Bought the 2004 Sport Trac XLT today!

[stephenson]

Been negotiating for awhile, but came to closure today, finally ...

Silver, XLT with 4.0L and 4.10 limited slip, 80K miles - appears to be in really good shape with records ...pick it up next week.

Gonna do the typical fluids changes - oil, trans, diff, etc ...will probably do coolant and brake fluid, too.

Anything else I should do?

George

 

[Gus Gorilla]

Don't forget to wash it, wax it, show it off, and enjoy it. Very important things to do when getting a new vehicle.

 

[Flounder]

When shocks go on sale, consider replacing the OEM shocks with Monroe Reflex or Rancho RSX (same thing, different badge). Ford shocks are spongy from day 1, and can be dangerous by year 5.

 

[jutgin]

All the engine stuff, check spark plugs, air filter, battery maybe the fuel filter unless it's been done in the records. I always like to do small things to like wiper blades, floor mats, window tint etc.
Good luck!

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

congrads be sure to post pics of it when u get it

 

[stephenson]

Thanks to all ...

I had heard about the shock thing - pretty sure they have not been replaced, and I recall how bad my '94 Explorer rode with stock ones after a few years. Sounds like everyone has agreed the Monroe Reflexes are the way to go - mentioned pretty often in this forum.

Plugs and filters for sure - am sure plugs are original but will pull and evaluate them ... btw, are they any easier to get to than the ones in my '94?

Don't think previous owner was a synthetic oil kinda guy so will switch out across the board - based on reading it appears Mobil has gone cheap on their base and I should consider some other manufacturers' products - more reading

I suspect trans fluid never changed, so will do the partial thing with a filter and then do another partial in 3-6 months. Don't wanna disturb too much gunk and buy another trans - this seem reasonable?

Thanks, again for the comments and recommendations.

 

[stephenson]

OK - picked it up.

Changed oil to M1 5W-30 - will get differentials and transfer case changed when I can locate the fluids.

Only thing I didn't notice during test drive was couple of inches of paint bubbling on the plastic dash surround panel just below the radio ... appears there is a TSB on it, too. Not a biggie, but looks pretty awful - probably have to pull it and repaint - looks pretty straightforward - anyone done this?

Looks like I can't post photos - assume because am a new guy?

George

 

[jutgin]

You should be able to post pics using photobucket.com

 

[JohnnyO]

The transfer case is not hard to do yourself if you buy a suction gun to fill it. I use Mobil 1 ATF. Do not overtighten the plugs because the case is aluminum and you can crack it. Just snug is fine.
The rear diff you can do yourself if you are so inclined, the front is basically impossible to change without a suction machine, so for that I just go to the Valvoline Qwicky-Lube and get it done for $39.95.

 

[stephenson]

Quick update:
- changed trans filter and about 4.5 qts of fluid today with Mobil 1 Mercon 5 Syn ... looked to be original, fluid OK, but starting to brown up a bit ... will wait another 30K and change out another pan full (still can't understand why US companies rarely use drain plugs for transmissions)
- changed rear differential; was pretty dirty and inside case was black, used my hand to drag out as much of the gunk in the bottom of the case as possible ... Mobil 1 75-140 Syn
- changed shocks ... they were original, too - Monomax was final choice from all the inputs across the various sites. I was looking for very firm damping ... frankly, I was a bit concerned from many of the comments that they would be too firm - doesn't seem that way from initial impression - much less "wallowing." Very easy installation except for the rear, far left top bolt/nut which was a PITA - gave a little blood and finally sorted it out.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

stephson

did u join www.photobucket.com

 

[Clusterpup]

Don't forget to wash it, wax it, show it off, and enjoy it. Very important things to do when getting a new vehicle.

Ive had my truck three monthes and still havent washed it