RollnLock tonneau cover for my ST. They just began manufacturing them and will ship the first batch in 3 weeks. It seems to be a good compromise between the hard and soft covers. They are at http://www.rollnlock.com/update.html. I paid $799 installed, they retail for $699.
  • deciding2deciding2 Member Posts: 24
    I know--post #9 is a source to track by rail--if mine is even coming by rail--that sight FYI takes three days to give you a secure I.D. before it will let you request the info...I don't want to bother with that. I did call my dealer back and found out she can call Winston/Salem and see if it's there and "RED TAG" it for ASAP shipment. She said she can only call them between 9-12a.m.. O.K.--so I answered my own question--but remember how you felt when you were waiting....and how you do feel if you are still waiting like me. Quick "?" for anyone--the colors--I of course ordered the very handsome--Deep Wedgewood Blue--I've not heard much mention of this color--Am I to assume it has also been taken off the color list....? I'm actually happy if it has...then all of us early orders will be that much more unique.
  • lambchoplambchop Member Posts: 24
    Thanks to all of you for rear window help. I was not aware of the resetting info in the manual. I guess I better take time to read the whole book. My window is working fine now.
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