2K Ford Explorer Sport Trac's - III

gsyoung

Been reading posts about the new rebate offered effective September 1st. Noticed from previous posts that this is only available at locations with a "Blue Oval" rating.

Anyone have additional info on "Blue Oval"? All I've seen in previous posts is that this seems to be tied to the service provided. Is this "general" service?

I already own a ST. So, I'm not going for the rebate, but thought it would be good to know who's got a blue oval rating so that maybe it'll help me find a shop that can provide good service on repairs, parts ordering, etc.

fordnut

gsyoung,
Good to hear you got a great deal. As for the cargo cage, I think there was a post on where to find the aftermarket cage (web-site). I went to the site, but I will have to wait till I get home to find it. In the mean time, check out the site www.mysporttrac.com under their links section. Maybe you'll find it there.

robertc5

I had the rubbing gas door fixed at the Ford body shop 2 weeks ago. At first the guy thought he would have to heat & bend it to adjust the door. But when I picked it up he said, no, that wasn't necessary. There were adjustments which could be done "from under the truck"?? Whatever he did, the door is perfectly aligned now. That adjustment, along with adding a little paint to the bottom of the front doors, is all that I've had a problem with in three months and 2600 miles. Love the vehicle!!

gbut

Unfortunately I've had my new ST for a week and have only had time to drive it a few times, but this past weekend I looked the Audiophile system over and here's what I find: The head unit says Pioneer CD-6, not Visteon. There are only 4 speaker locations -- in the kick panels of each of the four doors. I must assume that as someone posted elsewhere the front locations each house two drivers, presumably a midrange and a tweeter each. The subwoofer and amplifier are located behind the storage door that is behind the drivers side rear seat, and they take up most of that compartment. As for how it sounds -- as I have learned how the DSP and compression work I have found better settings for my CD's and I think it's a nice system, especially for an SUT. What else can I tell you? If you want to see any pictures, I can take them and post.

gsyoung

Fordnut,
thanks for the response. I'm at work too, but look at your site tonight. If you find any info, drop me a note.

Thanks!

gsyoung

I just got a ST, and it did not come with the T-cover. Has anyone found alternative hard covers that are similar in function(i.e. split folding, and lockable) and quality to what Ford offers, but not at their "after market" price ($1100)?

tae121

Does anyone know what brand and how much the painted bug deflector is at Pep Boys? I want to get one, but the closest Pep Boys is about 2 hours away - hopefully I can order it off the internet or a nearby store.

fordsporttrac

You Said;
(2) The back window only vents or opens completely. I don't want to open it all the way
when the dogs are in the back because they will
want to come through the window (only on short
trips are they in the back, but tied to the hooks in the bed)
==============================

The rear window is designed NOT to open in increments for safety. If you have a rear center seated passenger and are rear ended with the right combo of window position and passenger hight the window will act like a gilotine. In the Vent or Closed position the victims head will just break the window. In the fully open position you just get wiplash. All of which is better than removal of your head. ;-)

jsivins

At 55 or greater speed, the wind noise is very loud. Yes, you can turn up the radio but when you have passengers it can be irritating to talk over. Does anyone know what causes the wind noise?( Design Flaw, Window Alignment etc.. ) Does anyone have a solution to reduce the noise?

fordnut

http://www.amp-research.com/products/Bed_Xtender/bed_xtender.htm

Wind noise is partially from the mirrors and door
seams along the windshield. My Ranger is also pretty loud. Ford must of not figured it was important even though their literature states they went to great lengths to reduce NHV (noise, harshness,and vibration) on the vehicle. I guess some stuff falls between the cracks for YEARS!!!!

slurpee98

A week and a half early, my ST has arrived!!!
11 weeks after the date of order!!!!
Just for the record:
4x2 Estate Green
Leather Tan
Sport Pkg
Convenience Pkg
Limited Slip 4:10
Cargo Cage
Audiophile Sound System

$25,200 + TT&L

I'm going to pick it up Saturday from the dealer. I have to make a good drive to get there, and my salesman said to wait till the weekend to be sure he had in the splash guards, bed mat, and bugshield I requested.

YEAH!!!!

jlurksacto

Ordered a rolltop cover for my st for
$599 plus installation. For a number
of reasons, I am locked out of the
$590 ford tonneau and would have to pay
the $1000 plus, so think this is a viable
alternative. http://www.pace-edwards.com
/rolltop.asp

Jim

jlurksacto

http://www.pace-edwards.com/rolltop.asp

Jim

stinhoutx

Now don't go confusing people again...

The head unit *says* "Pioneer Sound System", but the emphasis is on the "Sound" for the speakers. The head unit *is* Visteon.

If you give me 2 minutes and a markerpen, I make it say Alpine, Blaupunkt, Sony, ...

Re: wind noise. I guess we won't have to worry about that in Houston if they pull the speed limit back to 55 from 70 for EPA measures. I guess it's still the car vs. truck thing - quiet, luxurious ride or tough utility. There's always the Ford earplugs in the accessories website. Does anyone else notice the body rattle and difficult turn handling at 123MPH?

I think I have been working too late....

traction

Do the aftermarket cargo cages have the locking mechanism that the factory ones do, the cylindrical locks that you push in to lock the cage into position? Or do the aftermarket cages work like the one onthe Nissans which have a cheap hook that you have to manually hook around the bed.

I would check out the aftermarket ones carefully and make sure they work the same as the Ford ones.

gbut

Hope I didn't confuse anyone. You're right about the "Pioneer Sound System" wording on the head unit, but whether Visteon or anyone else made the head unit, I'll assume you know better than me. Does it matter who made the stereo components vis-vis where you take it for repair if it malfunctions? Is it correct that the two front doors each contain two drivers? I can't tell by looking.

gsyoung

Good question...

Does anyone know if the aftermarket cages have similar features to the one that Ford offers?

I like the price of the aftermarket products, but I don't care for the fact that they may not be as secure, or install without drilling new wholes, etc.

Comments anyone?

gsyoung

jlurksacto,
Did I read you correctly in that you purchased this? Looks nice, but a few questions...
1) Does the cover keep the bed dry? It wasn't clear to me how rain is addressed here?

2) Can you easily remove this, if necessary?

3) Does the presence of the side, and end, rails restrict how you use the bed?

4) Are the rails built well (i.e. would it be possible to accidently bend to rails while loading stuff into the bed, or if someone were to climb into the bed area and hang on the rails?

Thanks for your feedback...

jpt4

I love my st but I hate the little things that most of us have wrong. I never had one problem
with my 97 f150 4x4 super cab. Maybe Ford has slipped with quality a little.

The problems that I have noticed that may be new is that the rubber molding around the outside of all four doors is becoming more & more spotted as time goes on (3k mi now). I keep my st very clean
and at first I thought it may be from washing the st with hard water but even after a morning dew there are spot that turn white & will not come off. I have tried to use a few rubber cleaner product but have had no luck. I am going to have the dealer look at it. Any help????????

Thanks John

lapointer

I knew I read about a post giving the manufacturer and part numbers for the cargo cage which can be purchased at pepboys or maybe from Steelhorse automotive. When I looked at the cage it looked identical to mine which i bought from Ford.

SteelHorse Automotive Markets the cage for www.amp-research.com. The parts number are 7714 for SuperCrew, all flaresides and SportTrac, 7715 for midsize trucks(I have one for my '88 Ranger)and 7716 for Fullsize Trucks.

"AFTER SHOWING THE XTENDER ON A FORD RANGER AT SEMA THAT YEAR, AMP STARTED NEGOTIATING DEALS WITH AUTOMAKERS.
BECAUSE FORD WAS THE FIRST TO SIGN A DEAL WITH AMP, ONLY FORD CAN INSTALL THE XTENDER AT THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY LINE FOR THE F-150, CREW CAB AND SPORTRAC. OTHER AUTOMAKERS MUST SELL IT AS A DEALER-ADDED ACCESSORY UNTIL THE 2002 MODEL YEAR."

Pasted from http://www.amp-research.com/products/Bed_Xtender/press_autonews1.htm

zack1000

I definitely think the Pace-Edwards cover would be superior than the Ford cover because of it's ability to give you access to the full bed without removing it.

http://www.realtruck.com/
makes a lockable soft cover. It hasn't been mentioned on this board in awhile, so I'm posting the link so newcomers will be aware of it.

lapointer

It would appear the mechanism to attach the cage is in fact different. With my ford cage I had to install 2 heavy duty lugs(1 on each side) into the provided holes in the rear sidewalls of the bed and the cage attached to it ,but the aftermarket cage you have to install a bracket with 3 screws,which require holes drilled. Maybe not a bad option since you save $200 because Ford wants $350 when buying from the parts dept.

jlurksacto

I ordered the cover today, and don't expect
delivery for approx two weeks. I can't give
you any more info than what is on the pace-
edwards web site. Don't forsee any reason
to remove the cover; and think of the bed as
a convenience (large trunk) and not a heavy
hauler. Would imagine rails can be bent if
mistreated. Realize this doesn't help much.
Will post more info once I get the cover and
it is installed.
Jim

fordnut

Check out www.rollnlock/update.html they make a quality tonneau and just started making one for the ST. A friend of mine has one on his new Chevy and says a little water can get into the bed.

fordnut

Link should be www.rollnlock.com/update.html

tae121

Does anyone have any information on the painted bug deflector? Thanks!

gsyoung

jlurksacto,
thanks for the response. Let me know what you think after you get it.

gsyoung

Anyone own a soft cover? What do ya think of it? Does it leak? Can you remove/reinstall easily?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!!

gsyoung

fordnut,
Thanks for the update. I went to the website, and like what I see so far. They've got a picture of a ST with a roll top installed in their "updates" area. Looks good. One feature they mention is "no drilling" on MOST trucks. I'm not sure if this applies to the ST, but I dropped them a note.

One of the things I like about Fords Tannau top is that it's easy to take off if you need to utilize the full bed. Unfortunately, Ford's top seems extremely pricey!

I'll let you know when I hear back from ROLL-N-LOCK.

Thanks again for the response!

fordnut

Link should be www.rollnlock.com/update.html

robertc5

I have the soft cover from Ford for the ST. So far it is performing as expected. Price was good (paid $172+ tax)and it was very easy to install. Fits the Sport Trac perfectly and required no drilling or changes to the bed. Looks great, but obviously not as secure as a lockable hard cover. It does flap some at speed, which is noticeable when the rear window is open. It is pretty weather tight. Have driven it in rain and stuff in the bed remained dry. To use the cage, one does have to loosen two screws and remove the back brace. There are two other supports which are easily removed if you wanted to have the entire bed open. There are straps with snaps attached to the front brace so the cover can be rolled up. It is a good choice, but probably not as good as the hard cover from Ford (if you can get one!). One user's opinion.

gsyoung

Just got a response back from rollnlock,

You do have to drill wholes to the bed, and its not intended to be removed, and reinstalled. Looks like for versatility, the tonneau, or soft covers are the best options.

jimz2

I finally have a delivery date for my ST!!!!
It's currently on a rail car & I'll have it
Monday 9/18!!
After 7 months of waiting I'm a little anxious to see it. (just a little) I'm probably a bit biased towards the Ford hard tonneau since the last few months of my wait time was due to the tonneau.

I looked at the rolltop options but preferred the Ford unit for my use for the following reasons:

- Ice buildup of rolltop & rolltop tracks
- Cost (I priced the rolltops at about $750 with lock)
- 9" of bed space that the rolltop can takes up drops the ST's bed length on top edge to 3'-5"

I don't think there's any "right" answer for which tonneau (if any) is best. Environment & use would play too big a part in a debate on the subject.

deciding2

Well, today was the day. With 2875 miles and a day off....I went for the free oil change. Was suppose to be done in 15 minutes, but I didn't mind the 45 minutes it took cause while I was waiting everyone was asking about the ST. Then off to service. I told them about my loose molding on the driver side step, the underside panel beneath the steering wheel, the indents in my paint, and the "all have" gas door rub. About an hour they came out and told me they had fixed the moldings inside and out. They ordered a whole knew gas tank entrance. She told me that they were replacing the whole thing, not just the door, that it was on special order and would be in Monday. Then she sent me to the body shop. The man there said that the blemishes on the roof were from acid rain, and probably happened right after the truck was painted and loaded, he said the side panel blemished were do to air pockets. So when the gas door comes in I have to call and make an appointment for the fix...which will be first to buff, paint and apply clear coat, but just on the damage mentioned. The experience was not bad and everyone was GREAT at Kimnach Ford, Norfolk, VA. Keep Drivin Peace:)

fordnut

gsyoung
Yeah, but not for security. I looked at my friends rollnlock and it is a quality unit and only should take up about 8" from the front of the bed and if my memory serves me right, it is only approx. 3" total deep/tall and only an inch over the bed side. It is hardly noticible from the side of the truck. Not a bad price to pay for its versatility. Depending how the housing that stores the rolled up top mounts to the ST the whole thing should be removable. You might want to use other hardware other than what they supply to make it removable if you want that feature (e.g. wingnuts, etc). This should be an easy thing to do, maybe if you order one they might send you the hardware to do it.

sporttrac1

Pep-Boys will order a colored Bugflector II for you for 79.99 plus shipping...Also the Sunflector for the back window (smoke only) is 39.99...They are made by Ventshade...GOOD PRODUCT...Wal-Mart also carries the Ventshade brand but I don't know if they can get the colored one...
I would like to thank rjkunkle for getting this info. to me...He is THE MAN when it comes to finding SPORT-TRAC accessories...Good luck...

sporttrac1

WRONG PRICE: Should be 69.99...rjkunkle is still THE MAN...

traction

A while back someone on here mentioned that they found a scale model of the Sport Trac. Where can one find one????

traction

Hey, isn't it about time to call Ed the ST brand manager guy to see whats new??? Who was it that has his number? Let make a list of questions and call him.

1. what is the status of the power steering 'nibble' fix?

2.
3.

lasvegan

re:jimz2
Boy can't wait until I can give some of my own expereince from owning my own Sport Trac! Like jimz2, I have waited sence march of this year for my ST. Even had to turn one away from one that was ordered and came in with everything but the coveted tonneau cover. It took some courage but now with a Vin # and a invoice # and a delivery date of 18 to 22 of September and all the discusion I have expereinced from this web site I (we) problebly have more insight / education about this "high-bred" SUV than the guys who designed it. Even my salesman has commented more than once that I know more about this truck than what he knows. Can't wait for my first doctors visit. Anyway now that mine is soon to arrive my wife and I have been rolling pennies for nights. Bring back memories of the time we bought our first house. I tip my hat to the ones who have contributed to this site........many thanks Its better than ANY TEST DRIVE I've driven!...Oh and thanks to Edmunds.com too!

rjkunkle

Checkout Driveway.com
username: harvestgold
password: harvest

I added about ten. I just gota 3.3 mega pixel casio digital camera. The picture are 1 to 1.5 MB each. Let me knowif I need to add any other pictures. I will add more monday from my T-1 connection at work. It takes for ever to upload at 56K. The file names aredated for sept. 8.

Bob
Keepup the good posts. I am still waiting for Dbernt, (sorry about the spelling) to post some pictures and part numbers for the amp/subwoofer setup is his Job2 ST.

karzz

I read that someone on here was trying to find out how they could track the shipment of their new truck. Here is a post from the Lincoln LS board. Not sure if this is only for Lincolns, but maybe it would work for Ford's too. Good Luck.

#198 of 209: Tracking train shipments Fri 08 Sep '00 (08:20 PM)

I recently ordered an LS, and it was built the
last week of Aug (V8, autumn red, sport pkg,
moonroof, chrome wheels). A few days after the
build date, I called my dealer to check on the
status. He gave me a web site for BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) that would allow me to track the progress of the shipment. Here's the site:

http://bnsf.com/cws/tracing/index.html

I entered the last 8 digits of the VIN under
'Equipment IDs', checked the box next to 'Trace on
a VIN using last 8 pos.', then clicked on 'Trace'.
I was able to follow the shipment of my LS across
the country (it arrived at it's destination today).
The dealer says it'll be about 3 days to make it
from the train terminal to his dealership. I expect to be driving the LS within a week!

BTW, this is a great discussion group. The info I
found here helped me 'take the plunge'.

mikeysmom

In the Sears Wish Book there is a RC ST for $54.99 It's on page 139. I believe the color is Gold

mbunting

I have been doing alot of research today and have actually managed to email 2-3 dealers about price quotes on a new Sport Trac. So far, I have only gotten back one reply (Tom Wood Ford in Indianapolis) and his price quote was:

$500 over Invoice to find me a Sport Trac w/ the options I want

or

Invoice price (+ sales tax and applicable fees) to custom order the Sport Trac of my dreams:)

I have replied back to this quote asking about the "Applicable fees" and what they consist of, and I'll be sure to post them here when I get a reply back.

Is this a pretty good deal>?

I'm pretty new to the whole new car/truck buying scene (previous purchases have all been used vehicles), but it seems pretty good to me at this point I must say.

What did you guys pay for a custom ordered Sport Trac?

Thanks for any and all help!

Mike

traction

My experience with dealers in my area was $500 over would be the best one could expect, most were at $700 or more over invoice. My dealers still don't have many in stock and the ones they do are not equipped with the stuff most people want.

Depends how price sensitive you are, I'm sure you could spend a long time shopping around and grinding a dealer down, but $500 over to me sounds fair for the buyer and the seller. My recommmendation is to pick out the dealer and sales person you like to deal with and settle for $500 over.

You can find the invoice prices on www.kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book). You might also just want to call dealers' Fleet Department and they usually will quite you over the phone how much over invoice they will sell them for, it is typically a take it or leave proposition with the Fleet department, but they usually give you a good price without any hassles.

traction

MBunting-

Are you eligible for the College Graduate discount? Check out this web page to see if you are. That is worth $400 paid directly by Ford not the dealer. Here is the link:

http://www.fordvehicles.com/collegegrad/flashmenu.html


And here are the rules:

You are eligible to take advantage of this offer if, between May 1, 1998 and January 3, 2001, you:

graduated or will graduate from an accredited college or graduate school with at least a bachelor degree,

or

graduated or will graduate from an accredited junior college, community college, nursing school or trade school,

or

are currently enrolled in an accredited graduate school.

traction

Thanks for finding the store for die cast model of the Sport Trac.

I called that store and they don't really know when they will be available. I'll check back with them next month. If anyone finds them elsewhere, please let us know.

tae121

Just installed the Yakima crossbars and fairing. It looks excellent - I highly recommend it. I'd post a picture if I had a digital camera! Maybe I can get some through the scanner soon.

bcphd

i was getting poor gas mileage and the check engine light came on. dealer diagnosed problem as sticking thermostat on my ST. this was causing engine to run rich.after thermostat was replaced, engine ran better and there was an immediate improvement in gas mileage,clocked 20mpg on freeway. ST still only has 675 miles on it. just got ARE LSII TONNEAU COVER INSTALLED TODAY (www.4are.com). It looks great, painted to color of ST. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT OVER THE FORD FACTORY TOP, especially since ford raised price to $1100. ARE top was $629.It uses the existing threaded holes that are already in the walls of the bed. there is no need to modify the bed.

gourgues

tae121.....

Last week I ordered the elliptical crossbars from Ford. I am concerned that the extra bars on the roof are going to increase the wind noise (yikes...MORE!?!). Anyway, I have considering a Yakima fairing, but wondered if they made one that would fit and how it looks. Did you find the fairing on the Yakima site? If so, which one did you get (ie; part #).

Post some pictures soon. I am betting that those crossbars really dress up the roof of the ST.

Thanks