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2K Ford Explorer Sport Trac's
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Comments
You're comments are below me. Being a die-hard trucker, most of us can understand why you wouldn't classify the Sport Trac and its competitors as trucks. Welcome to the new millenium old timer.
On with the topics this TRUCK townhall was really intended for...
Traded in my '96 (69k miles; 160 hp engine) for same equipped 2001.
Been following comments and wanted to thank you by providing these random items:
1. Ordered 3/8; built 3/28 (est); drove it away 4/28.
2. Has 2 wheel drive with performance axle (never had any trans problems with same axle in '96). Recommend this option to those considering it. Never missed not having 4x4. I do not tow nor go on unpaved surfaces.
3. Other options in truck: Convenience and Sport options.
4. Had ASC power sunroof (same as in '96) installed before I took delivery. Never leaked in the '96. Cost less than $1k and was not forced to take the cloth option.
5. Standard captain chairs are better than the '96. Firmer cushion. Did not want the leather seats (too cold in winter; maintenance upkeep).
6. Engine is 50hp (est) more than original so I am delighted with the giddy-up.
7. Ride is much better. Not as 'truck like'. Change in rear spring/shocks reduce the sway and gives less 'shake' going over rr tacks.
8. Lame feature --- the 'soft pouch' under the armrests. But refused to pay $900 (est) for the cloth option w/ full console. I discovered aftermarket consoles from Steel that are around $100. Will order and retrofit.
I am not a 'mechanic' type of buyer. If anyone spots technical errors, all I can say is I did my best to share my purchase of the Explorer.
Got my deal at Sheehy Ford, Gaithersburg. Paid less than 2% over invoice (I traded the '96 to them and got a very fair value). Very good people to work with (got the 1st one there)Jim Fitzpatrick and Craig are the sales managers.
How do you like your Quad Cab? Why did you choose it instead of the Sport Trac?
I was seriously considering a Quad Cab until I test drove one Then there was the pricing of options available on it. Everything in it is an option. The Dakota's strong points are the V8 availability and a slightly larger bed.
By comparison, I thought the Sport Trac's ride was smoother, even with the 4.10 axle ratio. As far as bed size, I would've preferred a slightly larger bed, but the Sport Trac's bed suits me fine. So far, I've used it to carry my bike, and move some small to medium size furniture for friends. Those straps came in very handy. I'm moving in a short while, and can put most of my stuff in it. The back seat is nice for the things that need sheltering.
All around, it's a great little truck, or whatever some people want to call it. I'm ready to take it off-road to a hot spring close by.
Please give me some more information on the after market console that you found from "Steel" to replace that soft bag.
Do they have a website?
Are they made to fit the place where the soft pouch goes?
Thanks in advance
The HTML page is at:
http://store.yahoo.com/truckstuffusa
Problem:
Was considering the STE396XX $114.99
I just remeasured width between seats; this item is too wide by 1/2 to 1 ".
I suggest going with the lame soft pouch and see how it works out. I don't keep much in there; will store CDs is a tray (I bought after delivery)under the seat.
Looks like a difficult task to extract the Factory console. I would not buy aftermarket console unless you really knew how to install or have a buddy that can do it.
Reliability, however, is somewhat of a question mark with Dodge, which is why I am having a bit of a hard time actually taking the plunge.
In any case, the ST does seem like a very nice truck/suv, whatever. Lots of thoughtful design touches.
the only thing that i see ford could have spent more time on is the velcro holding in that console. You would think maybe some strong snaps would have worked better.but anyway . who is going to be carring that around anyway...Well talk to you guys latter I'm going cruising...bye
What Accessories does everyone have or thinking of getting for their ST.
Thanks in Advance
I have a Praire Tan ST with every option, but 4WD, skid plates, and block heater. I even ordered the payload package. I ordered the tonneau on a separate order. I got the ST at $500 over invoice plus a $400 college grad credit = $100 over invoice.
I had not heard about the rain problem and the back window before. Post or email a picture of your ST when you get it, maybe we can start an e-group discussion group.
Personally I am glad Ford chose to put a CD system in and not a cassette. I do not own any cassettes and have not for about 10 years but I understand there are a few uses out there still for cassettes.
Thanks for the info. I enjoy reading what everyone has to say about their ST.
Ordered mine on 3/22, and still not scheduled. It should be scheduled this week.
I do like the front end styling of the ST, the interior dash and doors, and the rear window and composite bed features.
But I wanted a truck that I could put up against the other work trucks out here (i.e. farmers and contractors). Therefore, I needed a 4X4 with a V8, a stick shift, and a bed long enough to take a camper.
I seriously considered the F150, but it did not offer any real advantages over the QC for the additional width. The bed lengths/widths were the same and the cabin leg room, head room, door widths, etc, were the same. But, I could not get a stick shift in the F150, and I preferred the way the back seats folded up for cargo in the Dakota.
The final decision to go with the Dakota came down to my previous experience with the durability and reliability of the Dodge 2.2L stick shift van that I bought 16 years ago. I have put 392,000 miles on it's original engine, clutch and transmission with absolutely no repairs.
To date, I have just over 1,000 miles on the QC; and I really like the smooth, quiet ride, quick handling and roomy cabin. This vehicle, somehow, just doesn't feel like a real truck!
You make a good point comparing the Boston Acoustics availability to the tonneau cover. The current stereo in the ST is pretty good, but if I wanted something better, I'd go to a stereo shop. Unlike the tonneau cover, you can get something good right now. Do you really want to wait 9 month to a year for another stereo?
That's great that you put that many miles on your dodge van. I've had Airport Shuttle drivers who've also put several hundred thousand miles on their Dodge without any problems. I hope you have a similar experience with the QC.
I can totally relate to you about the our trucks not feeling like 'traditional trucks'. But hey, that's a good thing. That's how much better the ride is. Plus, the presence of a true back seat takes away from the truck feel. For me, the ST is all the truck I need. I'm intimidated by the larger trucks, and have little or no use for such large Behemoths.
I'm approached regularly by avid truckers who like the ST looks, but think it's not practical. This is from people who rarely make use of their truck beds. They just have them so they can grunt as they drive down the street. Good judgement guys! For people such as myself, the Sport Trac is extremely practical. I can carry my recreational gear (i.e. bike, camping gear, rafting gear, etc.), and I can have 3 comfortably seated passengers. I do both of these often. Despite what I hear from the avid truckers, I don't regret buying the ST. It's one of the best decisions I've made, and I intend on keeping it for a long time. It's a great Sport Utility Truck.
I've looked the ST over several times and am leaning towards it. One thing I didn't like was that you only had two choices for an open rear window, either just press the button for the inch or so down, or completely down. I would have preferred if you can stop it at any location.
However, I do remember earlier posts indicating that you can partially open the back window. Do a search through prior posts.
The rear window either comes down 2 inches or all the way down. All the advertisements say that, and so does the owner's manual. Plus, I've tried it. If you twist the knob to have the window go all the way down, then twist it in the opposite direction, the window will remain stationary for a split second before it goes all the way up.
If one of you has a ST, and experienced otherwise, let us know. It might be something to bring to the dealer's attention.
disc brakes? The spec sheet says they are standard, but Ford says you can't order them. Does anyone have a ST with rear discs?? I would appreciate help with this since I want to order one in the next two months
I looked at an ST with 4 wheel disc brakes and the Ford web site says they come with 4-disc. I assumed that they all came that way so I did not even bother looking when I bought my ST. Behold my surprise when I got home and was taking a close look at everything and I got drums on the the rear. I know there are some out there your just going to have to look for them.
http://www.f150online.com/gallery/himalaya.html
Anyone knows on where I can get the items to make it looks similar?
I would've guessed that was a misprint on the web site because everything else I've read on the ST has said that it only has front discs. But that wouldn't explain the sightings of rear disc brakes.
Odd.
http://www.gmcanada.com/english/vehicles/chevytrucks/chevytrucks.html
Click on the Avalanche. What a monster!!
http://www.chevrolet.com/avalanche/index_flash.htm
The Midgate option is perhaps the best thing.....Definetely love the looks.
The engine thing is a concern to me, too. I looked at the supercrew as well. I like it, but it is far toooo long for me. When it comes to playing in the dirt, you have to have a shorter truck/wheelbase. (Avalanche, according to Chevy, is about 2 ft. shorter...)
and if I want the box cover, same. The more we looked at it the more we liked it and even though we're used to having the bigger F-150 for the occasionaly hauling of home fix-it stuff and branches and leaves, we decided that if necessary, we could get an older beater pickup.
We lucked out a little with this one because we didn't want leather and it seems that most of the STs that came thru locally had the leather option.
Except for a couple of black ones without a moonroof. My previous F-150 was black, not anymore for a daily driver. We also didn't want to wait for 6/8/12 weeks for ordering one. My wife likes the the ST better than the F-150 supercab, not intimidated by it's size.
After reading the posts on the rear window, I worked it several times and it's either down two inches or down all the way. The dealer and I couldn't get it to stop at any position as some of the posts indicated. And we played with it for a while. A point of concern? Maybe a Ford engineer or rep reading this can let us know how it's supposed to work. I would have liked to get an accessories brochure/catalog to look over the other little things available for the ST,but the dealer didn't have one. I had called Ford some weeks ago for one, they said 7-10 days but that never happened. We'll be picking up the ST next week, just in time to get used to it and drive it down to the Ford Nationals at Carlisle, Pa. We'll see how this vehicle goes, I'll post any problems...mike
Has anyone heard any new news about Tonneau cover availability??? Has Ford stopped putting 4 wheel disc brakes on the ST? Do 4 wheel disc only come on 4WD ... or 2 WD?
let me know!!!!!!and can someone tell me if priority code of 10 is good or not...
thanks
Delivery time from the factory depends on your geographic location. The factory is in Kentucky.
GEEZ! Oh well, I guess it gets here when it gets here. It would be nice to get a huge thank you from Ford, however, for the inconvenience of having us wait so long.