Ford Sport Trac? (explorer)

[OreoGaborio]

I'm looking at the possibility of picking up a first generation (00-05) Sport Trac.
Seems like decent examples are going for around 10-15k.
This looks like a pretty nice one http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/1509750157.html

Anyone with any insight on these vehicles?

[Pittenger5]

Isnt the bed REALLY short on those? It doesnt seem like you could toss a bike in the back.
But I dont know for certain

[Jim]

are there room for trophies and race groupies?

[OreoGaborio]

Yeah that's what the back seats are for

And bed length is another concern.... Anyone know if you could squeeze one or two in there with the tailgate down?

[Pittenger5]

The bed is 50 inches long, a picture I found, the bikes in diagonally by the look of it

[butcher bergs]

In your link, that one has the same motor as my 01 Ranger. It's a good, stout motor that returns decent MPG. Only concern you should look into is whether or not the SporTrac has a sealed transmission. The sealed gearbox in particular has been known to be problematic. Ask Ted about the one in his Exploder.

Another topic of note is the SporTrac is nothing more than a 4-door Ranger with a few extra bells and whistles. You could save a bunch of money by looking for a top of the line Ranger (FX4 for example) within the same years. Prolly save yourself $3k at least.

The bed is no good for your bike, IMO.

[KawiSmurf]

And bed length is another concern.... Anyone know if you could squeeze one or two in there with the tailgate down?

The bed is 50 inches long, a picture I found, the bikes in diagonally by the look of it

I was just going to say that, I helped someone load one in to the bed of a Sport Trac, and it only works diagonal with that bed-extender rack in place...it was a pretty tight squeeze, but it can be done.

[obsolete]

Taco.

[DuncanMoto]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.297 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Link/6.3.1.20.06.3.1.20.06.3.1.20.0)

2002 after I think... April or May had sealed transmissions known to explode.

Call me to ask me about it. Or just reasearch the different VIN's which can determine if you have a good or bad tranny.

[breakdirt916]

you might be able to do it

[b0xmonkey]

I had one for a little while a few years back, one bike fits in the back no problem, but with the V6 not a lot of balls to pull a trailer with an additional bike on it. Matter of fact it was pretty miserable pulling a trailer. Add to that the 12 MPG and I ended up taking a beating on a trade just to get rid of it. I expected the thing to be more like a truck and less like a car but it was the opposite.

[Pittenger5]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.297 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Link/6.3.1.20.06.3.1.20.06.3.1.20.0)

2002 after I think... April or May had sealed transmissions known to explode.

Call me to ask me about it. Or just reasearch the different VIN's which can determine if you have a good or bad tranny.

Pete knows how to find a good or bad tranny.

[duganc1717]

Cam chain tensioner's=bad

[Mr. Kurtz]

My 02 Explorer has the sealed transmission, 120K miles, 30K of that towing, and is fine.

(knock on wood)

Regardless, with the small bed, it's probably not a great choice for a bike carrier. Better off getting a mid size pickup, or an SUV and towing a trailer.

[OreoGaborio]

Well I'll be keeping my trailer, maybe even upgrading to an enclosed, so the short bed isn't too huge of a concern. I'd only throw a bike in the bed for convenient short trips.

Just exploring my options. Keep the opinions comin'.

[OreoGaborio]

Taco.

Yeah... I still want a Taco or Frontier... Just can't find an '05 or up crew cab w/ low miles for any less than 15 grand.
May have to settle for an 04 or older.

[Mr. Kurtz]

Alright, well I'll be keeping my trailer, maybe even upgrading to an enclosed, so the short bed isn't too huge of a concern.

Just exploring my options. Keep the opinions comin'.

If the bed isn't a big issue, it may not be a big selling point. If that's the case, you can probably get an Explorer or Explorer Sport for less money.

[crowspeed07]

Well I'll be keeping my trailer, maybe even upgrading to an enclosed, so the short bed isn't too huge of a concern. I'd only throw a bike in the bed for convenient short trips.

Just exploring my options. Keep the opinions comin'.

their dogs when trying to pull a trailer . had one with two bikes on a bike trailer wouldnt wanna relive that

[obsolete]

Yeah... I still want a Taco or Frontier... Just can't find an '05 or up xtra or preferably a crew cab w/ low miles for any less than 15 grand.
May have to settle for an 04 or older.

Why 05 and up?

[OreoGaborio]

Why 05 and up?

Cuz they're sexier lookin, get better gas mileage than the 04's & less chance of frame rust.

[obsolete]

Ok, fair enough.

[cdseven95]

I have a 6ft bed and my motorcycle is 7ft 1in long... Make sure your cables are in good condition.. I doubt that if they did snap that the bike would fall... I think there would only be damage to the tailgate.

[Manny]

I guess I never really understood the concept of the 50 inch. Even my bed, which is 67 inches (5.5 feet) is on the small side when it comes to loading bikes and gear.

Personally, Id rather have a nice sized enclosed trunk in a large SUV than a 4 foot bed, but thats just me.

Even with a trailer, enclosed or not, when you are doing 1 day events or want to go dirt biking its nice to be able to throw the bike in the back and forget the hassle of the trailer.

Go for something that makes it easy with a decent sized bed.

[cdseven95]

Nm I see the sport trac bed is like 4 feet... I could imagine trying to get my bike in there.

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

F150

good solid truck should get a good one for you$$