I usually hang out in the 97-03 F150 forums but I'm trying to buy a '01 Sport Trac 4x4 (only 62K miles) and I have a question for you Explorer folks. It has the 4.0L SOHC,5 speed auto, part time 4WD and is equipped with 4.10:1 gearing. It kinda surprised me that it's geared that low. It should have plenty of pulling power but what kind of fuel mileage should I expect? Anyone have an Explorer equipped like this that can give me a hint?

 

I Have A 2wd 05 With A 4:10 And I Get A Long Term Avg Of 16.5mpg
There Have Been Tanks on a Long Trip Where I Have Gotten 20+
Of Course Your Mileage May Vary

Regards

 

I'm getting 14-14.5 highway out of my 98 F150 Super Cab 4x4 4.6L so I guess I'd be seeing a bit of an improvement even though I'm sure the Sport Trac won't tow anything close to what my F150 will.
horsepower
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm thinking the low gearing will make up for not having the V8 horsepower to overcome the weight of these midsized trucks. Other replys wanted too.

 

I owned a 2001 sport trac just replaced it with a 06 screw, the tow ratings are around 5000 lbs, I put on 265/75/16 and still saw on odometer highway trips at least 20mpg, as an average driving 16/17, towing a 6x12 enclosed trailer got 12-14 on highway.

 

ranchero,

My .02 with regards to a 2001 ST:

I really like my 2001 but do keep in mind that the 2001 and 2002 especially had issues with transmissions. This does not mean that you are guaranteed to have problems but keep it in mind.

Most of the tranny issues revolve around the valve body, not the main portion of the tranny. There are current upgrades (TSB's) to the 2001 valve body that make this tranny much better. I plan to do the TSB to mine, even though at present I don't have any symptoms. I would recommend that if you get this 2001, you do the valve body TSB to it, especially if you plan to tow.

Overall, I'm pleased with my 2001, considering the good deal I got on the price ($8000/55K miles), but I am realistic about the issues with the tranny.

My suggestion is: if you can get the 2001 for a good price, get ia, and do the tranny TSB for some solid piece of mind.

Mine also has the 4.10 gears, and is surprisingly impressive in the accelleration department. I'm not a lead-footer, but if I do really get on the throttle, this little gal really moves.

Good luck. I'll be happy to discuss any questions you may have.

CMOS

 

Thanks! I'll know tomorrow if I have it or not. I will be sure to check up on that TSB though. Thanks for the tip.

 

Well I got outbid so I guess I'll still be looking.

Thanks for the replies though!

 

Plenty of ST's out there.....


CMOS

 

My 05 came with 4.10's also. The sport trac's with 3.73's are dogs. A programmer will make a big power difference, I would definitely recommend one. For mileage I saw 14ish in town and 18ish on the highway when it was stock. After 3" body lift, roof rack cargo basket, 33x12.50 tires and 4.88 gears I was getting 13 in town and 14 on the highway. 10mpg pulling a loaded down 6x14 enclosed trailer across the country.
The transmissions are known for problems, the first thing you'll see if the 2-3 shift flare. Again a programmer can help some by firming up shifts.
The 4.0 SOHC will have issues with the timing chain tensioner. Lots of TSB's about it.
I loved my sport trac lifted with lockers and everything, did what I needed to do. But it got small, and I just traded it for an 06 F150.
For how small it is, the fuel economy isn't very impressive.
When you're looking for a used one, check;
Pinion seals (front and back leak often)
Ball joints, sway bar endlink bushings and wheel bearings
Make sure you start it cold and drive it right away, listen for a ticking noise when accelerating (timing chain)
Feel closely when shifting from second to third, hopefully the rpms won't flare up between the shift
Run the transfer case back and forth through the ranges a couple of times

When/if you get one, it's a good idea to install a bigger, aftermarket (stacked plate type) transmission cooler, especially if you tow. My stock cooler was keeping the tranny at 180-190 around town with no load on average days. After a bigger cooler it was around 160.