Gen2 improved frame?

[Stephanie Reynolds]

I have a 2003 first generation Sport Trac with 120,000 miles, which I puchased in 2003 off the showroom floor! I absolutely LOVE my Sport Trac! We live on 3 miles of very bad dirt roads and this Sport Trac has taken quite a beating, even though I have never had to do any thing other than routine maintenance (and a couple of new door latches - LOL). Today I discovered, through a trusted mechanic, that the frame has a significant crack in the rod that attaches the drive train to the passenger front tire. I am SURE that this is due to the daily beating from our awful roads - not to mention teenage drivers. I REALLY want to replace it with a 2010 Sport Trac, but I am worried that the frame will, again, not be up to the rigors of desert driving. In my research I learned that the generation two Sport Tracs have improved frames - Does anyone know if this is true? Does anyone know of other Sport Tracs with frame problems? I am really depressed! Are there any *safe* fixes for this kind of crack? Any advice, ideas, or comments would be helpful!!

 

[Chase Straw]

is it the torsion bar?

 

[Stephanie Reynolds]

Yes - it is the "right lower control arm torsion bar bracket"

 

[Chase Straw]

You can change out the lower control arm and the torsion bar but i am not 100% sure what is meant by "bracket".

 

[Lloyd Curry]

Not sure about the front end but one of the biggest improvements is the rear independent suspension which began in 2007.



Greatly improved ride and should be a big difference in the ride.

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

Welcome to the site Stephanie! :supercool:



Can you post a pic of what you are talking about? I have a feeling the the frame itself is not cracked.



Actually, the '03 - '05 ST's have a stiffened up frame. This is the first that I have read (in the 9 yrs. that I have been on here) anything about the frame cracking. I would take it to another mechanic for a second opinion.



You could replace the bracket, or whatever your mechanic is talking about. I would also replace the sway bar "end links" w/ MOOG Proplem Solver front end links, and replace the shocks with Rancko RSX.



If you really want the Gen 2 ST, then go for it if it is in your budget.

 

[Robert Caffyn]

Hey Stephanie, welcome first off. The new GenII series (2007 to present) had a serious make over. New Independant rear axle, the frame was "boxed in" to stregthen it. All cross members were put through the frame and welded on both sides, this resulted in a 456% increase in torsional stability. Yes, it is a whole different ride. I love mine. So if you can do it, go to the dealer and place an order for EXACTLY the way you want it equipped. You won't be sorry. BC



PS: production is slated to end in November of this year, so make up your mind pretty quick!!

 

[EddieS'04]

If it is the lower control arm. That the torion bar fits in. That is a common part. Unless you have the tools and cabability to release the torsion tension. It will be a job for a shop. Look at a couple of hundred cost.

 

[Willie Anglin]

When looking for a used ST I drove several models and did not like the newer models as the seats were not as comfortable to me. It was probably a personal preference but I could not get comfortable in the newer STs. I also did not like the door handles. We found a 05 that had been taken care of and low miles and the thing is as comfortable as my Mercury Marauder. My wife loves it and it rides great. I also like a truck to have a solid rear axle. Not to flame but I really like the older model better, if only they had come with a V8 it would have been perfect because I am a V8 kinda guy.