New to Me 2001 Sport Trac RWD Automatic

[Paul Fithian]

I am picking up a very used (250,000+ miles) 2001 RWD Automatic in a few days. The price was just too good to pass up. It is in good running condition and rust free. No CEL codes either.

What should I look for regarding final inspection before I pick it up?

I'm a pretty good mechanic, and this will be a spare vehicle for us to use and for hauling things. Even if I end up replacing some major components, I'll still be way ahead for a reliable, durable truck.

From some research I've been able to do, looks like any 4.0 SOHC should work if I need to put in a junkyard engine. Can any members here confirm?

Another thing I want to do is install a Sparton SLF8.8-31 to help with winter traction here in NW Indiana.

Any other advice?

 

[koda2000]

The weak links on these vehicles are the SOHC V6 engine's timing chain components (which will destroy the engine if/when they let go) and the less than robust 5-speed automatic transmission.

Listen to the engine when starting it from dead cold. Also as it warms up while idling and driving at between 2500-3000 RPM. If you hear a rattling noise (at bit like a diesel engine) the engine needs expensive repairs (mostly labor as it has to be removed to replace the rear timing chain components). It's not a matter of if these parts will fail but when. A trans rebuild will also run you over $2,000.

Other than the engine and transmission, other things that may need attention are the usual parts on a vehicle with 250,000+ miles on it.

 

[Paul Fithian]

Thanks Koda, I appreciate it. I'll check it.

What other transmissions would be compatable if I wanted to replace with a junkyard unit?

 

[sr139fox]

Ball joints and body mounts. Leaking thermostat housing. I have a 2001 RWD too.
Dave P.

 

[koda2000]

Thanks Koda, I appreciate it. I'll check it.

What other transmissions would be compatable if I wanted to replace with a junkyard unit?

5r55e is the only auto trans to fit the SOHC engine. There have been a few variants over the years of production. I would try to stick with a 2001 from any RWD SOHC Explorer, Explorer Sport or Sport Trac to avoid differences.

As sr139fox said, the t-stat housing and body mounts are common SOHC/ST problems, both can be corrected fairly inexpensively. My body mounts were completely wasted. I replaced them with a Prothane kit for under $100. They made a huge difference to the way the truck rode and the way my doors closed.

 

[Paul Fithian]

Thanks again, guys.

Regarding the transmission, I have rebuilt both automatic and manual transmissions. This rebuild kit may be a better way to go if I see transmission problems?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/270730714629?...08&_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_mwBanner=1

 

[Paul Fithian]

Picked up the Sport Trac this morning. Clean frame and very little rust. No chain slap, shifts great. No codes.

Need to replace the outside front door handle and fix the rear window.

Ordered new rear shocks and the Spartan locker.

The adventure begins!

 

[Paul Fithian]

So far I have replaced the radiator, front pass door handle & door lock actuator, removed the seats & floor mat, and cleaned everything up in the interior. I installed new spark plugs & wires.

Seat cover upholstery has been removed and I'll install Katzkin leather seats.

I have removed upper & lower control arms, except for the driver side lower. The forward bolt on that one is siezed to the bushing sleeve. I have to cut it off with a 6" wheel on an angle grinder to get it out, a lot of time has been spent on this bolt!

Inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides have been removed, just waiting to install this front end kit, once I get the driver side lower control arm out: http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=5734623&cc=1366680&jnid=417&jpid=0

On the list also
- Spartan locker and replacement of the spring schackles
- Transmission fluid and filter change
- Body mount bushings
- New double DIN radio with backup camera display

My FedEx Ground, UPS, and USPS drivers bring stuff almost every day now!

 

[Paul Fithian]

I completed the mechanical and interior restoration items yesterday and I've got the Sport Trac back in service. Cosmetic upgrades will wait until we get warmer weather and clean road conditions in the spring.

Big thanks to all of the forum members who helped out and posted their learnings, it really made a lot of this work easier for me!

So far, I have replaced/repaired the following:

1) Radiator APDI/PRO 8012309

2) Radiator cap GATES 31336

3) Front shocks MONROE 32346

4) Front end kit MEVOTECH KIT111 Supreme
- Lower control arms with ball joints
- Upper control arms with ball joints
- Inner tie rod ends
- Outer tie rod ends

5) Front stabilizer bar links Autopart International 700-65251

6) Rear axle seals SKF 16404

7) Transmission oil cooler line DORMAN 624057

8) Transmission oil filter with pan gasket ATP TF158

9) Transmission fluid Mercon V

10) Front left/right door lock actuators MOTORCRAFT SW6935

11) Rear left/right door lock actuators AM-12667898

12) Cruise control actuator cable – used OEM part from eBay

13) Spark plugs MOTORCRAFT AGSF22FM

14) Spark plug wires DENSO 6716096

15) Left/right inner fender splash shields FO1250145/ FO1251145

16) Caster/camber bolt kit MAS AK85280

17) Front wheel bearing seals WJB WS9150S

18) Front wheel bearing dust cap DORMAN 618503

19) Left timing chain tensioner Ford 7U3Z-6K254-B

20) Right timing chain tensioner Ford 7U3Z-6K254-A

21) Intake manifold gasket MAHLE /VICTOR REINZ MS16375

22) Engine oil/filter Mobil 1 5W30 / Motorcraft FL 500s

23) Negative battery terminal

24) Battery hold down bracket E7TZ-10718

25) Left/right front brake calipers & pads NASTRA 7457879

26) Left/right front brake backing plate DORMAN 924371

27) Left/right front brake hydraulic hose DORMAN H381158/DORMAN H381157

28) Rear brake shoes WAGNER Z776

29) Left front brake line Ford OEM part

30) Left/right rear brake cylinders DORMAN W610007/DORMAN W610008

31) Left/right rear brake drums RAYBESTOS 9710R

32) Brake Drum Hardware Kit Centric Parts 118.65005

33) Spartan Locker for rear axle

34) Differential cover DORMAN 697702

35) Differential cover gasket FEL-PRO RDS55341

36) Differential fluid CARQUEST 80W 90

37) Rear shocks GABRIEL Max Control 77679

38) Rear leaf spring shackles Dorman 722-009

39) Prothane urethane body to sub- frame bushings

40) “A” position body to sub-frame bushing DORMAN 924051

41) Radio with backup camera TUVVA KSN6280

42) Radio install kit American International FMK552

43) Speakers (4) Pyle PL573BL

44) Brake pedal pad DORMAN 20753

45) Katzkin leather seat upholstery

46) Seat heaters Water Carbon Premium Heated Seat Kits for Two Seats

47) Carpeted floor mats Premier Custom

48) Console lid repair Dorman 924-834

49) Right front door handle Depo 330-50032-020

50) Springs for door lock mechanisms

51) Replacement key FOBS eBay

52) New security chip key Wal Mart

53) Wire brushed/ Ospho/primed/painted 15x7 steel wheels

54) Chrome wheel skins Imposters

55) Wire brushed/Ospho/primed/painted front and rear frame areas

Drives like a new vehicle now. With the new leather seats, the interior looks and feels new.

I was fortunate that the previous owners took great care of this one. Whatever maintenance work they did or had done, things were installed properly. No stripped threads, missing fasteners, or funny stuff. Except for one lower control arm bushing, an "A" & "B" sub frame bushing spool on one side, and a rear shackle bolt, all fasteners could be removed.

 

[swshawaii]

Well done, obviously you're not new to advanced automotive work, especially the timing chain tensioners. Congrats and Happy Holidays!

 

[Paul Fithian]

Thanks!

 

[ptf18]

Any issues changing the tensioners?

 

[Paul Fithian]

Yes. See my post (50) in this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...c-v6-timing-chain-parts-sources.317039/page-2

 

[koda2000]

I completed the mechanical and interior restoration items yesterday and I've got the Sport Trac back in service. Cosmetic upgrades will wait until we get warmer weather and clean road conditions in the spring.

Big thanks to all of the forum members who helped out and posted their learnings, it really made a lot of this work easier for me!

So far, I have replaced/repaired the following:

1) Radiator APDI/PRO 8012309

2) Radiator cap GATES 31336

3) Front shocks MONROE 32346

4) Front end kit MEVOTECH KIT111 Supreme
- Lower control arms with ball joints
- Upper control arms with ball joints
- Inner tie rod ends
- Outer tie rod ends

5) Front stabilizer bar links Autopart International 700-65251

6) Rear axle seals SKF 16404

7) Transmission oil cooler line DORMAN 624057

8) Transmission oil filter with pan gasket ATP TF158

9) Transmission fluid Mercon V

10) Front left/right door lock actuators MOTORCRAFT SW6935

11) Rear left/right door lock actuators AM-12667898

12) Cruise control actuator cable – used OEM part from eBay

13) Spark plugs MOTORCRAFT AGSF22FM

14) Spark plug wires DENSO 6716096

15) Left/right inner fender splash shields FO1250145/ FO1251145

16) Caster/camber bolt kit MAS AK85280

17) Front wheel bearing seals WJB WS9150S

18) Front wheel bearing dust cap DORMAN 618503

19) Left timing chain tensioner Ford 7U3Z-6K254-B

20) Right timing chain tensioner Ford 7U3Z-6K254-A

21) Intake manifold gasket MAHLE /VICTOR REINZ MS16375

22) Engine oil/filter Mobil 1 5W30 / Motorcraft FL 500s

23) Negative battery terminal

24) Battery hold down bracket E7TZ-10718

25) Left/right front brake calipers & pads NASTRA 7457879

26) Left/right front brake backing plate DORMAN 924371

27) Left/right front brake hydraulic hose DORMAN H381158/DORMAN H381157

28) Rear brake shoes WAGNER Z776

29) Left front brake line Ford OEM part

30) Left/right rear brake cylinders DORMAN W610007/DORMAN W610008

31) Left/right rear brake drums RAYBESTOS 9710R

32) Brake Drum Hardware Kit Centric Parts 118.65005

33) Spartan Locker for rear axle

34) Differential cover DORMAN 697702

35) Differential cover gasket FEL-PRO RDS55341

36) Differential fluid CARQUEST 80W 90

37) Rear shocks GABRIEL Max Control 77679

38) Rear leaf spring shackles Dorman 722-009

39) Prothane urethane body to sub- frame bushings

40) “A” position body to sub-frame bushing DORMAN 924051

41) Radio with backup camera TUVVA KSN6280

42) Radio install kit American International FMK554

43) Speakers (4) Pyle PL573BL

44) Brake pedal pad DORMAN 20753

45) Katzkin leather seat upholstery

46) Seat heaters Water Carbon Premium Heated Seat Kits for Two Seats

47) Carpeted floor mats Premier Custom

48) Console lid repair Dorman 924-834

49) Right front door handle Depo 330-50032-020

50) Springs for door lock mechanisms

51) Replacement key FOBS eBay

52) New security chip key Wal Mart

53) Wire brushed/ Ospho/primed/painted 15x7 steel wheels

54) Chrome wheel skins Imposters

55) Wire brushed/Ospho/primed/painted front and rear frame areas

Drives like a new vehicle now. With the new leather seats, the interior looks and feels new.

I was fortunate that the previous owners took great care of this one. Whatever maintenance work they did or had done, things were installed properly. No stripped threads, missing fasteners, or funny stuff. Except for one lower control arm bushing, an "A" & "B" sub frame bushing spool on one side, and a rear shackle bolt, all fasteners could be removed.

Holy crap! I think your "restoration list" may even be longer than mine (read my "New Toy" thread for my '01 ST) but my list continues to grow monthly. I hope you didn't give much for this truck. I didn't, but I still think I gave too much.

 

[Paul Fithian]

For sure I didn't pay too much for all this.

So now I have a truck that was built in America with a German engine, a French transmission, and Chinese replacement parts. Truly international.

The pair of Gabriel Max Control rear shocks were each made in different countries. One US, one South Africa.

 

[Paul Fithian]

I've added a few more things to my list of restoration items:

56) New muffler AP 3741
57) New windshield wipers
58) Ford speed control system modification recall 05S28
59) Door lock strikers (4) Ford 6W1Z5422008A
60) Tires (4) Goodyear Wrangler Trailmark 31X10.50X15
61) Cruise Control switches Motorcraft F87Z-9C888-BB
62) Installed OEM console bag

One of the forum members was kind enough to send me an old console bag, really completes the interior restoration of my project.

Love the Katzkin leather seats. Look, feel, and smell like new!

 

[sickwilly]

Great looking truck. Reminds me of mine that was totaled.

 

[Paul Fithian]

Updated restoration list attached. Engine runs perfect, no oil burning or leaks. Transmission feels and shifts like new.

Looking forward to many miles of use from it.

 

[crispins]

So how much do you have into it now?

 

[All out]

How are where the katzkin seat covers to put on