What Do I Do First with a Used 2001 ST?

[Dardin]

I'm picking up a 2001 ST tomorrow. It'll be both for work / play. It's got 160K on it, straight body and clean engine, and seems it was reasonable well-serviced.
My question is, Is there a post that has a rudimentary list of: "Here is what you MUST do as soon as you buy a used ST"? I'm reasonably mechanically inclined, though I admit not in cars. I'm willing to learn but would appreciate the guidance so I get it right the first time.
Thanks!
Dardin

 

[EddieS'04]

In case there is a question about it, 'cause of millage. I would, change coolant, rear axle grease, oil and filter, drop the trans pan for a filter and fluid change.
Grease door hinges and latches with white lithium spray. Pull each wheel and inspect the brakes. If it is a 4x2 repack the front wheel bearings.
Veryfy all lights work.
This I would do unless the previous owner can show you service records.

 

[Dardin]

In case there is a question about it, 'cause of millage. I would, change coolant, rear axle grease, oil and filter, drop the trans pan for a filter and fluid change.
Grease door hinges and latches with white lithium spray. Pull each wheel and inspect the brakes. If it is a 4x2 repack the front wheel bearings.
Veryfy all lights work.
This I would do unless the previous owner can show you service records.

Many, many thanks for your advice and experience. That's exactly what I wanted to get: Something I can sink my teeth into that feels comprehensive. I wonder, does getting a Chilton's book worth it or can i get that info elsewhere?

 

[EddieS'04]

Chiltons or Haynes can get you started. They can be somewhat generic. They will cover alot about the explorer of those years. Got to know what you are looking for, in them.

 

[Brian Snider]

• Alignment / front end inspection - this will help you find issues with ball joints / tie rod ends and wheel bearings which are reasonably serviceable but not super easy to self diagnose.
• front sway bar end links - these have probably already been replaced at least once but if not, they are a bad design and can be replaced / upgraded pretty easily.
• tighten / check the bolt that connects the auto trans shift indicator to the shift lever (odds are you're buying an automatic) - there's a small bolt that connects the shift lever to the indicator under the dash, the truck can get cranky when this gets too lose so it's a good thing to just take 5 min and get under there and make sure it's tight.
• inspect/clean idle air control motor - some of these tend to get sticky and will cause the truck to idle too low / die in cold weather.
• inspect coolant overflow/windshield washer tank - My 01 is due for a new one due at least in part to sun damage. There's a section that gets direct sun at a given angle through hood seam. When I replace mine, I'll probably cover with some metal tape to block sunlight.
• very thoroughly inspect the thermostat housing for signs of water (it's kinda buried) - these are typically plastic and tend to eventually develop leaks. They're reasonably replaceable but it's no fun to be surprised by disappearing coolant levels.

Most all of these should have reasonably good write ups floating around here or other explorer / ranger focused websites, they aren't huge issues but some annoyances that are relatively easy to correct.

 

[mapper3030]

Hi, Guys,
Just bought a 2010 ST (161K) which replaces a 2005 that had gas tank sensor problems at 141K. I couldn't justify $1000+ job on it, so, I just looked for another. The 2010 was the last model year and it REALLY SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN! This truck is EXCELLENT ANYWHERE! Making sure ALL LIQUIDS ARE REPLACED. I had an 'idiot' light telling me the temperature was high; just for ha-has, I drained the coolant (yellow); and come to find out, there was only ONE (1) GALLON IN IT! Manual calls for 21 QUARTS or TWO and ONE-HALF GALLONS! So, I added the other GALLON AND A HALF! Hopefully I don't find any other SHORTAGES.
Everybody stay SAFE! ALWAYS wear you seat belts!


COMMUNISM - A 'WOKE', BROKE, JOKE OF AN IDEA! LET'S GET RID OF IT, NOW!

 

[Evox]

All good advice so far. I'd add inspect the body mounts to this list.

The two at the front and back are probably still good. But unless they've been changed under the cab, they're probably gone. Whatever material Ford used for the middle mounts it was different from the material they used for the front two and rear two mounts, because it doesn't last. It's an easy enough job to replace them, there are a couple of good YouTube videos on the procedure.

I used these on mine: Amazon.com: Prothane 6-116 Sport Track Body Mount: Automotive