Hi all. I'm new to this board, but have been reading the posts for the past couple of months. Thanks for all the very helpful info.
I am now seriously considering an ST after first thinking I wanted just the regular 2-dr 2001 Sport.
A while back, someone posted a problem with their ST concerning a slight "shimmy" in the front end when they started to make a turn in the vehicle. They said they took it back to the dealer and was told, IIRC, that it was "normal" for it to do that. I thought at the time that the dealer's answer was BS, but, I never saw (or remember) the posted solution to this problem.
Could the owner of this ST (or anyone else having this problem) elaborate on what the deal is here.
FYI, I just test drove an ST two days ago and believe it or not, IT had the same problem. It was slight, but definitely noticeable. I only noticed it shimmying one time (while _I_ was driving it) and that was when I first got into the ST and made my first turn out of the parking space. During the rest of the test drive I didn't notice it UNTIL we had arrived back at the dealership.
I got out of the ST and let the salesman back it into its parking space. As he was making a slight turn into the space, I actually saw the front left tire vibrate for a couple of seconds. I mentioned this to him and he just shrugged it off by saying he didn't notice any shimmying, yet HE was driving it!
From my experience, it seems to only happen if you're driving super slow (like 1 - 2 mph) while making a turn. It seemed also, to only happen during the VERY FIRST part of the turn. Through the rest of the turn, as you're completing it --- it doesn't shimmy.
However, this is definitely NOT normal. Of the vehicles I've owned or driven, I have never experienced this problem.
I have my ST a week today, and I too have that same problem. while very minor, its not enout to go back to the dealer yet. I would rather wait a few thousand miles, and make a laundry list of things that bother me. the other being the rubbing of the gas cover lid or whatever you call it. I dont see these as major problems, and because this is a new vehicle, I expected some things not to be perfected yet. I just didnt want to wait 3 years for all the bugs to get worked out. Other than that, its a terrific vehicle. I just dont know what cover to get.
I have had my ST 5 weeks now. I also have the same shimmying problem. It only shimmys at slow speeds when turning. I thought it was maybe the tires grabbing, but now that I read everyone else's response i'm not so sure. I would be interested in hearing other peoples response. I still love the ST though.
I have the same low speed shimmying problem with my engine stumbling (poor idle/stalling). RPM's drop to 400 executing a simple parking lot backup with engine warm. Also have a problem with the steering being too sensitive to control on the highway at 70 mph especially in cross winds. The power steering is overboosted or the steering alignment is wrong. My truck is 2WD with the optional 16 inch wheels with over 1,000 miles. Dealer's Assistant Service Manager says every think is okay or within specs.
Got a 2 day "Sun Job"; dealer kept it for 2 days parked in the sun -- did nothing!!
Told the Assistant Service Manager to test power steering boost control and alignment tow in and when the problems occur. She didn't listen or even appear to care.
I really haven't noticed the shimmying, but I would liken it to trying to turn too sharp when a car is in 4wd--that's one of the explanations my dealership gave. I also noticed the gas door rubbing and am concerned about it as well. acbrown1--I also feel it's sometimes difficult to keep the ST b/t the lines on the highway or interstate--moreso than just b/c it's big and affected more by cross winds. I've driven larger trucks before and feel the STs steering is a little too sensitive as well. Sorry about the wrong info on the Estate Green
I live in Virginia Beach/Norfolk, VA.--We have a Ford plant here..(they don't make the ST)oviously, but we do have all Large Ford dealerships because of it. Went by one today and what did I see....A beautiful deep wedgewood Sport Trac displayed high upon a pedestal. I think this is the beginning....there is one commercial on t.v....but you all know that the No Boundries show is starting this Sunday on Fox and has a part in it called Sport Trac challenge. From the article I read in the paper..all the commercials will be Ford Sponsered. Once our little secret gets out I'm afraid supply and demand will kick in. That may mean they are going to work on getting all these orders out. I got my VIN just one week after ordering--then my build date one week after that..no problems yet. Will be tuned in to fox on Sunday though...can't wait to see it in action.
Hey fordsporttrac--re: your post 308--I solved the problem with limited view on right turns (rear view mirror blocks/covers the whole damn windshield). Hope I'm not just pointing out the obvious but...the arm that attaches the mirror to the windshield pivots. I moved the mirror up to just under the temperature/compass display and now I can see pedestrians when I turn right. (Well, I can see them better.)
I have had mine for 4 weeks now and I have noticed the front end shimmy just ever so slightly. Just like all others it is in a very low speed turn. We have also had some sqeaks develope.#1 sqeak is under the dash right above your right knee. It is the air condition duck. #2 is in the rear and it sound like a little bell ringing constantly. I got under it and messed around with it a bit but no answer. I'll let the dealer find it. My airbag light came on one day after I received it. So I got some thing to work out with it. Its kinda strange... I'm not really complaining. This suv fits my purpose perfect... Thank you all for all the info thats been posted ...Jeff
Got my vin# today. Like to say I'm excited but at this point I'll believe it when I see it. Also asked about tonneau. Salesman said released for manufacture on the 19th of june? Hope vouchers are for real!! Also in response I'm paying $750.00 over invoice. in Texas, I live in tulsa ok. . All ford dealers in tulsa are owned by ford, and out lying areas wouldn't deal by for now.
So, acbrown1, you think the shimmy might actually be an engine/idling prob. rather than a steering/front end prob.?
Hmmmm, could be, 400 RPM does sound quite low. You would think, though, with an idle prob. I would have seen the front part of the body shake when the salesman was backing the ST into its space. The body could have vibrated and I just missed it. But, all I saw was the tire vibrate which would sound like it's steering related. However, I'm certainly NOT the mechanic here, so your guess is probably •better• than mine.
Is anyone NOT having this shimmy problem? Just curious because I think I've sold myself on the ST.....each day the urge gets stronger.
To goosemyster: "a bell ringing"? That's REALLY odd because I've heard the same sound in my 1987 full-size Bronco. It comes and goes and right now I'm not hearing it. I thought it might be a seat spring of some type vibrating against another piece of metal. I'll let you know if I find out what it is.
does anyone know if the cargo cage can be removed while the tailgate is in the closed position? I'm concerned about someone ripping it off. Thanks in advance
No, the cargo cage cannot be removed with the tailgate closed and locked. My husband and I were concerned about that too before we got delivery of our ST last Friday.
As for the shimmy, I'm not so sure I'd call it that but we also noticed that while we're turning the vehicle (at slow speeds of course) into a parking space.
I saw the cargo cage installed on a demo ST last week but didn't examine the operation. For flipping the cage, it looks like the red knob on each side is spring loaded & pins either the top or bottom hole to keep it in place. True? Also, what needs to be done, other than lowering the tailgate to remove it from the pivot point? Is it easy enough to remove, flip & reinstall for someone concerned with interference with a tonneau cover?
I'm not sure but think I saw something a few months ago. someone had a power steering hose replaced. don't know if it fixed prob., but's worth looking into.
We got ours at Basil Ford. They have an Estate Green one, which they were going to sell us for $23,077, but we didn't like the color. Al Maroone, had an Island Blue with cloth, convenience and cargo cage a few weeks ago, and told me they would sell for invoice. West Herr, both in Hamburg and Amherst would also sell for invoice. West Herr in Hamburg had 6 4x4's 2 weeks ago. Best of luck.
Last week I got a grill guard for my Sport Trac (ST). It is really "sweet". I got my Sport Trac about 6 weeks ago and had been waiting since then for someone to come out with a grill guard. Mine is made by WAAG which looks really nice on the ST. Also this is a great site to find out what other ST owners are experiencing with this unique vehicle. I've had the similar minor problems with the "shimmying" and the rear view mirror annoyance. It's nice to know I'm not the only one. It would be great if FORD looked at this site to know what they need to modify/correct on future models.
wow, the economy in buffalo must be picking up finally, i didnt think an st would show up there for some time. i live in atlanta but have roots in black rock and kenmore. we travel to springville every summer to property we own there and hopefully my st will be here in time to drive it up there this summer. a good friend who manages a large dealership here ordered mine, along with one for himself, and another for his in laws. When the management is buying them for themselves you have to feel like its a good vehicle. I am really looking forward to mine and appreciate all of the feedback from this site. Thankfully, everyone seems to be pleased with their purchase. Have a R.B. on weck for me, extra horseradish.
I am interested in the grill guard you bot from Waag. Do you have the part # handy, and approx. cost. Also, was it difficult to install? I have two left hands and one right handed screw driver. Thanks,
well guys(and gals), after deciding three weeks back that I wanted a sport trac, I started to order one but then decided that I couldn't wait that long for one. I wanted a fully loaded 4x2, but none of the dealers around here ordered them with the moon roofs and hardly any with leather. My salesman indicated that they had a loaded 4x4 coming in 5/31 and this was on 5/26. I told him that I would take it, I got a call on 5/27 that my sport trac was there and i picked it up that day for just over dealer invoice at 7.9% I don't think you can get any luckier than that. My salesman, Eric Shaw at North Point Ford in Little Rock AR, was a big help getting this deal done. And I want to thank everyone here for all the helpful info. P.S. the TNS(Twisted Neck Syndrome)this vehicle causes other drivers is definitely fun to watch.
Does anyone have a Sport Trac 4x2 with the 4.10 L/S rear end . I just oredered one with the Sport package.I need the L/S for the New England Winters but had to get the 4.10 axle.The 4x2 was $2100 less did the 4x4.
Well guess what? My wife has driven a Geo Tracker for almost 4 years. She likes being in something small for parking. She has always wanted a small pickup. But we need the room for at least 4 people. Well bless Ford, they made just the truck for her. We picked up a Black 4x4 with sport group, Conv. group and cloth comfort group. We love it. It rides much better than the 4 door Explorer and not at all like a truck. Also bless my father-in-law. He is retired from Ford and the Z-plan really helps. As far as the little problems with the sport trac. We have the gas lid hitting the fender also, however I dont think it will cause much problems as the fender is fiberglass, no rusting from the rub. I have not noticed the shimmy yet. I will let Ford know that for a large guy like myself I think the inside door handle should be re-designed. I also would like a small V-8 engine!! Over all it is a great SUV.
I did some research on the cargo cage, looked at history on postings & did some realtime testing at the dealer's lot today. I apologize for contradicting you dolphin66, you're a valued source, but I had no problem removing the cage with the tailgate up. As post 408 on the previous topic by fordsporttrac states "..if they added small feet to the bottom of the cage (when its closed) right under the pivot points, it would be impossible to unsnap the cage with the tailgate close and locked." These small feet are something an owner could come up with if they were concerned about theft of the cage. For me, the Ford hard locking tonneau with the cage makes locking in the cargo cage less of an issue. The cage, in its forward position could be used in lieu of the SMC divider to segment the bed. The tonneau could be removed & strapped inside the bed when the cage is extended for unexpected use. I hope to test this tonneau storage theory in realtime within the month. In any case, a minor addition to the cage would solve theft concerns when the tonneau is off.
I also took a look at the Nissan cage today which had the same issue & more. As has been mentioned in previous posts, it uses a strap system to hold it down, its thinner & can't match the ST cage's stainless steel quality look. PS Today, the Nissan's bed had 4" of stagnant water in the front since it was parked on a hill. It reminded me of the 6" block of ice that banged around in the one I test drove in Jan. The ST's composite beds had no water in them thanks to the drain holes Ford provided.
Well, this past Friday, my husband and I finally had an opportunity to test drive the Explorer Sport Trac. It is, indeed, a beautiful vehicle. We were told by the dealership that we could order it in a manual transmission, but since the dealership did not have one on the lot, we, instead, test drove a regular Explorer with a manual transmission. We were thrilled with the difference in pickup from the automatic (and were informed that a V-8 was not available) and were prepared to order the vehicle right then and there; however, when we returned to sit with the representative, we were advised that it could not be ordered in a manual transmission. Has anyone any idea as to whether or not Ford still intends to manufacture this vehicle with a manual transmission? It is my understanding that they were planning to do so but now that plan has been scrapped. We are willing to sit tight for awhile in the anticipation that it will be produced within this year. Any insight would be most helpful.
Just to review Jimz2's post. I have the cargo cage. It "CAN" be removed with the tailgate closed and locked.
And BTW, The cage when folded-in passes the mid point of the bed. This means that the cargo divider CANNOT be installed with the cage. I can see the cage flips beyond the mounting holes for the divider!
I have the Tonneau cover on order and I have BIG concerns that the cargo cage cannot be opened with the Tonneau installed. Previous posts indicate the cage "MIGHT" (no one knows for sure yet) hit the hinged center. Which means a big pain to open the cage with the Tonneau.
So Ford, "What we have here is a failure to communicate!" One engineer working on a cover one working on a cage.
And BTW, There was a engineer who was very helpful called jimsteele who claimed to work for the company who made the Tonneau cover. All of his posts have been deleted from the Edmunds site. (Including the Archives)
This is from the Edmunds agreement, I acknowledge that Edmunds.com, Inc. does not control and does not have the power to edit the specific content of my messages or the messages posted by other Town Hall participants, though it reserves the right to remove or hide any message from the site and to terminate any participant's Town Hall account for any reason.
It just proves to me that the auto industry has complete control over Edmunds site. Edmunds just dropped a huge notch in the credibility department with me.
I wathched the first in the 4 part series of Ford's sponsored No Boundaries Tv show on Sunday. The show was excellent, mostly because of the point of view that the segments were fimed from, but also the scenery. I was also pleased to see 4 new ST commercials during the 1 hour show. I sure am glad that I ordered my fully loaded red ST last month, because after seeing it in 3 of the 4 new commercials, I am sure that the demand for the red ST just rose significantly. Anyway, there are 3 more shows. Snow is June 4. Look for Rock June 11, Dirt June 18 and Water June 25. Check your local listings for broadcast times, in the New Orleans area it was on a 3pm. Does anyone know if the commercials are on a web site for viewing?
Anyway, just to let those who are interested know, I ordered mine on May 2, got Vin on May 14, and received a build date on May 24 for the week of June 5-12. I confirmed all of this through the 1-800 number for Ford Customer service, and they even let me know that it should be shipped to me by the end of the month. If all goes well, I will cruising the beaches in style come July 4th. Thanks to all for the info you post, it is really helpful.
There has been a burst of posts about a shimmy. I've had my ST for a couple of months and I have no Shimmy. I have noticed 2 things.
At "idle" the power steering pump will pulse during a turn. If you increase power, even 100 rpms, the pulse goes away. I think the Idle is set just a bit too low on the ST's. I have never experienced anything but the power steering pulse during idle.
When going around a turn under power the limited slip kicks in. It took some time for me to get use to the limited slip. (I've never had it before.) At first it makes the ST feel a bit strange, almost like your loosing control. When you get use to the L/S you'll find that it is actually helping the ST stay in the direction you pointed it.
My biggest hate was driving on wet roads. The L/S makes a tremendous difference! The ST stays more in control and stays in the direction I point it. My old 4Runner (No L/S) would spin one tire and slip slightly sideways.
To the other people reporting Shimmy's. What is your ST? I have the 4x4, 4.10 w/Limited Slip. Does any of the above fit your issues?
I have an ST on order and want a soft tonneau. The dealer says that Ford doesn't make one. Can someone tell me where to get one & a part #. Is the soft tonneau easy to install, or should I leave it to the pros? Are there any strong feelings out there about snaps vs velcro on the tonneau?
Also, is the class III receiver easy to install, or should I leave that to the pros?
fordsporttrac, We've kicked the tires on the mechanicals of the cage around and based on our findings, I don't see a practical conflict with the cage & a tonneau cover (Ford's hard or any soft). If someone didn't want to remove the hard tonneau or unbutton a soft tonneau past the center to flip the cage out: 1)Lower the tailgate 2)Unclip the cage in its folded position 3)Pull the cage off the bed 4)Flip & clip the cage back in It works, I did it yesterday.
I can't think of many applications where I would need the cage out & the hard tonneau could stay on anyway. Zach1000's post 175 & the pictures of the tonneau latches I've seen would suggest that removing & installing the tonneau is almost literally a snap (4 to be exact). This process looks so easy, I'm sure we'll both wonder why we spent any time thinking about it. Can't wait to put my ST into action...
Well I was unfortunitly informed that the truck that was ordered and showed up on saturaday, was not orderd with the tonneau cover. That seems strange! I have a copy of the order form and it says Tonneau Cover! Sounds a little fishy. Sales man said that the cover will be avalable June 21st as noted by a Ford Memo. If I wanted to re-order I can. Wondering if they wanted me to buy the one that showed up saturaday and there holding "MY TRUCK" when it comes in for a prefered customer (favorites)coming with the top! Boy, I hope not!!!!!!!! It would really tic me off if I saw a Sporty driving around with a cover a month after I bought one without. Im going to wait it out and see what happens next.
Billy Howell Ford in Cumming, talk to Ed Driskell, hes a great guy who will treat you right. As far as price...being in sales myself i like to see everyone try to get their own best deal. All I can tell you is that 2.5 - 4.5 percent over invoice anywhere around atlanta is a great deal, no matter what some of the people posting these ridiculous deals say. (Why would the dealer sell one for 200 or 300 over invoice when they cant keep em on the lot, give me a break. Besides, you might save yourself a few hundred bucks if you get lucky and find some desperate salesman about to lose a job, but is it really worth all the effort for another 1 or 2 percent... not to me. I would also recommend buying from a dealer that is convenient to you and that has a good reputation for service. I always seem to get treated better by service if its at the same place i purchased the vehicle. One other note. If you want to get your ST anytime soon, order it now. I have been told that the factory in KY is going to close down for 2 weeks here shortly and that supply will be extremely limited until late summer. (Like its not already). Anyway, good luck in your search and with your new machine. L8r.
Ford does make a soft cover. It's in their Ford outfitters catalog. The part number is 99501A42.
Here is the description of the cover from the catalog:
"Our special frame mounts to the cargo tie-downs and the heavy duty black vinyl cover easily snaps to the frame. You can open the tailgate without unsnapping the cover. Cover is permanently attached to the bulkhead rail and convenient tie straps hold the rolled cover when not in use."
I purchased my ST 2 weeks ago without the cargo cage. They ordered it separately. The dealer just called today and said the cargo cage is on back order and will take about another week. So, I guess they're coming, but it's just taking longer than expected.
What's the bottom line. I got my sport trac for 1% over invoice plus $99. I save nearly $850... (difference between 1% and 4.5%) I conducted most of my shopping through the internet--exerted minimal effort. The dealer closest to me has a standing offer of 2% over invoice, but he raised it to 4% for the sport trac. Since I wasn't going to take possession of a vehicle on his lot (he did not have one) ordering was the only alternative. Besides, taking immediate delivery was not paramount. I'm in the nineth week and I know the ST is off the railcar. Maybe this is a hot car, but instead of making a little money, the dealer closet to me made none.
Has anyone out there purchased a Sport Trac in the Tri State area? I would like to buy one , but have not yet seen any on the road. If there are any ST owners in this area, could you tell me where you purchased yours, how much you paid and what kind of a deal you got?
lasvegan sorry to hear of your disappointment. Maybe some one at ford is reading this stuff after all. I my self would take s/t if option list is comp.. w/o cover, but be sure to get in writing iou(voucher)for cover and or some assurance of priority for cover shipment. If what they say is true you could get drop shipped to your house and install yourself. I've heard production starts on the 19th of june. keep us posted.
To Everyone: I cannot confirm what I am about to write because no one has a Tonneau cover yet. I am making an educated guess by examining the Tonneau cover mounting holes and my cargo cage.
Jimz2, Yes your method will work but...
my complaint is, if the whole system was designed properly I would simply flip open the back half of the cover and flip out the cage. That would give a good 3.5 feet of open space to put stuff taller than the cover without removing/shifting the 70lb Tonneau cover.
We also discussed putting feet on the bottom of the cage to prevent theft when the cover is not installed. If I add feet to prevent theft of the cage, I cannot remove the cage when its flipped in and, I can not flip the cage out until I remove the cover. Its just a big hassle. It looks like its just a matter of inches to correct all the problems.
And why not have 2 or 3 positions for the cargo divider. Especially one that works with the cage installed. Its a few more holes in the bed and a plate behind the bed for side reinforcement, maybe $5-$10 worth of labor and materials.
I still love my ST but for 30K I would have expected more in the design.
Although in previous posts I said I did not have the sun roof problem, it looks like I have developed the dreaded sun roof leaky drain tube problem that everyone has been discussing.
I just noticed it today. I'm not sure why it started because we've had allot of rain in the last month. For the first time I got about a 1/4 pint of water from the head liners plastic edging, at the top, inside, of the drivers side, rear door. No stains or water marks on the head liner yet.
The water runs out of the seam in the plastic and drops right on top of the seat belt tension mechanism on the floor.
I'm very interested in the details on how they fix this. I remember reading a post that said they clamped the tubes shut. I'm sure the tubes were there for a reason!!!
If anyone has the details of the fix please post them.
Sorry for the delay in responding to your questions about the WAAG grill guard for the ST. I believe the part number is 15583. I purchased mine from a truck/SUV custom shop here in Austin, TX. They installed it for me at a total cost of about $443. I'm not sure how easy it is to do yourself. I'm sure it's possible if you have the right tools. Good luck!
My ST has been to the dealer 3... yes 3 times for a leaky roof. First they found the drain hose detatched from the sunroof. By the 3rd time, they held the truck for 3 days for testing. The fix, believe it or not, was to place SS hose clamps on the drain hoses leading from the sunroof. Sounds like a major problem with close tolerance of parts, but it did fix the problem. I am in South Jersey and we have had some wicked rain storms lately, with no leaks.
In ref. to one of your previous posts, I do have a slight "shimmy" at low idle and turning the wheel hard.
I am also having some problems with the drivers seat. It squeaks like an old lawn chair. THe dealer ordered a new seat track for me, but I need to get the truck there for a day.
My ST arrived today and we have already put almost a hundred miles on it.....I love this truck! If you are ever in southeast Georgia and see a loaded Oxford white ST with a guy grinnin' from ear to ear be sure to wave.
Thanks for all of the great info I gathered from this site. My dealer hates you all!
larseny: I bought the soft tonneau cover and installed at home in 20 minutes. You can unsnap and roll the cover, tie it down when carry bulking objects. It looks good, and set me back $199.00 plus tax.
well congratulations on a great deal. by the way the $99 that you mentioned is about another 1/2%, plus any other fees (advertising, etc.) that some dealers charge. maybe you can use that mass of cash that you saved to get some typing lessons.
Comments
http://www.edmunds.com/newtrucks/2001/ford/explorersporttrac/base2wd.html
and the 4WD vehicle:
http://www.edmunds.com/newtrucks/2001/ford/explorersporttrac/base4wd.html
I am now seriously considering an ST after first thinking I wanted just the regular 2-dr 2001 Sport.
A while back, someone posted a problem with their ST concerning a slight "shimmy" in the front end when they started to make a turn in the vehicle. They said they took it back to the dealer and was told, IIRC, that it was "normal" for it to do that. I thought at the time that the dealer's answer was BS, but, I never saw (or remember) the posted solution to this problem.
Could the owner of this ST (or anyone else having this problem) elaborate on what the deal is here.
FYI, I just test drove an ST two days ago and believe it or not, IT had the same problem. It was slight, but definitely noticeable. I only noticed it shimmying one time (while _I_ was driving it) and that was when I first got into the ST and made my first turn out of the parking space. During the rest of the test drive I didn't notice it UNTIL we had arrived back at the dealership.
I got out of the ST and let the salesman back it into its parking space. As he was making a slight turn into the space, I actually saw the front left tire vibrate for a couple of seconds. I mentioned this to him and he just shrugged it off by saying he didn't notice any shimmying, yet HE was driving it!
From my experience, it seems to only happen if you're driving super slow (like 1 - 2 mph) while making a turn. It seemed also, to only happen during the VERY FIRST part of the turn. Through the rest of the turn, as you're completing it --- it doesn't shimmy.
However, this is definitely NOT normal. Of the vehicles I've owned or driven, I have never experienced this problem.
Your comments, please.
Thanks.
Got a 2 day "Sun Job"; dealer kept it for 2 days parked in the sun -- did nothing!!
Told the Assistant Service Manager to test power steering boost control and alignment tow in and when the problems occur. She didn't listen or even appear to care.
William
Thank you all for all the info thats been posted ...Jeff
Hmmmm, could be, 400 RPM does sound quite low. You would think, though, with an idle prob. I would have seen the front part of the body shake when the salesman was backing the ST into its space. The body could have vibrated and I just missed it. But, all I saw was the tire vibrate which would sound like it's steering related. However, I'm certainly NOT the mechanic here, so your guess is probably •better• than mine.
Is anyone NOT having this shimmy problem?
Just curious because I think I've sold myself on the ST.....each day the urge gets stronger.
To goosemyster:
"a bell ringing"? That's REALLY odd because I've heard the same sound in my 1987 full-size Bronco. It comes and goes and right now I'm not hearing it. I thought it might be a seat spring of some type vibrating against another piece of metal. I'll let you know if I find out what it is.
As for the shimmy, I'm not so sure I'd call it that but we also noticed that while we're turning the vehicle (at slow speeds of course) into a parking space.
Also, what needs to be done, other than lowering the tailgate to remove it from the pivot point? Is it easy enough to remove, flip & reinstall for someone concerned with interference with a tonneau cover?
Thanks,
P.S. the TNS(Twisted Neck Syndrome)this vehicle causes other drivers is definitely fun to watch.
package.I need the L/S for the New England Winters but had to get the 4.10 axle.The 4x2 was
$2100 less did the 4x4.
I apologize for contradicting you dolphin66, you're a valued source, but I had no problem removing the cage with the tailgate up. As post 408 on the previous topic by fordsporttrac states
"..if they added small feet to the bottom of the cage (when its closed) right under the pivot points, it would be impossible to unsnap the cage with the tailgate close and locked."
These small feet are something an owner could come up with if they were concerned about theft of the cage.
For me, the Ford hard locking tonneau with the cage makes locking in the cargo cage less of an issue. The cage, in its forward position could be used in lieu of the SMC divider to segment the bed. The tonneau could be removed & strapped inside the bed when the cage is extended for unexpected use. I hope to test this tonneau storage theory in realtime within the month.
In any case, a minor addition to the cage would solve theft concerns when the tonneau is off.
I also took a look at the Nissan cage today which had the same issue & more. As has been mentioned in previous posts, it uses a strap system to hold it down, its thinner & can't match the ST cage's stainless steel quality look.
PS Today, the Nissan's bed had 4" of stagnant water in the front since it was parked on a hill. It reminded me of the 6" block of ice that banged around in the one I test drove in Jan. The ST's composite beds had no water in them thanks to the drain holes Ford provided.
kind of deal did you get and what options?
And BTW,
The cage when folded-in passes the mid point of the bed. This means that the cargo divider CANNOT be installed with the cage. I can see the cage flips beyond the mounting holes for the divider!
I have the Tonneau cover on order and I have BIG concerns that the cargo cage cannot be opened with the Tonneau installed. Previous posts indicate the cage "MIGHT" (no one knows for sure yet) hit the hinged center. Which means a big pain to open the cage with the Tonneau.
So Ford,
"What we have here is a failure to communicate!"
One engineer working on a cover one working on a cage.
And BTW,
There was a engineer who was very helpful called jimsteele who claimed to work for the company who made the Tonneau cover. All of his posts have been deleted from the Edmunds site. (Including the Archives)
This is from the Edmunds agreement,
I acknowledge that Edmunds.com, Inc. does not control and does not have the power to edit the specific content of my messages or the messages posted by other Town Hall participants, though it reserves the right to remove or hide any message from the site and to terminate any participant's Town Hall account for any reason.
It just proves to me that the auto industry has complete control over Edmunds site. Edmunds just dropped a huge notch in the credibility department with me.
Anyway, just to let those who are interested know, I ordered mine on May 2, got Vin on May 14, and received a build date on May 24 for the week of June 5-12. I confirmed all of this through the 1-800 number for Ford Customer service, and they even let me know that it should be shipped to me by the end of the month. If all goes well, I will cruising the beaches in style come July 4th. Thanks to all for the info you post, it is really helpful.
At "idle" the power steering pump will pulse during a turn. If you increase power, even 100 rpms, the pulse goes away. I think the Idle is set just a bit too low on the ST's. I have never experienced anything but the power steering pulse during idle.
When going around a turn under power the limited slip kicks in. It took some time for me to get use to the limited slip. (I've never had it before.) At first it makes the ST feel a bit strange, almost like your loosing control. When you get use to the L/S you'll find that it is actually helping the ST stay in the direction you pointed it.
My biggest hate was driving on wet roads. The L/S makes a tremendous difference! The ST stays more in control and stays in the direction I point it. My old 4Runner (No L/S) would spin one tire and slip slightly sideways.
To the other people reporting Shimmy's. What is your ST? I have the 4x4, 4.10 w/Limited Slip. Does any of the above fit your issues?
Is the soft tonneau easy to install, or should I leave it to the pros?
Are there any strong feelings out there about snaps vs velcro on the tonneau?
Also, is the class III receiver easy to install, or should I leave that to the pros?
Thanks for your help.
Does anybody know why not??? I keep hearing there is a supplier problem with producing the Cages.
Any chance you have the Technical Service Buletin number?
We've kicked the tires on the mechanicals of the cage around and based on our findings, I don't see a practical conflict with the cage & a tonneau cover (Ford's hard or any soft).
If someone didn't want to remove the hard tonneau or unbutton a soft tonneau past the center to flip the cage out:
1)Lower the tailgate
2)Unclip the cage in its folded position
3)Pull the cage off the bed
4)Flip & clip the cage back in
It works, I did it yesterday.
I can't think of many applications where I would need the cage out & the hard tonneau could stay on anyway. Zach1000's post 175 & the pictures of the tonneau latches I've seen would suggest that removing & installing the tonneau is almost literally a snap (4 to be exact).
This process looks so easy, I'm sure we'll both wonder why we spent any time thinking about it. Can't wait to put my ST into action...
Ford does make a soft cover. It's in their Ford outfitters catalog. The part number is 99501A42.
Here is the description of the cover from the catalog:
"Our special frame mounts to the cargo tie-downs and the heavy duty black vinyl cover easily snaps to the frame. You can open the tailgate without unsnapping the cover. Cover is permanently attached to the bulkhead rail and convenient tie straps hold the rolled cover when not in use."
Jimz2,
Yes your method will work but...
my complaint is, if the whole system was designed properly I would simply flip open the back half of the cover and flip out the cage. That would give a good 3.5 feet of open space to put stuff taller than the cover without removing/shifting the 70lb Tonneau cover.
We also discussed putting feet on the bottom of the cage to prevent theft when the cover is not installed. If I add feet to prevent theft of the cage, I cannot remove the cage when its flipped in and, I can not flip the cage out until I remove the cover. Its just a big hassle. It looks like its just a matter of inches to correct all the problems.
And why not have 2 or 3 positions for the cargo divider. Especially one that works with the cage installed. Its a few more holes in the bed and a plate behind the bed for side reinforcement, maybe $5-$10 worth of labor and materials.
I still love my ST but for 30K I would have expected more in the design.
I just noticed it today. I'm not sure why it started because we've had allot of rain in the last month. For the first time I got about a 1/4 pint of water from the head liners plastic edging, at the top, inside, of the drivers side, rear door. No stains or water marks on the head liner yet.
The water runs out of the seam in the plastic and drops right on top of the seat belt tension mechanism on the floor.
I'm very interested in the details on how they fix this. I remember reading a post that said they clamped the tubes shut. I'm sure the tubes were there for a reason!!!
If anyone has the details of the fix please post them.
My ST has been to the dealer 3... yes 3 times for a leaky roof. First they found the drain hose detatched from the sunroof. By the 3rd time, they held the truck for 3 days for testing. The fix, believe it or not, was to place SS hose clamps on the drain hoses leading from the sunroof. Sounds like a major problem with close tolerance of parts, but it did fix the problem. I am in South Jersey and we have had some wicked rain storms lately, with no leaks.
In ref. to one of your previous posts, I do have a slight "shimmy" at low idle and turning the wheel hard.
I am also having some problems with the drivers seat. It squeaks like an old lawn chair. THe dealer ordered a new seat track for me, but I need to get the truck there for a day.
Thanks for all of the great info I gathered from this site. My dealer hates you all!
I bought the soft tonneau cover and installed at home in 20 minutes. You can unsnap and roll the cover, tie it down when carry bulking objects. It looks good, and set me back $199.00 plus tax.