Few Questions?

[Mike Harder]

Hey all, I'm considering buying a used Sport Trac but had a few questions. The particular one I'm considering is a 2001 4X4. Is there any known problems with the year/model?

What kind of gas milage should I expect?

What are the lift options besides the "Superlift"? Thanks, Mike

 

[Johnny O]

Not much in the way of known problems. MPG between 14 and 20, depending.

Superlift is about the only game in town for a suspension lift. It's spendy. Most people opt for a torsion bar twist in front and extended shackles in back, it's a bunch cheaper and gets you about 1.5". Bodylifts are cheaper than the Superlift too. Then you could fit 33x12.50's.

TrailMaster makes a cheaper late-model Ranger kit, not sure about one for ST's, but it uses ball joint spacers instead of new knuckles like the Superlift so it's not as strong (or safe IMO).

RCD makes a 5.5" Ranger kit that replaces the torsion bars with coil-overs, you could probably use that up front and do a spring-over conversion in back but it costs even more than the Superlift kit.

 

[Richard L]

Mike,

Actually, there are a numer of issues with the 2001 model year Sport Trac's. There are not serious issues but can be annoying. The fuel pump can leak (in the tank) causing low fuel pressure making it difficult to start after sitting overnight. There are also problems with a sticking oil pressure sending unit, squeaky brakes, premature brake wear, premature ball joint wear, and minor trim and fit issues causing excessive wind noise, etc.



I had a 2001 for 42K miles and had a few of the above issues, but nothing that prevented me from buying a new 2003 model.



...Rich

 

[Bruce Branch]

I have a 01 with 96K. I have only had one issue, it would not idle without my foot on the gas pedal. That was a simple fix, some of the more knowledgable folks here could tell you what that was, I don't remember. Other than that, I change the oil, filters and keep the tires rotated and love my Trac more and more everytime I drive it.

Good luck with your purchase. There are some lemons in every bunch, but with the ST i think there are more peaches.

 

[Mike Harder]

Because it's a used vehicle, is there anyway to know if these things have been fixed? The S/T I'm eyeing only has 20K miles... either really good or something bad has happened. Thanks again! Mike



Oh yeah, are there anymore forums related to the Sport Trac, I'd like to get as much info as possible.

 

[Richard L]

Mike,

We have a member who is a Ford service Tech and has access to the maintenance history of Ford vehicles by VIN. His name is Hal. You may wish to post a message to Hal and ask him if he can do a search for any maintenance records and report if what was fixed and any recalls that may not have been completed? Do not post your VIN online, just send it to Hal via email if he agrees to do the search.



...Rich

 

[Mike Harder]

Will do, thanks for the help

 

[Dre L]

I have a 2001 job 2. It was produced after 7/24/00 and has had very few, minor issues.



The job 2's are pretty much 2002's, and resolve many of the 2001 issues. You can check the build date in the driver side door info sticker.



I am at 57K miles and it has held up well. I used to get crappy mileage, but then did a tune up and now get 8-9MPG in New York City, 18-21 on the highway cruising at 80.



This is probably the most informative forum directly related to Sport Tracs, you could also check www.fordtruckenthusiasts.com AKA http://www.ford-trucks.com

 

[Johnny O]

As far as I know this is the only exclusive Sport Trac site. Two others with relevant info are:



www.therangerstation.com

www.explorerforum.com



Cars and trucks, mostly cars, but has a lot of Australians who are really funny:

www.fordforums.com

 

[Mike Harder]

You guys have been a great help and I do appriciate it, I'm sure if this all works out you'll see me around alot this board alot.