Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

2K Ford Explorer Sport Trac's - III

24567…11

Comments

  • jexjex Member Posts: 1
    Are there any Grille Guards available for the sporttrac yet??

    jr
  • bikersullybikersully Member Posts: 13
    Does the console come complete with a kit to hook to to the existing heat and AC vents. Also do all radios have an input for the remove radio control and headphone outlets on the back of the console? Power will also be needed to run the fan in the console.
  • cjhesscjhess Member Posts: 8
    Go to the Sport Trac Club on Yahoo.

    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/explorersporttracclub

    I have posted in the photos section a picture of the WAAG and Manik Grille Guard under Grille Guards. Westin should also have a guard under production, but I don't have a picture.

    http://www.westinautomotive.com

    P.S. Is it too much to have a bug deflector and grille guard on a Sport Trac.
  • ssicchissicchi Member Posts: 18
    Just added taillight covers to my S/T,had them painted to match my gold S/T.Really adds to the back end makes it look smoother.Also have headlight covers on order ,can't wait to get them also.
  • melvin7melvin7 Member Posts: 32
    Is the composite bed sufficient for hauling a fairly rough load, or do you need additional protection for it?
    thanks for info.
    P.S. Does anyone need a great 1999 Crown Vic
  • rwinegarrwinegar Member Posts: 12
    Melvin:

    I have been driving pickups for over 20 years. I think it is always a good idea to purchase a quality bed mat to protect the bed floor and stop stuff from rattling around. I don't mean one of those cheap rags from the mall. Go to a specialty shop or a place that sells camper shells. The ones I buy are corded rubber, custom fit and 1/4 inch thick. They will outlast the vehicle. Expect to pay $75 to $100.
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    Download http://users.snip.net/~bobkunkle/sporttrac1.jpg
    http://users.snip.net/~bobkunkle/sporttrac2.jpg
    http://users.snip.net/~bobkunkle/sporttrac3.jpg

    Check out line one on Sporttrac1.jpg. It is the Ford Sport Trac Bed mat for $40. It is a nice piece and is about 3/8" thick. Part Number YL5Z-99112A15-AA.
  • denrichdenrich Member Posts: 8
    The info on the build date helps me to. When I e-mailed Fords on my letter for the hard cover they said my truck was built on 6-12 and didn't qualify. I knew that wasn't right because I was called on 6-14 that my truck was in. The date on the sticker is 6-5 which is the cut date I was told by one person. I called the program headquarters and they said they would send me one have to wait to see.
  • stnewbiestnewbie Member Posts: 11
    My dad is interested in a stick shick ST to tow behind his motorhome. Does anyone know if these are being made now and shipped out to the dealerships?
  • truckenvytruckenvy Member Posts: 4
    The sticker on your window is the Invoice date not the build date. The build date is usually 2-3 days later..... I just found out this info and was very upset because the cut off date for the tonneau cover is 7-24 which was on my invoice (attached to the window) but in calling Ford they said I didn't qualify for the cover because the truck was built on 7-26. All this after my dealer told me not to order the cover because it would hold up the build date by many months.

    Love the ST but don't care for the way Ford or any of their dealers do business.
  • rwinegarrwinegar Member Posts: 12
    I have owned my Sport Trac for 6 days.

    This morning (Saturday) I discovered several small puddles of very thick oil on the garage floor underneath the front axle. It is not all in one spot. Consistency of pancake syrup. It definitely is not motor oil. I think the front axle is leaking. Since this is Saturday, I will not be able to get it to the dealer until Monday or Tuesday. If it is the front axle will it be harmful to drive it if I don't engage front wheel drive?
  • jab1964jab1964 Member Posts: 21
    does anyone know how long it took for their tonneau cover to be shipped to the dealer from the time that their credit card was charged? My credit card was charged this past Monday, and I called yesterday and the dealer said it was not in yet.
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    I posted photo's of my new baby on the Yahoo club. Check it out! They are just quickies. I will get some more 'poses' later this week.

    I took my ST to the dealer last night for early bird service today. The steering wheel is not straight when you are driving straight, there is a high pitch ring/rattle coming from the bed area when you hit 50+mph, there is some sort of red liquid goo dripping on the gray bottom from where the bed starts on the driver's side. Looks like it could be tranny fluid but doesn't smell like automotive stuff, and why would it be dripping there? And then I asked them to wash the ST up because the armor all they DOUSED on the tires has gotten all over the doors and bottom half of the ST. I should get it back today. Only had it two days so far.
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    My Ranger still does this on occasion, I'm sure
    if you look at any part of the frame you will
    notice that it is covered in a tar like goo.
    That is the most likely place it is coming from,
    if not it must be some type of automotive fluid.
    I hope this helps.
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    I just drove a ST at length with the 15"" wheels and the Firestone all terrain/off road type of tires and have concluded that it rides great over bumps (much less of a bucking bronco ride than my
    Ranger has)but there is some harshness due to the type of tire Ford uses on the ST. If they put a different type of all-terrain tire on it, with less aggressive side wall tread, the ride should smooth out. Ford went to great lengths to reduce the harshness of the ride. Let's hear from someone who has swapped out their Firestones already to see if my assumption is correct?
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    too lazy to search the 4 ST conferences on here: can anyone tell me where I can see the pic of the bed mat ($40) the molded mudflaps ($20pair) and a painted (same as ST) bugflector? I am not sure if I like the smoke color bugflector and the painted one's look nice. I don't want to drill anything in my truck.
    Please advise.
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    go to driveway.com login as "harvestgold" and password: "harvest". Check out pictures bedmat1.jpg and bedmat2.jpg plus the 4 pictures starting with 07280010.jpg,07280011.jpg,07280012.jpg,07280013.jpg.

    The last 4 pictures mentioned at 1.5MB each. They include pictures of colored bugshield, mudflaps, hitch, rear sunflector, ventshades, BrushGuard and taillight guards. I have the tonneau from ford on order since june 30, Factory roofrack crossbars and Yakima Loadwarrior basket on order since june 27 and still on back order.
    Items you cannot see are the lighted ford emblem, K&N filter, Bulldogsecurity remote starter, cargo cage, and bedmat.
    Any other accessories that anyone recommends are welcome.

    Bob
  • moose21moose21 Member Posts: 14
    RJKUNKLE - could you let me know who you ordered from/phone #'s/part #'s for the hitch, tail light guards, and the lighted Ford emblems ?!?
    DBERNDT - I have the ford bed mat (yl5z-99112a15-aa @ $40), fits great, durable, & has 'explorer sport trac' on it (looks great too). Have already used it for transporting large outdoor tools & came in real handy (kept them from sliding around. I also have the smoke bug deflector - looks great, but mine is Wedgewood blue, so it blends in; ditto for the mudflaps.
    I also put on a safari bar (explorer express, $140+ shipping) - looks good, & put it on myself in little over an hour.
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    Order parts from:

    hitch at http://www.bageco.com/hitchlistround.htm#FORD%20TRUCKS%20%20AND%20CARS

    taillight guards at http://www.suvbrushguards.com/fordexpl.htm

    lighted emblems at www.jcwhitney.com
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    Has anyone else talked to their dealer about the possibility of changing out the pouch console for the high series console? The $100 quote that someone posted recently seems really cheap. I'd be happy to lose a c-note for that!!
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    dberndt---I liked your photos of your estate green ST. Just one question? Why haven't you burned those Auto Nation Hub Ford licnese plates yet? Especially after the trouble those guys caused you! I wouldn't have left the dealers lot with those on there.
  • cleekcleek Member Posts: 9
    I ordered my T-cover at the end of June and it arrived early this week. So expect 6 to eight weeks.

    It works as advertised with the cargo cage (whew..!). To expose the bed, the T-Cover can fold the rear hatch over the front and has some elastic straps mounted under the rear hatch that secure the rear hatch over the front hatch to the closest tie down cleats. It stays plenty snug and doesn't bounce. Ford also included an interior glow-in-the-dark emergency release lever attached to the front-side hatch lock. A nice touch...

    Note that when removing and storing the cover, care should be taken to avoid
    scraping/tearing the T-cover's rubber seal that insulates the T-cover to the bed. Its seems to be tuff stuff, but it is a softer rubber. A good dose of common sense when handing it will go a long way.

    I drove my ST through a steady downpour and no water got through the T-cover seal. The locks are covered with hard rubber lids and seem to be water tight as well. However, I imagine that something with more pressure, aimed directly, (e.g. garden hose w\spray head) might get some water through the seal - but not much. (ibid: Common sense...)

    The T-cover seems pretty durable. I strapped a couple of full size box spring mattresses on top of it and it traveled with no problem. My two year old, 25lbs child can sit on the hatches with no sagging. Dad weighs closer to two hundred and didn't try, but the top is pretty well re-enforced. I may have to try stacking a cooler to better prepare for the upcoming tailgating season. Best to test the limits now than "mid party".

    The only problem I had with the installation was the locks. (They use your ignition key). One of the locks wouldn't accept a key so it needed to be changed out (std part - no problem). Just make sure that you test both locks for function before you accept the work. Get them to lubricate them as well, since the new locks are a little balky...

    Well that's about it.

    Sorry if not typing T****** Cover instead of T-cover confused some folks. I had a really lousy couple of days in Paris this year (rude @#$%^&*!) and I am not writing or speaking French for one year in protest. BTW - love those CRESCENT ROLLS

    ;-)

    All the Best
    Cleek & Co.
  • rwinegarrwinegar Member Posts: 12
    For sale In central Pennsylvania. One pair of side step bars for 2001 Sport Trac. Brand new. Asking $250. Dealer price is $333 plus sales tax. E-mail <<A HREF="http://rwinegar@ptd.net">rwinegar@ptd.net>.
  • maryloubobgmaryloubobg Member Posts: 1
    This site was just wonderful! all of your imput is extremely helpful! We were out shopping for a f-150, but that was too big for me to drive. looked at explorers, decided to compromise on the ford s-t, and after reading all of your posts, we've decided to buy one, so now it's off to the dealers to discuss price, say a prayer for us, ha ha.
    Thanks again,
    will keep you posted on our purchase
    Mary Lou & Bobby
  • bart11bart11 Member Posts: 3
    Its based on the amount of wear on the tires. They gave me the replacement price of brand new tires. The Les Schwab was in Aloha, OR
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    Does the T-cover have 2-locks or just one that
    engages the locking mechanism? Most aftermarket
    covers are now going to 1-lock which is more
    convenient that two,as my Ranger's has.
  • cleekcleek Member Posts: 9
    Fordnut,

    The T-Cover has two locks -

    One lock for the front hatch and one lock for the rear hatch. Each functions independently.

    Cleek
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    Hey zack1000, unfortunately I have to keep the one on back. I removed the one in front after seeing it in the pic. I completely forgot about it until then. I am having them remove the decal they put on too. I HATE that crap. If they want to pay me to advertise, then I will open my wallet. Otherwise, like you said, all the trouble I had was a pisser. They tried like hell to save face though when they called me back to say I would get it at original agreed upon price.

    I got my ST back from service yesterday. I am actually impressed with the service. They took care of me and my ST. I have to return because they need more time, and a phone call to the 'hotline', to determine the cause of the high pitch rattle at 50+MPH coming from tailgate area.
    I couldn't believe they were able to duplicate everyone of my problems and fix all but that one. Usually I get 'could not duplicate' messages with my new cars.
    They had to tighten a loose nut at the left front axle, balance the tires out again, and re-align the vehicle all because the steering wheel was not straight and I heard a low pitch pulsating noise at highway speeds. Now it is even a smoother ride. They scheduled me to come back and get a loaner car on the 29th so they can keep my ST for a longer period to evaluate problem. I really don't need a loaner so I am thinking of asking for services in return.

    I plan to get a painted bugflector, molded mud flaps, cargo mat and dark tint windows. That is about as 'tricked' out as I want to get, for now.
    Thank you everyone for the compliments on the Estate Green!
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    You only need to unlock one lock to gain access with the Ford tonneau cover. The tonneau cover is split in the middle, the back half folds up toward the front and the front half folds towards the rear. Each half of the tonneau has a lock (which uses the same key as your ignition).
  • fmurrayfmurray Member Posts: 7
    Two questions....If I order a new ST with the Ford Tonneau Cover tomorrow, will it come from the factory or will I have to wait after I take delivery of the ST? (confused with this June cutoff date...ie: if someone ordered their ST with the tonneau cover then who cares about a "cutoff" date....you ordered it, you paid for it, you get it....right?)

    What does the K&N filters do for performance?

    thanks for all those that have posted information and pictures!
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    Can someone please post relatively close-up pictures of the cover--Ford's web-site pictures are not very detailed.
    Thanks,
    fordnut
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    Can someone please post relatively close-up pictures of the cover--Ford's web-site pictures are not very detailed.
    Thanks,
    fordnut
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    Got called today that my tonneau cover is in. The catch is they don't have an appointment until Thursday. The service department is open until 8pm. I was going to pick it up tonight and install it myself, but I need them to key the locks to work with my door locks. They said it shouldn't take that long to install, but when I asked about the locks they said they have never done one of these tonneau covers before and this would be the first.
    Check my credit card and it does NOT show up YET. I did not receieve a letter from ford either. I just got a call this morning from the parts manager at my dealer, saying that it was in.
    I was going to pick it up and have it keyed at another dealer and let them get the install charge but they couldn't do it before Thursday either. I will get pictures posted as soon as possible, but I have a wedding to attend Saturday and will be in D.C. from Sunday until Friday Night.

    Keep posting. It is getting kind of slow in here lately. Keep up the great work!

    Bob
  • cleekcleek Member Posts: 9
    I'll post some pics tonight along with man pages on T-cover operation.

    Cleek
  • ohibought12ohibought12 Member Posts: 4
    Has anyone encountered a problem with the ST air-conditioner? While in Drive at idle RPM the compressor will not stay engaged, thus blowing warm/hot air until the vehicle begins to move or the engine is revved-up. If I am in Park at idle no problem, I have cold air.
  • moose21moose21 Member Posts: 14
    FMURRAY - The K&N filter is a cloth element, as opposed to the paper or foam elements of other filters. Cloth (cotton) is a much better medium to trap elements from the air, so it doesn't have to be as 'dense' - this allows air to pass through it easier & at a faster rate. The engine is esentially a type of pump, so the easier it is to get air into the engine, the more efficient it can run - hence, more horsepower. Unless you have a ram air or other forced air induction, the gain will be modest (5-10 hp). But, this along with a cat-back exhaust, a less restrictive intake, a power programmer and maybe some other minor mods, can be a noticable and welome increase; also, it can increase fuel mileage.
  • cleekcleek Member Posts: 9
    Here are a few quick shots of the T-Cover
    and a PDF of the owner's guide describing operation. You need to have Adobe Acrobat
    installed to view the .PDF.

    I didn't take any of the front hatch open
    due to time constraints, but you get the idea...

    http://www.seester.com/sporttrac/
  • spttrcspttrc Member Posts: 14
    For those of you who are still gathering information before you join all of us who love our ST's, check out this site for more information: http://carpoint.msn.com/Vip/Overview/Ford/Explorer%20%20Sport%20Trac/New.asp
  • rwinegarrwinegar Member Posts: 12
    I have owned my ST for exactly one week today. The last two days its been in the garage up on the rack while Ford scurries around trying to find a front seal for the front axle. It leaked puddles all over my garage floor. They are not sure when a seal will be available. The inside rear view mirror is also on back order. It so badly distorted the view that Ford had to remove a mirror from a Ranger as a temporary replacement. They did not swap with another ST because all 3 on the lot also had bad mirrors. One of the cargo cage locks broke the first time I tried to use it and it is also on order. I am afraid of what might break next. I sure hope my luck soon changes.
  • robertc5robertc5 Member Posts: 18
    I just had the Ford body shop fix the gas door rub, as well as paint the bottom of the front doors. Both were done quickly and to my complete satisfaction. I asked how difficult it had been to realign the fuel door. The Body Shop guy said it had been very easy. Apparently there are some adjustment screws you reach from below and inside. The door is now perfectly centered and there is no rub at all. The extra coat of paint on the door bottoms makes me feel better, even though it was "not necessary to prevent rust" per Ford. I also installed a soft Tonneau cover from Ford while I wait for my "letter." The soft cover looks great and work "ok". The hard cover would be better, I think. When the letter arrives, I may order it simply because the price is quite good. Keep posting, fellow ST owners. This site is an excellent method of sharing successes and potential problems.
  • cleekcleek Member Posts: 9
    When the cover is installed, its pretty dark in the bed - particularly at night. I have installed
    a gooseneck map light in the powerpoint jack.

    Seems to do the trick. I purchased it at:

    http://4by4connection.com/osharlig.html
  • njginonjgino Member Posts: 1
    Hi.
    I'm very interested in getting an ST.
    Is anyone here from New Jersey?

    Can anyone recommend a dealer in NJ? (I live close to New Brunswick). I've seen many posts about problems with the dealers and I;m hoping some of you had a more positive experience when you purchased your ST.

    Thanks!
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    Thanks for the great pictures and info (Pdf file)
    Anyway, I will be ordering my ST in the next 2 wks
    from Al Packer West here in FL. My salesman said he could order it for 1-2% over invoice. Good deal according to this townhall group. I am still hoping they will be able to order it for me under the X-plan, which is about $500 under invoice, according to the dealer. Ford said they are updating their incentive plans in Sept. when most of their models will be 2001's.
  • tosaewerttosaewert Member Posts: 1
    With the help of a Custom Sewing Shop,I have created my own fabric (waterproof) tonneau cover for my Sport Trac at a significantly lower cost than Ford's hard Tonneau cover. Simple to make and simple to install and take off. E-mail at timmotter23@msn.com for details
  • rwinegarrwinegar Member Posts: 12
    After one weeks ownership I am told that I finally should have a defective free ST. The seal was replaced in the front axle and the rubbing fuel door was fixed. I am amazed at the number of different responses posted here regarding the dealers reaction to the rubbing fuel door problem. My dealer said there positively are no hardware adjustments to the door. I inspected it carefully with an inspection mirror and I agree. He heated it with a heat gun and gently bent the arm of the fuel door. Now it is perfectly centered and the rub is history. Anyone having this problem should recommend this course of action to the dealer. I am very satisfied with the final result.
  • ssicchissicchi Member Posts: 18
    I fixed my gas door myself with a hair dryer, only took a few mins.Also got my letter for my hard cover yesterday .Called the dealer but they haven't heard anything yet.Sure hope it's soon to arrive.
  • bmarcusebmarcuse Member Posts: 7
    I got mine from Oasis Ford on Rt 9 in Old bridge. They where not very pleasant, but I got mine for around invoice. I tried 4 other dealer in NJ, and they wouldn't come close. You can look on their website at the inventory they have.
  • njdevilsrnnjdevilsrn Member Posts: 185
    If you want to be treated like a human being by a Ford Dealer in Central NJ, the place to go is Dayton Ford on Route 130.

    Dayton Ford has a vast inventory (last time I was there they actually had about a half dozen Sport Trac Explorers on the lot...even though I think it is an ugly truck, PS where is the carpeting?), honest sales associates (will actually give you a pretty good offer up front), and a great service department (Lord knows my old Exploder was there every 3rd week and at least they fixed everything right the first time).

    AVOID...Loman Ford, Liccardi Ford, and please, stay away from MALOUF!!!

    PS...I heard Fullerton Ford is pretty good, but I've never been there.
  • jcaustinjcaustin Member Posts: 22
    Thanks everyone for the info about the Tonneau Cover offer. I ordered my ST 5/23 and took delivery 8/16. I called Brian (Ford) this morning and he said I did qualify and entered me into a database and will send the certificate. My advice to anyone still wanting the cover; call today, don't wait for a letter.
  • rschfamilyrschfamily Member Posts: 19
    With apologies if someone has already posted this ... but I've been away from here for awhile ... has anyone come across an after-market camper style shell? The tonneau rebate option is about to expire but I really would rather have the flexibility and room offered by a larger cover. If anyone has information, would you mind sending to me at rschfamily@aol.com
    THANKS!
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles