Sport Trac 4x4 info.

[carl beasley]

I own a 2001 Trac, 210k, first owner, love it. Looking to buy a 4x4 Trac. Any pros vs cons. Good years, repeat problems etc. Thanks

 

[SwampTrac]

From what i understand 03-05 are the best years to get for the 1st gen STs. Most issues ironed out, plus rear disc brakes instead of drum. Of course timing guide issues are still a problem. I have 4x4 in my 02 and i love it. Works very well but you need to use it regularly, even if it's for a drive through the backyard. The 4x4 trucks are a little worse on gas, that's what happens when you go from a 3.73 to a 4.10 rear end. I get about 17 combined mpg. Be prepared to sit at 2800 rpm running 75 down the interstate.

 

[carl beasley]

Thanks for the info. My 2001 2WD gives 17mph, in town or on the road. Like Clockwork.

Any Wheel size difference with Trims?

 

[rwbenner]

I had read earlier that the “sweet spot” for the first gen’s was 2003. Ford had a few years to work out minor bugs and starting in 2004 the emission controls ramped up. I believe the member Dillard had that intel…..maybe he will see the post and respond.

 

[SwampTrac]

Thanks for the info. My 2001 2WD gives 17mph, in town or on the road. Like Clockwork.

Any Wheel size difference with Trims?

Wheel size is the same, tire size goes from 235/70/16 to 255/70/16

 

[carl beasley]

Thanks

 

[Fuelishness]

2004 XLT 4X4. The biggest problem that I have come across is the transfer case shift motor. The internal stop wears and loses it's position. They do it rather quickly and there is no replacement available, that I have found, for the motor. The carbon brushes are also soft and impossible to find a replacement. In short, the 4X4 seems to be usable for emergencies only. If you buy one, make sure the 4X4 engages and don't plan on using it for pleasure. If anyone has ant ideas on repairing the engagement motor, i'd love to see them.

 

[carl beasley]

Thanks

 

[cadman777]

2004 XLT 4X4. The biggest problem that I have come across is the transfer case shift motor. The internal stop wears and loses it's position. They do it rather quickly and there is no replacement available, that I have found, for the motor. The carbon brushes are also soft and impossible to find a replacement. In short, the 4X4 seems to be usable for emergencies only. If you buy one, make sure the 4X4 engages and don't plan on using it for pleasure. If anyone has ant ideas on repairing the engagement motor, i'd love to see them.

I found the motor a number of places online.
My 4x4 is a 2003 XLT.
Same problem.
One day I used it and it wouldn't shift out of 4wd, and I was far away from home!
Finally, with a little tricky driving and shifting, it decided to unlock and I was back on the road w/2wd.
One of these fine days I'm gonna have to fix that!

 

[Sprecman]

I own a 2001 Trac, 210k, first owner, love it. Looking to buy a 4x4 Trac. Any pros vs cons. Good years, repeat problems etc. Thanks

I,ve owned both a 2001 and 2004 4X4 and I prefer the 2004. Drove it for 177K and decided to sell but afterwards always regreted it so now I own a 2001 4X4 and it's awesome as well. Good luck these are great rigs.

 

[cadman777]

I,ve owned both a 2001 and 2004 4X4 and I prefer the 2004. Drove it for 177K and decided to sell but afterwards always regreted it so now I own a 2001 4X4 and it's awesome as well. Good luck these are great rigs.

Nice topper!
Pretty truck!
Like the color!

 

[Fuelishness]

I found the motor a number of places online.
My 4x4 is a 2003 XLT.
Same problem.
One day I used it and it wouldn't shift out of 4wd, and I was far away from home!
Finally, with a little tricky driving and shifting, it decided to unlock and I was back on the road w/2wd.
One of these fine days I'm gonna have to fix that!

Maybe I need to check again but the motors I found were close but the stop switches in the gear head did not line up correctly with the mechanical position. Maybe they were for a Ranger or something, IDK, but I had to return 2 of them from different places. If you decide to replace yours and it works, please post the source and part #. Thanks.

 

[Dmiranda1269]

I,ve owned both a 2001 and 2004 4X4 and I prefer the 2004. Drove it for 177K and decided to sell but afterwards always regreted it so now I own a 2001 4X4 and it's awesome as well. Good luck these are great rigs.

I like it!

 

[cadman777]

Maybe I need to check again but the motors I found were close but the stop switches in the gear head did not line up correctly with the mechanical position. Maybe they were for a Ranger or something, IDK, but I had to return 2 of them from different places. If you decide to replace yours and it works, please post the source and part #. Thanks.

OK.
I spoke before buying.
I ASSumed that they were correct.
Now I know that they need scrutiny before installation.