DVDSWAN 02 Sport Trac Build/Maintenance thread

[Sarah93003]

My ST has the long one piece tonneau cover. The lock on that as well as the tailgate lock didn't turn. On the advice of a friend I got some graphite from the auto parts store. Both work great now. The ignition key locks the tailgate. Pro tip: don't do this on a windy day.

 

[dvdswan]

My ST has the long one piece tonneau cover. The lock on that as well as the tailgate lock didn't turn. On the advice of a friend I got some graphite from the auto parts store. Both work great now. The ignition key locks the tailgate. Pro tip: don't do this on a windy day.

 

[dvdswan]

Installed a new T/S wiper switch that angles up instead of down. https://sporttrac.org/threads/turn-signal-switch.124400/

Before... you can see the T/S switch below the headlamp switch.

After.... and now you don't

 

[dvdswan]

Last couple of days I've been playing around and searching the net to things to do.

Ordered the timing chain tensioners and the thermostat housing yesterday. Also ordered body mounts, LED bulbs for the interior and instrument panel (installed the rear dome light/map lights. The front the T5 connectors were burned and the ribbon tape for the lights was broken, the lights did work before but now they are not. I image the ribbon tape is falling out of connection path). Ordered new T5 connectors with bulbs at the moment and will replace with LEDs when I'm sure the T5s are the right size. I had some T10s and they're too small, go figure, what you have on hand never is right.

I did order a new radio and tailgate handle with camera and power mirrors with heat and puddle lamps as well.

Oh, and I did strip the center dash bezel for painting...

 

[ArtCall]

If you are replacing the body bushings and timing chain sensors yourself I hope you will post some video or comment on your experience. I'm thinking about trying it myself?
Thanks

 

[dvdswan]

If you are replacing the body bushings and timing chain sensors yourself I hope you will post some video or comment on your experience. I'm thinking about trying it myself?
Thanks

The tasking is really not that difficult. If you have some mechanical ability you can do both of them. There is a guy on youtube that has done them and has how-to videos...

 

[ArtCall]

Thank you so much for sharing that. At my age I'm a bit more mechanical than computer inclined. Plus I use my phone over our dinosaur desktop, and get research overload .
I just bought a 2nd, 01 ST, both same color, going to 1st repaint low mileage one I just got similar to my best-picture, then rebuilt my 300k mileage one for my grandson to have in 3 years. I'm retiring this fall. I hope to follow you on your progress. Wishing you the best
Thank You very much!
Art Call

 

[Larry Holmes]

The tasking is really not that difficult. If you have some mechanical ability you can do both of them. There is a guy on youtube that has done them and has how-to videos...

I subscribed to munday’s channel too. Good practical advice on video!

 

[ArtCall]

I subscribed to munday’s channel too. Good practical advice on video!

First time I've heard of him. Thank You again

 

[dvdswan]

Got the stereo, tailgate handle, bushings, one mirror, t/stat housing delivered. Some items coming next week. Fitting the stereo into the bezel I had looked at the connection for the reverse camera and realized I had to look for an extension for inside the tailgate so I can remove the tailgate if needed.

So, looking at the connection on the t/gate handle, it has a 4-pin video connection. I ordered a 5ft cable for inside the tailgate.

https://www.amazon.com/YQMAJIM-Extension-Thicker-Dashcam-Reverse/dp/B0C6S2Q265/?tag=seriouexplor-20

I will use this inside the tailgate and use zip tie pads to secure it because I have these lying around. They are self-adhesive but I'm sure the tape won't adhere well to the inside of the tailgate so some super glue or epoxy should do the trick.

Again, this is so I can still remove the tailgate if the need arises. As for the hole in the bottom of the tailgate and going into the bed a 1/2" or 5/8" blanking grommets should do the trick to seal the tailgate and let the cable come through.

Looking at the connection for the mirror it needs a 10-pin connection. So today I'm on the hunt for the wiring diagram for the power mirror w/ heat and puddle lamps for an 02 Explorer. The mirror base to door is different so I'm going to look at how the mirror is connected to the base and hopefully be able to swap the bases.

 

[EricP]

Got the stereo, tailgate handle, bushings, one mirror, t/stat housing delivered. Some items coming next week. Fitting the stereo into the bezel I had looked at the connection for the reverse camera and realized I had to look for an extension for inside the tailgate so I can remove the tailgate if needed.

So, looking at the connection on the t/gate handle, it has a 4-pin video connection. I ordered a 5ft cable for inside the tailgate.

https://www.amazon.com/YQMAJIM-Extension-Thicker-Dashcam-Reverse/dp/B0C6S2Q265/?tag=seriouexplor-20

I will use this inside the tailgate and use zip tie pads to secure it because I have these lying around. They are self-adhesive but I'm sure the tape won't adhere well to the inside of the tailgate so some super glue or epoxy should do the trick.

Again, this is so I can still remove the tailgate if the need arises. As for the hole in the bottom of the tailgate and going into the bed a 1/2" or 5/8" blanking grommets should do the trick to seal the tailgate and let the cable come through.

Looking at the connection for the mirror it needs a 10-pin connection. So today I'm on the hunt for the wiring diagram for the power mirror w/ heat and puddle lamps for an 02 Explorer. The mirror base to door is different so I'm going to look at how the mirror is connected to the base and hopefully be able to swap the bases.

Which head unit is that? I like it.

 

[dvdswan]

Which head unit is that? I like it.

https://www.amazon.com/BOSS-Audio-S...MI-u-zxuaehQMVgwutBh1phg2mEAQYASABEgK2evD_BwE

I figured I'd try a touch screen. I also had to have CD and AM/FM still. I guess I'm old school and refuse to download music to my phone. It has Carplay and Maps so my app backcountry I can see the forest service road and 4x4 trails on screen.

 

[dvdswan]

Had a needed repair 2 weeks ago that I completed today. Alternator bearing took a dive after I washed the truck. Ordered the parts from Rockauto and waited for them to arrive. Alt, tensioner, idler pulley, and belt. Due to the age I felt it easier to replace them all. Good choice as the idler bearing was rough as well and the belt was cracking. I would have done this as soon as the parts came in but work sent me overseas for the week. I also replaced the gas cap leash and washed the truck again since pollen loves the fall this time of year.

 

[Larry Holmes]

This may be as good a thread as any for this information but you’re all welcome to share it anywhere as indicated. It’s not a paid ad for a parts source. You have until May 17 to use the 5% discount if you’re interested.

 

[user 71196]

thanks for the code Larry Holmes! just used it to get new shocks and cv axels. hope to tackle those this weekend.

​

 

[dvdswan]

So, I'm hoping to work on the ST soon. I ordered a set of 02 ST service manuals and wiring manual yesterday, should be here from the 3rd to the 7th. I received a brake light switch and oil switch hoping it will take care of the issues. The gear shifter hasn't gotten stuck since I ordered the brake switch so I haven't been able to see if the brake lights come on when it happens. The oil gage is bouncing more frequently at idle but I've noticed that I have a rough idle when warm. So, tune-up and filters will be next in line of parts to order. Funny how when you want to do upgrades to the truck all these little things start showing up.

Current rare sunny days I'm cleaning moss off the damn roof. Here in the PNW moss does grow on a rolling stone... and on all sides of the tree too. TLC for the ST is lined up, unfortunately the honey-dos are a little more of a priority. All this and dishwasher decided to show a leak with a big puddle. Only to find out it's been leaking for quite some time. Kitchen is gutted with the exception of the upper cabinets. I think I'll go play the lottery or casino since my luck has to change for the better soon. Might as well see if I can use the winnings. lol

List of part on hand...
Tensioners and t-stat housing,
body mounts,
brake light switch,
oil pressure switch,
double DIN radio and ports for USBs,
backup camera,
back up lights,
side mirrors w/ puddle lamps and heated, (I'm going to hit up the junkyard for some sport/ST side mirror bases to see if I can swap them with the heads)
fix front dome light wiring,
I know I'm forgetting something.

 

[parker_lansing]

So, I'm hoping to work on the ST soon. I ordered a set of 02 ST service manuals and wiring manual yesterday, should be here from the 3rd to the 7th. I received a brake light switch and oil switch hoping it will take care of the issues. The gear shifter hasn't gotten stuck since I ordered the brake switch so I haven't been able to see if the brake lights come on when it happens. The oil gage is bouncing more frequently at idle but I've noticed that I have a rough idle when warm. So, tune-up and filters will be next in line of parts to order. Funny how when you want to do upgrades to the truck all these little things start showing up.

Current rare sunny days I'm cleaning moss off the damn roof. Here in the PNW moss does grow on a rolling stone... and on all sides of the tree too. TLC for the ST is lined up, unfortunately the honey-dos are a little more of a priority. All this and dishwasher decided to show a leak with a big puddle. Only to find out it's been leaking for quite some time. Kitchen is gutted with the exception of the upper cabinets. I think I'll go play the lottery or casino since my luck has to change for the better soon. Might as well see if I can use the winnings. lol

List of part on hand...
Tensioners and t-stat housing,
body mounts,
brake light switch,
oil pressure switch,
double DIN radio and ports for USBs,
backup camera,
back up lights,
side mirrors w/ puddle lamps and heated, (I'm going to hit up the junkyard for some sport/ST side mirror bases to see if I can swap them with the heads)
fix front dome light wiring,
I know I'm forgetting something.

I'm at the "little things" phase on my '03 XLT. It's in the shop for a bouncing speedometer, loose gear selector indicator, turn signal resistance during lane changes, wheel camber fix, and seatbelt retraction.

I'm super curious about what you come up with for the side mirrors. I have a project planned for that as well, but I want to go the route of taller mirrors (not quite tow mirrors). I'm not sure if I want to keep the adjustable mirrors or use the wiring for external turn signals and heated mirrors (snow and ice country up here). There was a project a while back where someone was able to use the mirrors from an Econoline van, so I might be digging up some of those in a junkyard.

 

[dvdswan]

I think I'm on the ropes on the mirrors. If I can't use them then I'll put them on the wife's Explorer. But ever since I saw a rendering of an concept Adrenalin ST, I can't help to not necessarily copy it but use as a guide...

 

[parker_lansing]

I think I'm on the ropes on the mirrors. If I can't use them then I'll put them on the wife's Explorer. But ever since I saw a rendering of an concept Adrenalin ST, I can't help to not necessarily copy it but use as a guide...

Oh, I hear you! Can you believe that was a modified '96 Ford Ranger? I've looked at that concept vehicle from a lot of different angles, and there is some weird stuff going on, especially with the fold-down rear door on the cab. I have a feeling that vehicle was just barely held together with epoxy.


There's a few more photos here: 1996 Ford Adrenalin Concept Truck, and there is a brief YouTube clip of it from the 1996 International Auto Show.

In general, I like some of the features on the concept truck, but the aesthetics seem a bit off when I look up close.

This write-up is for tow mirrors on an Expedition, but maybe will give you some ideas: Want real tow mirrors for your Expy? Here's how (lot of pics)

And one other option for consideration: Signal Mirror on Demand (S-MOD) Kit for 02-05 Sport Trac

 

[ArtCall]

I'm at the "little things" phase on my '03 XLT. It's in the shop for a bouncing speedometer, loose gear selector indicator, turn signal resistance during lane changes, wheel camber fix, and seatbelt retraction.

I'm super curious about what you come up with for the side mirrors. I have a project planned for that as well, but I want to go the route of taller mirrors (not quite tow mirrors). I'm not sure if I want to keep the adjustable mirrors or use the wiring for external turn signals and heated mirrors (snow and ice country up here). There was a project a while back where someone was able to use the mirrors from an Econoline van, so I might be digging up some of those in a junkyard.

I'm interested in side mirror upgrades as I just acquired a boat and I use my ST for towing it, but stock mirrors aren't adequate.
I'm better at negotiating a trailer than I am Sport Trac forums which I dont even own a desktop, just my phone.