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  1. Paul Fithian

    Icelandic Sport Trac

    Nice setup to access the glacier near Vik
  2. Paul Fithian

    Lumbar Fix

    Here's how to fix both power and manual lumbar supports in these vehicles. Access to repair these is quite difficult, includes removal of the seat and seat back upholstery. Power Driver Side This is a Schukra 2016801 actuator: Very common for these to have broken planetary gears like this...
  3. Paul Fithian

    Power Seat Malfunction

    I recently discovered my 10-way power drivers seat no longer goes backward. Seems like the tracks are "offset", you can feel it twist and bind as it tries to move back and then stops. If I loosen the 4 mounting bolts, it goes back as normal. Vehicle has over 255,000 miles, maybe worn out seat...
  4. Paul Fithian

    Hit 250,000 Miles Today!

    Runs and drives perfect!
  5. Paul Fithian

    Woolwax application

    I was able to apply Woolwax to our new Explorer before we see any salt on our Indiana roads. All fender liners removed to get into the inner cavities. I found the long tube with the single center outlet was the best way to apply it. Here's the kit I used, took about 1.5 quarts total...
  6. Paul Fithian

    Composite upper strut mount

    Found this over the weekend after removing the front fender liners to apply Woolwax rust prevention. The entire upper strut mount is a composite that appears to be mechanically fastened to the steel frame. There is a steel arch the goes around the top of the wheel. Found this picture on an...
  7. Paul Fithian

    Smoked Headlight Upgrade

    Installed these to replace a 4 year old aftermarket set that started to yellow and craze. Before installing, I upgraded the finish with 4 coats of UV stabilizing acrylic to extend longevity.
  8. Paul Fithian

    Solved Lower Steering Shaft Boot Replacement

    I described replacement of the lower steering shaft ~ 1.5 years ago in this thread: Steering Shaft Recently discovered this new steering shaft (Dorman 425-384) has a ruptured boot, with no evidence of it rubbing on anything: Instead of replacing the entire shaft, one can fit this generic...
  9. Paul Fithian

    4.6 V8 Power Steering Pump Leak

    I replaced the entire power steering system with new rack/hoses/reservoir/fluid in my 2007 4.6 V8 last spring. See Power Steering System Replacement 2007 V8 Just discovered the Cardone 20-329P1 pump I installed is leaking at the shaft seal, even when not running. Any tips on replacing this...
  10. Paul Fithian

    How to: 2020-2023 XLT Liftgate Finish Panel - Chrome to body color conversion

    Here's how I changed the chromed bezel over the license plate to body color on an XLT. Once this assembly has been removed from the vehicle, the chromed bezel can be separated from the body and refinished. Back side of assembly looks like this, a series of snap legs molded in the chromed bezel...
  11. Paul Fithian

    Airbag DTC B2293-E0

    I obtained an adapter and FORscan to troubleshoot an airbag light on my 2007 Explorer Sport Trac. It shows B2293-E0 error, but no further infomation on what specific item is causing the fault. I then had Forscan log resistance values of devices in the air bag system and it showed this: From...
  12. Paul Fithian

    B-Pillar Vinyl Wrap

    The B-pillar on both sides of our truck was starting to look pretty bad, so I wrapped them in matte black vinyl. Looks much nicer, this is an easy upgrade. I also used 3M Primer 94 on the edges to ensure good adhesion.
  13. Paul Fithian

    AC HP Line Leak / Repair

    I recently discovered the AC on our 2007 Sport Trac V8 was no longer working. A recharge with Chemours 134a with UV leak detector revealed the leak was coming from the high pressure line to the condenser. I ordered a new seal for this connection, any tips on replacing? From what I have...
  14. Paul Fithian

    2007 V8 Exhaust Manifolds: Tips When Replacing

    Like many others, I had 1 broken stud on Cylinder 4 and 2 broken studs on Cylinder 8. Cylinder 4 stud came out easily with an extractor, studs on Cylinder 8 had to be drilled out to 21/64" and tapped to receive an M8x1.25 HELICOIL. - Bolts instead of studs/nuts are an option, consider...
  15. Paul Fithian

    Power Steering System Replacement 2007 V8

    Here's the process I used to replace all power steering components on my 2007 2WD V8. Enjoy, hope it helps!
  16. Paul Fithian

    Steering Shaft

    Just replaced the steering shaft with Dorman 425-384. Old one had some play in it and the boot was destroyed. Easy repair, two bolts. Remove the left front wheel for better access, undo the steering rack bolt first before the upper one near the firewall.
  17. Paul Fithian

    Gen2 4x8 Panel Support

    I put this together to carry 4x8 sheets in the bed. A pair of 8' 2x4's and some scrap 2x6 held together with PL Premium and screws. It can be easily rotated back into the bed when not in use.
  18. Paul Fithian

    Rear Bumper Winch Power

    Here's what I did to get a power tap to the rear bumper for a 3,500 lb electric winch on our boat trailer. I am using the truck chassis as a ground, with new 4 AWG ground straps at the battery and rear bumper. Fastronix top post battery terminals are excellent, highly recommended. Power is...
  19. Paul Fithian

    2007 Sport Trac 4.6 V8 Starter Replacement

    I replaced the starter on our 2007 Sport Trac yesterday. This is one of the most difficult repair jobs I have ever done, and I've done a lot of wrenching on vehicles. Some tips: - Get a 1/4" air drive rachet. There is no room in this area to turn a wrench. Larger air rachets do not allow...
  20. Paul Fithian

    Gen2 Painted Grill

    Easy upgrade, paint one of these aftermarket grilles to match body color. I stripped the chrome off of the upper trip piece and painted it also.
  21. Paul Fithian

    2007 Job 1 Radiator Replace

    I installed a new radiator due to seam leaks on the top tank. Several great videos on this, see: Note that Job 1 early build Gen2, until 8/7/2006, use a different radiator than shown in the above videos. Since mine was built 3/29/2006, I used Spectra CU 2816. Fit perfect. Attached...
  22. Paul Fithian

    Aftermarket Radio Illumination Wire for Dimming Display

    To enable an aftermarket radio to dim at night, I hooked up the radio's orange illumination wire through a SPST latching switch, powered from the 12 V outlet feed wire in the console. The switch fits perfectly in the Aux input hole in the console, which you don't need with an upgraded radio. I...
  23. Paul Fithian

    Transmission Shift Interlock Hack

    Posting this in case you want to temporarily bypass the brake transmission shift interlock if the module fails and you need to drive the vehicle. This works with Gen II Sport Tracs and 2006-2010 Explorer/Mountaineer.
  24. Paul Fithian

    2007 Interior Restoration

    After owning this 2007 for almost a year, time for a complete interior restoration. New OEM floor mat going in. Seats are stripped and the leather covers cleaned, I will also repair and dye the leather to look new. This truck has heated seats, but the drivers side was not working. One of...
  25. Paul Fithian

    Gen 2 Roof Rack Remove / Free Rack Available

    I just removed the rack on our 2007 Gen 2 Sport Trac, earlier posts on this subject have no pictures. You have to pry up the tapered end where the cover meets the roof to release the clips as indicated. The Torx bolts holding the rack may be corroded, 3 of the 8 I removed had to drilled out...
  26. Paul Fithian

    2007 RWD Front Suspension Rebuild

    I am about to embark on a front suspension rebuild on our Sport Trac, 220,000 miles. I will use the following components: AM Autoparts AM-2116943038 Front Suspension Kit Left/Right with: - Inner Tie Rods - Lower Control Arms with Ball Joints - Outer Tie Rods - Sway Bar Links - Upper Control...
  27. Paul Fithian

    Spartan Locker Install Ford 8.8 IRS

    I completed installation of a Spartan Locker SLF8831 in the 8.8 IRS differential on my 2007 Sport Trac. Drives great with better traction! Although the Spartan catalog lists this unit for 2001-2010 Sport Tracs, it does not fit the 2007-2010 IRS version without modification. The axles cannot...
  28. Paul Fithian

    Differential Seals

    While adding a Spartan Locker to the differential, I am also replacing differential seals. Part numbers used are: Pinion: SKF 18136 Axle: SKF18005 (Driver) / NAPA 27SS2850 (Passenger) Our local NAPA had one of each of these in stock, my friend at the counter advised NAPA 27SS2850 was their...
  29. Paul Fithian

    Spartan Locker after 15,000 Miles

    I removed this from the 2001 RWD Sport Trac I am selling. Over 15,000 on road miles on it, at least a third of that towing a 5,000 lb boat. Zero wear on the teeth or metal in the gear oil that was drained from the axle. This is going into the 2007 I am in the process of refurbishing. This...
  30. Paul Fithian

    Thanks Guys!

    I really appreciate all of the help from the forum members with my 2001 Sport Trac, it is now up for sale. PM if interested. I am replacing it with a 2007 RWD V8 Limited Sport Trac in the next few days.
  31. Paul Fithian

    Windshield Wiper Problem

    My windshield wipers have started to malfunction. Each of the intermittent settings work, as does continuous low speed. When I switch to high speed, the wipers stall. Any suggestions on what to look at first? Relays, Multifunction Switch, or Wiper Motor?
  32. Paul Fithian

    Gen 1 Painted Grill

    It is possible to remove the grill on a Gen 1 without removing the fascia. Remove the headlights for easier access. Easy to paint, looks way better.
  33. Paul Fithian

    Spare Parts for Extended Road Trips

    We use the truck for towing our boat on extended trips. I recently had a frozen tensioner pulley destroy the belt and the engine got a bit hot, a thousand miles from home. The overheating caused the thermostat housing to crack and leak. To eliminate this issue, I installed an aluminum Austekk...
  34. Paul Fithian

    Transmission Dipstick Tube Replacement

    I had to replace the transmission dipstick tube because it was leaking when adding fluid. Rusted so much it opened up a hole in the tube. This is a common issue with older 4.0 engines. The dipstick tubes are readily available from the usual part sources. Replacement is easy if you remove the...
  35. Paul Fithian

    Should I Murder my Sport Trac?

    I can go either way. The kids think it would look cooler if it was Murdered. I have a gallon of black Plasti Dip on the shelf, not used for a different project a few years ago. Any suggestions on headlamp and tail lamp changes?
  36. Paul Fithian

    New hubs with bearing races -use with new bearings?

    I have always understood that new bearings should use the races they came with, not the old ones that are in the hub. I am replacing the rotors and bearings on my 2001 RWD, which have integral hubs with the rotors. The new Raybestos rotors arrived with new bearing races already pressed in. Is...
  37. Paul Fithian

    5R55E Pressure Tests

    In another thread (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/5r55e-valve-body-sonnax-zip-kit-install.460623/) I described installation of a Sonnax Zip Kit as well as weak reverse afterward. I had also adjusted the new Bosch EPC solenoid to smooth out the downshifts.. I was able to...
  38. Paul Fithian

    Krylon Supermaxx on Cladding

    I'm using Satin Black for this. Looks fantastic, as new. Parts were washed with Dawn, rinsed thoroughly, then acetone wiped. Three coats of Supermaxx on the part, no primer. Excellent adhesion. Wiper arms were wire brushed to remove rust, then acetone wiped. No primer.
  39. Paul Fithian

    Rocker Panel Rust Repair

    I removed the rocker panel cladding to paint them and inspect the rocker panels for any rust. I found some significant rust in the right side and some on the left side also. I cut out the corroded sections to begin the repair. See below. I wire brushed all the loose rust off and treated...
  40. Paul Fithian

    Krylon SUPERMAXX Adhesion Test on Cladding

    I can attest that Krylon SUPERMAXX paint has outstanding adhesion to the polyproplyene molded cladding on the Sport Trac. I prepped a spot on the front bumper by washing with Dawn soap & water, then a wipe with acetone on a lint free cloth. Three coats of Satin Black SUPERMAXX were applied and...
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