2K Ford Explorer Sport Trac's - II

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  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    More on the Firestones...this time from Consumer reports.......

    <<< Eugene Petersen, a senior auto engineer for Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports magazine, said it's too early to tell if there is a design flaw in the Firestone tires. He said it's not uncommon for a radial tire to pull off its wheel.
    "If you've traveled down a highway, you've seen rubber on the side of the road," he said. "This is something that happens to most manufacturer's tires. The key here is that is it a defect or is it something else, such as owner neglect?" >>>>>
  • stewertstewert Member Posts: 18
    I HAVE A 2001 SPORT THAT HAS A STEERING SHIMMY.IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN THE TRUCK IS WARM ON HOT DAYS.I HAD THE TRUCK AT THE DEALER AND OF COURSE IT DOES NOT DO IT TO THEM.I REALLY DOUBT THEY DO A SERIOUS ROAD TEST ON IT SO THE TRUCK DOES NOT REALLY GET WARM.THEY TOLD ME FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ARE TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO IT. I HAVE READ PREVIOUS MESSAGES ABOUT OTHER 2001 EXPLORERS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. ANY INFO ABOUT THE CAUSE OF THE SHIMMY WOULD BE HELPFUL. THANKS........
  • dovette2001dovette2001 Member Posts: 13
    well, i to once had a pretty bad shimmy, was told by a friend, hang in there, things just need to loosen up a bit, and then you'll begin to notice some things different, with the more miles you put on it, well, i now have 8400 miles and NO MORE shimmy,.... haven't noticed it for about the last 1000 miles, also, after hitting the 7500 mile marker, i went from average 14.7-16.1 mpg now i average 17.5-18.9 mpg on my 4x4,....
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    The symptom you described is not a 'shimmy'. If you tell your dealer that, he will be looking for something to due with tire balance, or alignment, etc. Call it a power steering 'stutter' or 'nibble' that occurs at low speed during parking lot type maneuvers.

    From what I have read, it seems to go away with more mileage on the vehicle, perhaps there is some air or something in the system that needs to purged out.
  • martin13martin13 Member Posts: 21
    Checked out Explorer Sport today. As a ten year Ranger owner (two rangers), thought it was time to upgrade to an Explorer. The drive was just as I expected, but I was very disappointed w/ the cheapness of the interior. I don't think many of the interior parts (plastics) would hold up for over a year. The rear window is opened w/ a plastic device, toggle switches are cheap, and other devices weren't well planned.

    I'm so disappointed in the 2001 Explorer Sport, that I'm going to look @ Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu SUV products and leave Ford. Hate to pay >$25K for cheap plastic.
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    As an owner of 2 Rangers you should recognize that the basic interior of the ST (instrument panel, door panels, window switches, mirror control, etc) is the same as the Ranger's. That interior has also been used in the Explorer since about 1995 and has held up very well both in style and quality.

    Even though the interior is the same basic interior as the regular Explorer, I think they made a lot improvements on the ST interior that jazzes it up. Things like:

    White gauges
    berber carpet floormats,
    hose-out rubber flooring,
    waterproof seat material,
    storage bins behind the rear seat,
    putting a 6 disc changer in the dash,
    lighted cruise control buttons,
    brush chromed-look accents,
    tilting headrests,
    quieter interior than the regular Explorer,
    power down rear window,
    etc.
    etc.
  • moose21moose21 Member Posts: 14
    Have heard others putting the K&N Filter in thier ST, but have been unsuccessful in locating which one (part #) is for the ST - help ??
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    While still waiting for some activity on my order, I ventured out to some of the other local dealers to see what they had on the lot. Several only had two or three, but one (in Katy, TX - Texan Ford) had 31 on the lot. I think I saw all colors, except for Mandarin and Silver. None had leather and I don't think any had a moon roof. There was a mixture of 4x4, Sport group, and cloth upgrades. One even had the cloth upgrade with the updated console.

    Later.
  • eqkeqk Member Posts: 5
    Just had mine installed this past week and it works great. For those taht had been wondering the cage (bed extender) does work with the cover just fine. No clearance problems. It took about 6 weeks from the time I orderd the cover until it arrived.
  • petty1petty1 Member Posts: 20
    When you ordered your tonneau from Ford, did your key for your vehicle fit the locks on the tonneau cover or did you have to use a different key? What infomation did you have to give Ford on ordering the cover?
    Thanks
  • eqkeqk Member Posts: 5
    I ordered the cover from the offer letter send by Ford which has been discussed here earlier. As for the keys, when the dealer installed it, they rekeyed the locks to match the car key. So I only have one key.
  • oxygen2oxygen2 Member Posts: 5
    Did anybody install tonneau cover by dealer and how much did you pay, also cargo cage. My ford dealer says the tonneau cover will cost $700-$900
    and the cage $359. Are these the correct prices, when these two items are not factory installed?
  • smellonesmellone Member Posts: 9
    How easy is it to remove the cover from the bed? Also how heavy is it (can one person remove it or install it)? Is there any modifcations to the bed to install it or does it use the holes already present in the bed? Thanks for your answers.
  • georgiadogsgeorgiadogs Member Posts: 9
    I FINNALLY found a Sport Trac with 90% of the features/equipment I wanted to have. The tonneau cover wasn't on it and it didn't have oak colored interior. I didn't think twice about not purchasing it.(w/graphite gray, Leather) Like everyone else, I now have the cover on order. I ordered an ST on April 24th with the cover. Needless to say it still haven't come in. Lucky for me I ordered through a car buying service offered by my credit union. They deal with fleet buyers and you are not bound to the vehicle ordered in case you find something else. The ST I have was on a dealer's lot about 80 miles from Atlanta (I live in Atlanta). For those of you who have the Sport Trac on order, keep looking if you don't have a contract. I have a torreador red one with leather, sport package, moon roof, cargo cage, upgraded console, 6 disk in dash CD, etc., you get the picture. Everything except that you know what... Well for what it's worth, here's my review of the ST:
    I love the handling, smooth ride, excellent engine. No real complaints at all!
    As for the situations/problems I have been reading from other owners, here are my experiences thus far.
    1) Moonroof leaks - My moonroof was installed after I purchased it by a custom shop that the dealer contracts its work out to. Not a single problem so far. (I understand that it's a drain hose problem with the dealer installed roofs.)
    2)Front wheel shudder - I had not experience this until last weekend. It only happened while making a tight manuver. People it's not the Firestone tires. I changed out my tires and installed B.F. Goodrich. The ST still shudders. It doesn't bother me one bit. I'm not loosing any sleep although I will keep track of what's going on when Ford make the corrections. By the way, I still have my Firestone's and I'm waiting to see how that situation unfolds. I changed out for width and looks. Did not know about the Firestone problem until afterwards.

    For those of you thinking about buying a Sport Trac, It's worth it. Buy the way, can anyone tell me how to turn on the white lights that are encased with the brake lights overlooking the cargo bed?
  • shiue1shiue1 Member Posts: 9
    For you californian out there, what was the wait time before you receive the initial plates and title from DMV? I purchased my ST on July 4th and still have not gotten my plates and title and I'm scheduled to leave california for a few month in mid august
  • smellonesmellone Member Posts: 9
    I just noticed the lights over the bed yesterday. I found that turning the light dial to full on (the dial that controls the dashboard light intensity) turns on these cargo lights along with the interior lights.

    I also found a new problem with my ST. The drivers side rear door does not turn on the interior lights when opened by itself. The passanger side doors work correctly so I assume that the drivers side rear door should turn the lights on. I looked for some kind of switch but could not find it. Any input?
  • eqkeqk Member Posts: 5
    The dealer installed mine as part of the promotional offer from Ford. But the receipt given to me indicated that the cost was $100 for the installation.

    As for the installation it looked simple. It appears to use the holes already in the bed and they added latches to the holes for the locks. The center support just slid into the holes in the bed wall.

    I have not tried to remove the cover yet.
  • baugussbauguss Member Posts: 6
    I saw all of the ST's at Texan Ford in Katy, Texas that a previous person posted about. I also saw the one Job 2 vehicle they had on the lot. The sticker said it was shipped on July 24. It had the cloth group with a center console and a CD player with cassette (I believe that was a Job #2 change). I checked the gas cap door and it still rubbed just the same as the Job #1 models. Same flimsy door mechanism.
  • jcraigcjcraigc Member Posts: 3
    Just called Ford customer service to inquire about my Tonneau Cover letter (build date 5/30, delvered 6/17)... was told that since my original order did not have the Tonneau Cover on it that I was ineligible to receive it at the invoice cost now... I will not be getting the letter. She said that only people who ordered the cover and had a build date of prior to June 5 will get the letter. Since the cover was a material hold, how did anyone who ordered a ST with the cover get it built before June 5?? She didn't have an answer for that.

    Can anyone else confirm this latest spin on the Tonneau Cover story?? This can't be right.
  • truthseekertruthseeker Member Posts: 1
    Does Ford offer the Sport Trac in the color Silver. The brochure and my local dealer says no. However, I've seen pictures of one on the "net". If anyone has an answer, I'd appreciate it.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    jcraigc:

    My husband and I ordered our ST back in February and took delivery in late May. HOWEVER, we did NOT order a tonneau cover. We DID receive the letter and will probably order our tonneau before the deadline of September 30.
    So, you can tell the customer service representative, "HOGWASH!"
  • st18st18 Member Posts: 3
    I have read pretty much everyone here talking about people who get stares when driving their ST and have had people ask a lot of questions about it. Im not sure where you all live but in the metro Detroit area it seems that there are so many sport tracs and now there is nothing original about owning one. There is one dealer here that has atleast 10 just sitting on the lot. Anyway, I saw one the other day with a grille guard on it and I was wondering if anyone knew if there is a special guard for the sport trac or if you can just mount the grille guard from the regular 2000 explorer.
  • bennbbennb Member Posts: 143
    Yes, silver is now a color option and it is replacing the Mandarin Gold. What a great idea by Ford (sorry to anyone with the Mandarin Gold).
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    bennb:
    Where did you get your information concerning the colors? It's interesting to me that Ford's website has none of the changes on their website such as the new audiophile system by Pioneer which includes 6 speakers, the new color choice, etc. Just wanting to know your source.
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    Check out this post. IF you go to the website, I posted the Job #2 paperwork. ie: color choices
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    Okay, now you really threw me off. Which website are you speaking of? Check out WHICH post?
  • lasveganlasvegan Member Posts: 53
    Has anybody had any comments about the Wilderness tires. Do they come on the ST Sport Package 16" tires? If they do will Ford make an adjustment for other tires? Its a REAL CONCERN on TV. A resent blow out on a Explorer. It made National News! I saw comments about tires, but what has your dealership done about it?
    Any thoughts?
  • lasveganlasvegan Member Posts: 53
    Just to let you know I unloaded a Sport Trac Taxi and the driver opened and closed the tail gate with the cover closed. Try that with a Snugtop.... :)

    re:greenwade
    Mine is on the way! 6 to 8 weeks! Have enjoyed your past comments and photos....... :)
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    check out post #556
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    oxygen 2--- Depending on when you bought your Sport Trac you might be able to still get a letter from Ford which will allow you to buy a tonneau with install & tax for only $590.

    You'll probably have to pay full price for the cargo cage if you didn't order it with the truck.
  • anitareneanitarene Member Posts: 3
    I love reading all the posts..BUT I would like to see more $ revealed..Would you mind telling me the amount you paid for your ST with all the goodies? I have my heart set on leather but I just saw the cloth and it seems very sporty..I have a couple of little dogs and leather is so much easier to clean ..in the house and in the car. I hope to see a post from you...getting to where I am driving by the dealer every day now...I need to make up my mind. : ) Thanks a bunch.
  • bigdogst1bigdogst1 Member Posts: 22
    First, I am happy to report that after using a full tank of gas with my A.R.E cover installed resulted in over than 20MPG!

    Secondly, I also received a letter from the CA DMV regarding the registration of my Truck/SUV. Anyway, I called my dealership (I bought it 4 months ago) and the customer care rep had me fax the paper to him and agreed that this should have been handled at purchase and "they would take care of it".

    Now that's service....so far!
  • smellonesmellone Member Posts: 9
    I bought my ST off a dealer lot in May. I considered ordering but didn't want to wait. It is loaded with all options except the 1500 payload springs (4x4, leather, moonroof, 6 disc cd, cargo cage, black with grey interor). IF I remember correctly the MSRP was around 30500 (the dealer received the truck shortly before a slight price increase in May). I paid $300 over dealer invoice... I think around 28000. I recommend the grey interior over the beige... I had beige in a 95 Explorer and it tended to show marks more.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    Don't forget that the news doesn't always give you the full story. They only give you part of it and it gets everyone in an uproar. In any case, yes, the Sport Package comes w/ the Wildernes series tires. No, they are NOT recalled here in the state. I went to a Firestone dealer to have my other tires checked from my '95 Explorer (the tires only have two thousand miles). They didn't have to check the tires because the Wilderness tires encompass a large subgroup of tires. They were tires made before '99 according to the mgr at the Firestone dealer. Plus, they are 15 inch tires and not the larger 16 or above. Therefore, the ST tires are not included. However, Firestone will be happy to check them for you at no charge if you desire. The other problem here is that many people continue to drive on tires that are entirely past their expected life and warranty so it voids out any responsibility that the company has for accidents. That's what I've read and found out through Firestone, Ford, and other sources via the internet. I wouldn't worry about the tires. Just take care of them and get them rotated every 5000 miles and buy new ones before the warranty wears out.
  • anitareneanitarene Member Posts: 3
    Why are the 2000 Sport Tracs called 2001??..and what will the 2001's be called? I have waited this long and wonder when the 2001's (2002's?) will be available? Seems like they should be at dealers around October???? Anyone have more of a clue than me? Peace and Thanks, from Yreka Ca..Thunderstorms R Us..: )
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    I called the number buried back in the postings and spoke to the fellow named Brian that seemed to be the person helping us out in all of the posts about the letter. He stated that vehicles built prior to 7/24 would be eligible. That sounds like Job 1 vehicles.

    Now I guess I'll need to find out if I can add the cover back in since I deleted it originally to "expedite" the process...
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    Re:anitarene
    I spoke to Ford a couple of weeks ago and they told me that the 2002 will be avail. in Sept of 2001. The ST was pre-released as a 2001, why I don't know. It may be some kind of marketing ploy?
    At least, if you purchace one now, it won't be considered a yr. old when you take delivery!
  • rgt3000rgt3000 Member Posts: 7
    Several people have asked and I do not remember seeing a response. I just picked up my ST with cage and tonneau. The cage will open with the tonneau in place. Great job of engineering.

    After 5 miles very pleased. Job 2 did not cure the gas door - not sure about the moon roof - where do you see the water?
  • oxygen2oxygen2 Member Posts: 5
    3 FORD DEALERS ON THE EAST COAST
    1. DEALER ONE- FULLY LOADED ST $5OO ABOVE DEALER INVOICE
    2. DEALER TWO- $500 ABOVE INVOICE

    3. DEALER THREE- $800 ABOVE INVOICE

    FULLY LOADED ST IN BLACK & BLUE VERY HARD TO FIND IN THIS AREA. IF YOU WAIT A MONTH OR SO THE ST WILL MOST LIKELY GO TO A LEASE PROGRAM. THEN YOU CAN SAVE $80-$100 MONTHLY,FROM CURRENT LEASE PRICES. THATS WHAT THE DID WITH THE EXPLORER SPORT. I THINK I FOUND A FORD MANAGER THAT KNOWS SOMETHING?
  • smellonesmellone Member Posts: 9
    How easy is it to remove the cover from the bed?
    Also how heavy is it (can one person remove it or
    install it)? Thanks for your answers.
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    Tonight's ABC world news said that Firestone is recalling the tires in question. Millions of tires are going to be recalled and they are going to start in the Southeast, where most of the problems seem to have been reported. Will this mean more delays on the new ST's that are on order? They are the "wilderness" tires that are splattered all over the news.
    I went through my factory tires on my 96 Explorer with NO problems and they lasted to 60K.
    The only 'freaking' out I will do here is if I have to wait EVEN longer for my ST (ordered June 19, scheduled to be built this week 8/7-8/14).

    Greenwade, is yours in yet? I know your build date was 7/24 right? We are both getting the estate green, of which I have not seen ANY driving on the roads of Atlanta!

    Lasvegan, you are the one that keeps spotting the taxi cab right? How is that gas cap rub on the taxi? I would think he must be filling that ST up quite frequently since it's not the most economical taxi in the city!

    If someone can answer the questions about the tonneau being easily removable by one person, I would really appreciate it. I am not sure how much I would use it if takes some big production to remove it.
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    The latest on the tire recall:
    http://cgi.cnnfn.com/output/pfv/2000/08/08/companies/firestone_recall/

    Re: post 627 -- I think the Tonneau was reported as weighing 70 lbs in the forum, so I guess it depends on the size of the person. ;)

    Some other items...
    Another tire article: (now out of date)
    http://www.theautochannel.com:8080/news/press/date/20000731/press021836.html

    An article about the new materials used in the ST:
    http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/may2000/technology.htm#3

    Here is a picture of the Tonneau I hadn't seen before.

    Hard Tonneau Cover
  • danny25danny25 Member Posts: 119
    How do you post pictures?
  • scstowner1scstowner1 Member Posts: 2
    After working with 3 dealers in the Greenville, SC, area for 2 weeks, I bought a black ST 4x2 yesterday (cloth, cargo cage). There are quite a few available on the lots here - I probably saw 12 in 2 weeks, about half were 4x2's. I obviously cannot comment on reliability yet, but here are some things I noticed in response to postings I have seen here:

    1. The tan cloth comfort group looks good to me. I was trying to hold out and see a leather one, but they are scarce. The front captains chairs are very comfortable (I'm 5'9", 170 lbs). It came with the high console, which was the first I had seen. Much better to me than the sports bag - it has the rear air vents, cup holders, and radio controls, much bigger storage capacity in the big bin, and an extra storage tray at the front. Plus 2 front cup holders.
    2. Manufacture date = 7/2000 - under the front doors WAS painted, and I could not find any other missing paint areas.
    3. I have not noticed a shimmy in the steering yet at low speeds, but have only put 100 miles on it in 2 days.
    4. The gas door does seem tight, but the paint is not rubbed off yet - time will tell on that.
    5. Hate to admit it that I missed it, but my first passenger informed me that the front right speaker of the stereo is not working at all (yes, we checked the fade and balance controls). I have to take it in to get that fixed.
    6. Cargo cage note - I thought it wasn't installed correctly because I couldn't get the lock tabs to push in the holes, but the manual informed me that you're supposed to push down on the cage and then push the tabs to get them to fit properly. Worked fine - RTFM.
    7. Tires are "Wilderness AT"s (not ATX or ATXII)- but this worries me and I might replace them with another brand even if there is not a recall. I appreciate the info posted on this forum regarding the tires.

    I love the way this truck is designed...definitely turning heads down here in SC (don't know if they're saying "cool" or "what the heck is that!"). I'm getting a lot of good comments, though.
  • applelwaapplelwa Member Posts: 2
    I've read most of the postings from current owner regarding some problems with the 2001 Ford Explorer Trac, but what I really want to know is about its quality of ride, performance, and handling. My two door 1999 Explorer doesn't ride well and I miss the four doors. Also like the idea of having a bed in the back for hauling small items.
  • scstowner1scstowner1 Member Posts: 2
    I have two friends who own Explorer Sports (circa 1998 models), and they both drove my new ST 2 days ago. They both agreed that the seats in the ST are better, and that the ride is much smoother and refined. You can definitely tell a difference between the two. I've ridden in a Sport and can attest that they have improved the front seats immensely in the ST (not sure about the back seats) and the ride is a lot smoother. I'm not sure about a big difference in steering characteristics. I really like the 4 full size doors, and the bed is very handy for hauling items to and from the house.
  • eqkeqk Member Posts: 5
    I removed my tonneau cover last night. It was relatviely simple to remove, but it is bulky. I had to get into the bed to lift it out as I was afraid of scratching the paint. It would be much easier with two people on on each side. I compared to moving a sheet plywood or one of those 6 foot long folding tables. Not too heavy, but bulky.
  • smellonesmellone Member Posts: 9
    Thanks for the response Eqk. I use my ST to haul a lot of stuff for work (large and small) and usually there are a few people around. It sounds like the cover will work for me.
  • jetskijetski Member Posts: 5
    ST ordered 6/5
    Built 7/20
    Delivery 8/14 ?????????????????????????????

    I know - My wait has been nothing compared to some others. I couldn't imagine what some went through.
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    Good news, I got my VIN number today.
    ST ordered 6 months ago.
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