03 fliptrac $700 daily driver (summer of fun with 4 sport tracs)

[97Sandbox]

Interesting. I thought I had compared 96 5.0 vs. 97 4.2 starters and flywheel part numbers on rockauto and they were not the same. But I bet as long as the starter and flywheel match, it sounds like the 4.2 clutch will work either way.

I didn't realize the M5R2 and AOD could use the same mount -- that's also great info as I thought I'd be stuck using just a 97-03 rubber mount.

 

[CDW6212R]

Those are great transmission mounts, the urethane is stronger than rubber. Energy Suspension is excellent and they began the urethane material for mounts and bushings. I prefer their black formula better than the bright red. Ford made a great blue anti-sway bar end link bushing, they were on most Fox Mustangs.

 

[Metalface]

In reply to the pic from the original post, you know.. Those Sport Tracs with the bed caps really make you think..
What if we had a Sport Trac truck but there were seats in the bed?? And the bed was part of the interior or cab? Just all enclosed.


Nah.. The consumer market would never go for it...

In all seriousness it would be a dream to flip Sport Tracs lol I'm very jelly.

 

[BKennedy]

@410Fortune , when you sell one of your conversions, does it come with a complete year, make, model, etc., parts list?

 

[410Fortune]

It absolutely does yes
The 01 trac is using a 05 engine so the upper intake is different from an 01, otherwise all parts are the same really. The 07 trans is identical to an 01 trans, so really the upper intake is the only difference on that rig. It was sold to a good friend so if it needs any work or parts he knows where to go

we are going to find out real soon if this clutch works or not lol so far it looks like it will work just fine.
Downpipes starter and t case are in, trans mount and crossmember have been modded

The crossmember was dropped a bit in an effort to clear this “hump” in the 5’speed

This modded crossmember measures 1-3/8”
Height the stock crossmember is

2-1/8” so 3/4” of an inch was removed

The stock crossmember puts the center of the trans mount exactly 14”’from the inside of the passenger frame rail
I set my mount at 13-7/8”
Marked it and drilled some holes

Starter was cleaned up a little and the small red ignition wire was fitted with new ring adapter

Spent an hour or so finding two good starter bolts?!!!?!! I mean I just took the black truck apart like 2 weeks ago set all the bolts in one box and still this happens hahahaha fun fun
Starter went in
So did the downpipes
Then the t case was prepped and installed w new gasket

I am going to do a little welding on the crossmember then I can finish up under the truck

1997 f150 4406m looks like it had been leaking from the speed sensor or tail shaft for a bit I will replace the seals

 

[97Sandbox]

Can I like a post more than once?

Thanks for all that detail, this thread is turning into a holy grail for SBF/M5R2 swappers!

 

[410Fortune]

Holes drilled. I love steppes bits. Took quite a bit with a file to get the holes perfect. Welded on some body mount washers to solidify things

Then painted and installed

Final position for the transfer case

First look at the t case shift linkage

Now this lame fiberglass exhaust shield has to go to make room for our custom duals

Unbolted and then taken out

Then had to cut the rivets to remove the stock exhaust hanger assembly

Removed the side Tupperware to make room for side exhaust

 

[410Fortune]

Shotgun exhaust is in and two exhaust hangers welded in place
Tight fit!!!

This system was built from a 96/97 explorer setup so I ordered some new exhaust gaskets I left things a little loose so when the gaskets get here I can slide them in

True duals with a small crossover, I love it! The 2” body lift is necessary for the side exit to fit

Next the truck was lowered and time to install the new pedal assembly …..
Goes here

In!!

Column shifter cable was then removed, this is where the new clutch master cyl will go

Finally cut hole for the shifter

5 speed sport trac!!!

 

[Josh P]

I'm ready to see this thing launch

 

[410Fortune]

Steering shaft to header clearance is good w the 2” body lift

Next I turned my attention to the engine bay
The 4.6 power steering line needs to be heavily bent into shape in order to work with our 2003 rack and the 5.0 pump
I have this handy tubing bender

Complete u turn

Driver’s accessory bracket cleaned and mounted so I can plumb the steering high pressure line

Many small
Bends until it rotates completely around (was facing up) And threads in. Have to be sure to clear ac compressor and ac line

You can see the new routing for this 4.0 gen iii explorer factory line

Power steering reservoir was cleaned with carb cleaner there is a screen in there

Now
Working on fuel line, heater hoses passenger accessory bracket and wiring. I have to swap the old injector electrical connectors for the newer ones so some soldering to do….

Can’t wait to drive it! Cam headers 5 speed!!! Won’t be long now just waiting on parts as usual… but I still have plenty to do maybe running by Friday
I only get a few hours a day to work on this rig it is the highlight of my days!

 

[oklagp1200r]

I'm impressed with your knowledge and skills!

 

[CDW6212R]

Where is the front sway bar, gone for good? The oil filter has to be short due to that bar, if you have it out of the way, you might hunt a full size quart filter(if they make a metric version).

 

[Fix4Dirt]

some day im going to go up to your place jamie and drive all your rigs

 

[Josh P]

some day im going to go up to your place jamie and drive all your rigs

You gotta buy one while you are there

 

[410Fortune]

thanks dudes
no sway bars on this truck
You would have some fun up here!

having time to actually drive the rigs is the goal!
this one will be a daily driver....our road is much better with no sway bars
ifs should be independent
I could get away with a rear sway bar, it would make the front work harder, depending on how much towing and hauling this track does, the rear one may go back on
I prefer a wide stance, good springs and good shocks and then I remove all the factory band aides like sway bars, anti vibe weights, and go from there. I am a big fan of simplify and lighten, less moving parts, less mass (strip weight where you can)
With stiff body mounts, stiff drivetrain mounts and a good soft suspension these trucks can be alot more fun to drive (big wide tires/stance help with grip)
I find it puts you more in touch with the vehicle and the road, make that suspension work

 

[410Fortune]

Can’t get to this sucker yet I’m in high demand! The stupid sport trac we sold to buddy has ac leak
Good friend of mine major oil leak from ipr in his 96 7.3 truck and I’m helping another friend Re wire a 75 bronco in trade for building us some driveshafts
Should be back to this tomorrow
I’m plugged into the scene now up here in north Idaho working with several different people in several different shops… these are the guys you want to know!! All thanks to my
Buddy rich who has lived here a long time and knows everyone. Good mechanics are hard to find… really enjoying all of this. Thank goodness we finished a big huge elevator report last week that has freed up some of my time.
Can’t wait to get back at this trac and also finish the blue ranger… July is going to be awesome

Installing an American auto wire update kit in this 1975 beauty, they called the right dude for some wiring help!

 

[410Fortune]

summer of fun continues!
do not ever ever ever do like me.......
the fliptrac we built, the 2001 white truck with the 2005 sohc engine (2000 explorer pcm) and 2007 ranger transmission using a 2003 sport trac wiring harness and accessories = can of worms.

Our 01 truck is a JOB1 early production sport trac, which means the truck wiring is like a 2000 explorer. The wiring harness I used is from a 03, or JOB2 trac....many changes to the wiring! I had to relocate 3 wires at the PCM and add a speed sensor wire from the abs control module to the C115 connector......and I still have 02 sensors not switching.
at least that gets rid of the trans codes and the p0500 speed sensor code. the odd thing is they show a 4th oxygen sensor on the books for a 2001/02 trac and then it went away in 2003? these sohc engines never had a 4th 02 sensor?? stupid!!!!!!!!!!!
Its okay............... I'm getting it wiring at 9 pm at night and now at 6 am the next day, I'm outside in my sweat pants and no socks checking to see if a wire exists... once you get deep into a project like this hard to shut brain off. I'm carrying around 2000 Explorer, 2001 sport trac and 2002 sport trac wire books like they are my life blood
poor buddy already bought this truck from us, then driving it developed limp mode and 8 codes......... I'm fixing it now
Yeah so avoid this situation at all costs. To stop this from happening i would have either:
A installed a v8
B kept the 01 job1 sport trac wiring harness, engine harness and accessories (5+ years ago it went bye bye)

You cannot cobble these sohc trucks together like you can the 5.0 stuff! I am still learning after all these years

Fingers crossed!

 

[CDW6212R]

Best of luck, that deep dive into the wiring is a huge PITA. I've done enough to know it's way more complicated than people imagine.

 

[Josh P]

summer of fun continues!
do not ever ever ever do like me.......
the fliptrac we built, the 2001 white truck with the 2005 sohc engine (2000 explorer pcm) and 2007 ranger transmission using a 2003 sport trac wiring harness and accessories = can of worms.

Our 01 truck is a JOB1 early production sport trac, which means the truck wiring is like a 2000 explorer. The wiring harness I used is from a 03, or JOB2 trac....many changes to the wiring! I had to relocate 3 wires at the PCM and add a speed sensor wire from the abs control module to the C115 connector......and I still have 02 sensors not switching.
at least that gets rid of the trans codes and the p0500 speed sensor code. the odd thing is they show a 4th oxygen sensor on the books for a 2001/02 trac and then it went away in 2003? these sohc engines never had a 4th 02 sensor?? stupid!!!!!!!!!!!
Its okay............... I'm getting it wiring at 9 pm at night and now at 6 am the next day, I'm outside in my sweat pants and no socks checking to see if a wire exists... once you get deep into a project like this hard to shut brain off. I'm carrying around 2000 Explorer, 2001 sport trac and 2002 sport trac wire books like they are my life blood
poor buddy already bought this truck from us, then driving it developed limp mode and 8 codes......... I'm fixing it now
Yeah so avoid this situation at all costs. To stop this from happening i would have either:
A installed a v8
B kept the 01 job1 sport trac wiring harness, engine harness and accessories (5+ years ago it went bye bye)

You cannot cobble these sohc trucks together like you can the 5.0 stuff! I am still learning after all these years

View attachment 443648
View attachment 443649
View attachment 443650
Fingers crossed!

Option A is a must.

 

[allmyEXes]

I may have missed something. In the 5th picture of post #225, what was the reason for an 1/8" shift? a side clearance issue using the 4406m or transmission clearance, or maybe a little of both? Pic 6 of #225 the 5 speed trans flange looks real close to the floor or is it just the camera angle?