Future Sport Trac owner?.. Have a few Questions...

[RangerSean]

I recently totaled my baby. It was a '94 Ranger S/C Splash 4x4, 4.0L, Auto, With Superift leveling coils, dual shocks, JD extended Radius Arms, Dual Shock hoops, Flowmaster 2.5" exhaust, superchip, etc. I was running 31s. Here is a pic.

Before:
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After:
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This truck was my baby, my pride and joy. Anyways, after I totaled it, and due to money, I bought a 2000 Civic Si. I love the car and it is great. The only problem is I can't off road in it. I am getting the itch for the desert again (I spelunk, rock climb, offorad, etc.) Anyways, the only things I didn't like about the Ranger, was a too shallow bed (couldn't close the lid with a cooler back there) and not enough interior room to take people off-roading with me.

Well I am coming into my own money wise and am considering selling the Civic and getting a new Sport Trac. It looks like Ford has solved my problems and have come out with a great vehicle. However, Ground clearance is at a premium.

The reason i am asking you guys is that even though Ford says it is an "lengthened Explorer frame," it appears to be the Ranger S/C frame (same w/b) with the Explorer 8.8 with the springs under the axles, as opposed to the Ranger rear end. Does this mean it has the 31 spline axles? Also, are there any lift kits out now, or soon to be out? I would want to run a 32" minimum, but preferably run 33s. I am thinking a 4-5 1/2" kit would be about right. Whats the widest I can go on stock rims without rubbing at full articulation? I want aviod body lifts also.

Any other info you guys could provide me would be awesome. Thanks in advance.

--Sean

 

[NoBoundaries]

Let me be the first to welcome you to the best site on the net. I am sorry to hear about your Ranger. Dead Link Removed You can check out this link to see some of the specs on the Sport Trac: Dead Link Removed

As far as a lift, I believe that the Sport Trac utilizes the same suspension that is now used on the Ranger and Explorer. The Ranger has lift kits available and the Explorer is soon to have a couple out, so you will probably a 4 inch lift out for the Sport Trac at some later date. And in the worst case, you would probably be able to modify a lift to work on your truck. I hope I was able tp help you on this, and again, welcome to the site. Do not be afraid to ask any questions you may have!

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Tim Y.
1996 Explorer XLT
4.0L OHV 4x4

 

[Scott B.]

Sean,

In case you had any desire to fix your Ranger, all supercab Rangers through 1997 used the same frame. From the picture, it looks like a lot of your truck is fine - pick up a frame from a junkyard, unbolt and rebolt.

It is a lot of work - I know some people that have done it, though.

Just a though.


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Scott
1993 Ranger, Modified

sjbosso@mindspring.com

 

[RangerSean]

Its hard to tell in that picture, but the front part of the frame was ripped away. The picture is looking straight on with the driver's seat. Anyways, State Farm totaled it (I wouldn't want it back) and its long gone now.

--Sean

 

[Ray Lobato]

Sean,
We actually have the preliminary specs for the SportTrac maybe this will help out. Just click on the link.
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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC
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