Opinions Count

Karl Vandeventer · Jun 12, 2011

Ok Folks newbie here. Do not own a Sport Trac as of yet but am actively in the market Just got rid of my 02 Ranger Edge 4X4. Since I owned the Ranger prior Im wondering about purchasing the 4X2 instead of the 4X4 just want some personal advice. I don't go 4 wheeling often anymore but do tow a small utility trailer. So I guess my question is open for discussion on the pro 4x4 or pro 4x2 setups. Not much in my area to choose from but lots in the Las Vegas area to look at. Also wanting the Auto with Cruise Control. Also not sure on the price ranges am considering 2004 and up with the 4.0. I loved my 4.0 in the Ranger plenty of power out of it with a couple of mods. So shoot me some personal opinions. All will be appreciated greatly. Thanks in advance for the advice.

gary s · Jun 12, 2011

welcome !

i would go 4X2 based on your needs and where you live.

2004-06 only offer a six.

prices vary on mileage/trim.

imo, look, look and look more. you will find a nice used and check the swap and sell here to see what other members might be selling.

again, look and more looking. take your time.

best of luck

Johnny O · Jun 12, 2011

Whether you need a 4x4 depends on what you want to do. Doesn't sound like you go off-road but if you get snow then you might want a 4x4.

I went from a Ranger to a Sport Trac also (had an '05 Trac before my '08). First thing I noticed was that the Trac's seats are much more comfortable. Second thing I noticed was that the Trac's brakes were vastly better than my Ranger. '03+ Trac's will have 4 wheel disc brakes.

The majority of Gen 1 Sport Tracs are automatics and most will have cruise control.

Get new shocks if the Trac you buy looks like it has the originals still on it. Best money you will spend.

scott degroot · Jun 13, 2011

Get a 4x2, you don't need the extra cost involved with a 4x4 in repairs and mpg and if it were me I would not be looking at anything older than a 2007 with a V8

Ray McIntireJr · Jun 13, 2011

I don't know about getting a 2wd. You never really know when you are gonna need the extra 2 drive wheels and from what I understand 4wd trucks don't get any worse gas mileage than 2wd. I know now that if I had it to do over again I would definitely get a 4wd truck.

Kevin Lang · Jun 14, 2011

I know now that if I had it to do over again I would definitely get a 4wd truck.

I agree with this, my 2002 ST has pretty much every feature available that year, except 4wd, and I have found many times where it would have been useful.

When MD got an uncommonly huge load of snow, and I was forced to drive in the worst part of it, 4wd would have been nice. Especially for the few times my ST got stuck (never on the road, only when it snowed while the ST was parked overnight), and I had to resort to shovels and risky neutral drops to liberate my ride.

Thank God I got the Limited Slip differential on mine, or it's likely my ST would have been stuck/needed to be towed multiple times.

As an added bonus, 4wd means you won't have to deal with the "haters" who maintain that a truck without 4wd isn't a truck. :banghead: