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Comments
I obviously have too much time on my hands today, so I'll make a subjective comment on automatics in general...
Fluid change and filter cleaning at 30K miles is NOT excessive. In fact, the tranny fluid change is one of the most effective ways to increase powertrain reliability/longevity.
The trick auto on the 4.7 is certainly an issue. That's why I chickened out for the 5.9 and "old" tranny. But even still, I'll most certainly pop to have the trans serviced every 20K miles (as I have in the 5.9 Ram).
While it's not directly related, it's pertinent... My wife's '94 Intrepid began experiencing tranny problems at about 50K miles... Sticking valves that could have been avoided had we serviced the trans more frequently. These new transmissions can be extremely sensitive and temperamental without careful maintenance!
When I went in this week to inquire where/when my
bedliner was going to be installed, I saw 6 of the eight service bays had full-size Rams up in the air, all in the same condition, rear wheels off, splines removed, rear differential cases open, gearless, and drained.....not a good sign at a small-town dealer.
Bookitty
Texaszach-I have no problems with the looks of the Sport Trac, but some of these angular suburban assault vehicles in the shows are beyond me. I kind of like the look of the Super Crew, but like you wanted something a little smaller. I get tired of parking a large truck in a spot designed by a midget car driver.
I also don't see that there has been too much negative about the multispeed automatic in these posts. There has been a couple of problems, but most of what I have seen have been people not familiar with the characteristics of a learning transmission. When I first got my 91 F150, it drove me crazy until I learned what it was doing. As someone who has done a heck of a lot of towing, I can tell you, I much prefer an automatic. On an incline with a load or a long haul, an auto is the only way to go. If a person likes shifting, fine.
One other consideration--the 5 speed is plain ole fun to drive! I can honestly say that I have not enjoyed a vehicle as much since I bought a 750 Honda in 1971 and drove it up the coast highway in the mist and the rain.....whoops...we old men have to ramble every once in awhile :~}
It is truly sad when the costumer has to put up with people who are only interented in making a dollar. This may explain why customers know more about the product than the salesmen, dealerships, and even the technicians.
Does anyone have a sense for whether any component of the T&H package makes it more difficult to get a second (cheap) set of tires and wheels for winter driving? For example, would you need to reprogram the computer each time you swapped? Or is the wheel size such that it would be hard to find a cheap same-sized steel set?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts (and patience with the uninitiated).
If you use the same size tire and wheel then you will have no problems, the tire is certainly a fairly common size, so I guess the wheels should be fairly easy too.
The computer wont' have a problem as long as you keep the same overall dimensions - i.e. you can change wheel and tire size as long as overall size remains more or less constant - however that may lead to other problems - in particular with abs (or brakes in general if you go smaller).
One general comment - if you are looking for a winter set I agree with using cheap (steel) wheels - but I wouldn't use cheap tires - if you are going to change then you may as well make it worthwhile - Bridgestone Blizzak or Michelin Suregrip (?) spring to mind.
To TEXASZACH:
While I haven't stepped down to the QC from a "monsterous" F-350, I HAVE stepped down from a full-size (Ram) for the same reason... Just didn't need that much truck anymore! And it was a GOOD decision... The 5.9 QC has the guts I need for towing, yet things like that precise R&P steering, turning radius, etc. make it a sheer pleasure to drive by comparison!
To BOO:
Compliments (once again) for your perspective on fluid power! The auto tranny is a great device (I spill far less coffee these days) so long as it's maintained properly.
For those contemplating an order, I might add that the HD Service Group is well worth the price regardless of whether or not you haul a trailer. Between the trans cooler, HD battery, etc. it effectively lowers maintenance costs over the years. I have it in the '95 Ram, gone through 5 winters, and the battery is still just fine!
To ALL:
The Ford Sport Trac is an interesting vehicle, as I'm sure other 4-doors will be as they hit the market. But curiously, once again, Chrysler seems to have created a niche with the QC.
I'm currently on contract with Ford. They butter my bread. But even with the incentive of a discount through the client, my sensibility and needs told me to go with the Dak. I suspect that others in this group are equally logical in their purchase decisions.
I also misspoke in my message. I did indeed only mean cheap wheels. Good tires are definitely in order.
I hope you don't get tired of giving free advice!
QUESTION: can anyone tell about me the wiring harness: without the power overhead option I see only a single power wire for the lights. Is the overhead console wired for the compass and I just can't see the plug? Or do I have to run my own lines down to the dash? I expect I will have to get the maintenance book soon as it is, but any help from this forum would be greatly appreciated.. THANKS
About all I can say is that I've read many other posts that also suggest a clunking in the multi-speed auto mated to the 4.7. Other than the annoyance of the sound/feel, I wouldn't dare venture a guess as to its cause.
What I will suggest, however, is that you take the time to visit your dealership service department, document the complaint, have a service advisor or tech take a drive with you to demonstrate the sound... and DEFINITELY have them write up a Repair Order listing your complaint. Chances are that they'll write "NPF" (No Problem Found) on the RO. But if something goes wrong with the tranny later, you'll be armed with "evidence" in black-and-white for arbitration purposes.
Since you've also "stepped down" from a "big boy's truck" (Ram 1500), I'd be interested in hearing your impressions regarding the difference. From my perspective, the Dak QC is infinitely more agile and comfortable... It feels GOOD to feel in touch and in control of the vehicle I'm driving... NOW, if I can just get rid of the 95 Ram, I'll be free to play with the new one!
Good luck!
A suggestion... It your wife had ever driven the Ram, give her some miles behind the wheel of the QC (and relax in that reclining seat yourself!).
If your significant-other is similar to mine, she'll be PERFECTLY comfortable with the driving characteristics... Which, of course, gives us more opportunities for longer naps on extended trips!!!
I entered a comment several days ago about the big price difference with carorder.com in several states. I talked with them and they said the reason for this was in some states they had a bigger dealer network to work with which made it easier to get lower prices. Since this difference can be as much as $1200 in my case I might be going out of state to purchase my QC if my local dealers won't match the price.
Started the QC up to move it back to the barn (hail storm warnings tonight), and couldn't help but to sit and listen to that wonderful exhaust tone!
Called the delivering dealer today to chck on registration transfer from the Ram... He was a bit busy. As it turns out, every vehicle in their floorplan (180 total) was damagecd by a hailstorm that rolled throgh the night before last... JEEZ! Glad I picked the QC up last weekend and it's safe in the barn!!!
Luck to all!
Any luck on delivery yet!?
With what you've been through, it would seem the dealer would deliver the QC to you door, then take you and significant other out to a first-class dinner!
Bookitty
Anyway, the 4.7l auto was a very nice driving vehicle...great power, pick up etc...the only concern I had was as you put it "a clunk when shifting from drive to park." I had the same experience. I seemed to want to lurch forward a bit during the shift to park. It felt rather
severe compared to other auto trans I have used and also the 5.9. Don't know if this is a problem, but it seems to be a common theme with
the 4.7. Hope this helps.
Towcrazy2 - Glad to hear your Quad is safe from the nasty weather....where do you get such awful hail? Glad I live in the great white north.
Can anyone elaborate on what the Heavy Duty service package consists of? I hear some remarks that it is worth ordering. Just thought I would ask.
Thanks.
R.
rest from Atlanta to Greenville SC and back. 16.6 mpg with the 4.7 is all. Got 8,500 miles or so. Runs perfectly, but I sur hoped for better with a lighter truck (than a 4x4 GMC ext cab 1500).
My trans goes clunk on shifts sometimes, never going into park. What's your idle speed? Mine is 500 w/o air and 600 with it on.
Truck has been absolutely perfect. KJ&N, Flowmaster and lot of goodies.
Bookitty
As I've said before, the engineering behind the QC is remarkable. Yet, as I've seen before as an automotive sales/service training developer, there is NO ONE manufacturer that produces a defect-free vehicle. We look at the the specs... We drive the vehicles... We roll our dice!
I BELIEVE, however, that you'll be extremely pleased after that first couple of hundred miles behind the wheel!
And I'll be glad to hear your impressions!
CRAZYCANUCK... The "HD Service Group" (code: ADJ) requires the automatic transmission, contains an engine oil cooler, heavy-duty alternator, heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty radiator and transmission oil-cooler... Whether you tow or not, the $153 (dealer cost) is WELL WORTH the up-front investment... If you're in a colder clime, I would also suggest the Engine Heater option at $30 (dealer cost) for those sub-zero nights.
Good luck! and ENJOY your QC!
PS: If you're speccing your truck, you might try out ... Lot's of sources out there! Just a matter of sorting them out!
Bookitty
Towcrazy2, could not access invoicedealer.com. Did try www.carorder.com. A little slow, but no big bargain as far as pricing. I paid $125.00 over invoice, less my Farm Bureau discount which brings me to below invoice pricing. That is if I ever actually take delivery.
Regards all,
Bookitty
Excellent idea to put a timer on the block heater! Why didn't I think of that!!??
BOO:
Also an excellent idea to carry a cord and use the heater compliments of the motel!
By the way, I left a letter out of that website... It's "www.invoicedealers.com"
DC specs were more difficult to initerpret than those of Ford. But that site seemed to come closest to mimicking the data book used by the dealers. In fact, I specced, priced and printed the sheets... Stopped into a local dealer, and ran through some pricing. He was surprised to learn that the Rear Defroster option (GFA) also includes the 6X9 power mirrors... Not very complimentary of the dealer guys when you know more about the specs than they do, but it's great to have such detailed info BEFORE placing the order!
Interesting... Remember what a miserable task it was to order a vehicle 10-12 years ago in the "BC" (Before Computer) days? We certainly were much more at the mercy of the sales guys back then!!!
Have some downtime with the work so I'm treating myself to a "goodie day"... Ordering some Lund stone deflectors, ventvisors, Fold-a-Cover, etc.
I'm looking for step bars, black to match the Westin Safari Bar... Anyone have a source and part number???
www.carsatcost.com. It utilizes the Chrome Data source popular at many dealerships. Unfortunately,
it covers only American automobiles, not imports. The nice part about it, is that it will not allow option duplication or engineering restrictions (ie: 5 speed and 5.9 engine). Operates very quickly as well and offers print out.
Tow, thanks for the corrected URL.
et al, looking forward to finally getting my hands
on the "elusive" Quad. Congratulations to haddon upon receiving his Quad. Now for a grueling cross country rally all the way down to Uniontown, the garden spot of Pennsylvania. Hope she makes it!
Bookitty
Gathered my things and drove away... Stopped at a light. Who pulls up beside me? A much younger guy in that Sport Trac, who was CLEARLY looking for a bit of a run with me!
Growing up near Woodward Avenue, the "drag racer" in me came to the surface... Wanted nothing more than to show the "kid" what watching the rear end of a 5.9 QC was about... Must be getting old, because sensibility prevailed... With 250 miles on the clock, NO WAY am I going to punish a "green" engine for a quick thrill.
Must say, though... Once I've passed 1K miles, I'll might just stop back to the hardware store again!
Good luck to all! And once again, it's a pleasure to have dialogue with such an informed group!
I got my bars in 46 hours (I live in NY) not bad. As far as ordering I ordered mine over the phone,all said and done $206.00 delivered.If you order over the phone ask for Holly.
Allen
He is aware that I cannot continue to work with the salesman ("He who suffers fools, is himself a fool"). Made an appointment to take delivery on Monday 05/15 and under cursory inspection (just now offloaded) everything looks okay. he is also going to make me a deal for an extended warranty to salve my soul. Quad Cab 4X4 Amber Fire Pearl, 4.7, 3.55 LSD, HD Service Group, SLT, SLT Plus, Overhead Convenience Group, All Power (except seats), Skid Plates, Sliding Rear Window, Engine Block Heater, 6X9 Power Mirrors, Leather Wrapped wheel, Tire and Handling Package, Remote Entry, Trailer Tow Group and that...that...that...that's
all ffffolks!
Bookitty
Don't be surprised or dimayed by the incidental niff-naff, such as the curled weathstripping around the rear door windows. I'm sure there are any number of good approaches to correcting it. Mine was to dab in a bit of "Automotive Goop", then pressure-tape it with duct tape overnight... Worked just fine!
Anxious to hear about your impressions of the 4.7/multi-speed combo! And will say (once again) that it's worth the few bucks and hassle to dump 6-8 ounces of "Marvel Mystery Oil" (upper cylinder lube) into those first couple of tankfulls!
Keep us posted!
Take it easy.
Ben
Bookitty
Ben
Ben
I saw someone earlier mention they had FlowMasters on their Quad. Was it the 5.9 or 4.7. I had them on my Ram now I want them on my Quad. I also have been looking into the DynoMax brand anyone have more info. on which is better.
Right on! Old age and treachery will overcome youth and ability any day of the week! It's somewhat heartening, for example, to hear that there's another "old fart" out there who appreciates the virtues of that marvelous mystery stuff during break-in... I can still hear my old automotive technology instructor SCREAMING at us to dump a few ounces in after an engine rebuild and before we went out drag racing on Woodward Ave.!
My apology on misreading your specs (5-speed)... If I'd my druthers, I might have gone the same route. But two issues confronted me:
(1) trailering with a 5-speed; (2) occasional use of the vehicle by my wife during inclement weather... Bless her, but she's MURDER on a clutch!!!
In any case, Sounds like you've got a real performance package with the 4.7 and 5-speed (i.e., I don't want to race you)... Hope you can resist the temptation of inching that pedal just a little further toward the metal during break-in... It's been AGONY for me!
GSU1:
Little question in my my mind that "the kid" in the SportTrac doesn't quite connect with the idea of power-to-weight ratios in the Ford versus either a 4.7 or 5.9 QC... Such is a concept that is sometimes better learned by experience than with a calculator!
Enjoy your Quads while they're still a marvelous mystery to the guys driving other trucks!