Help me decide...XLT, Limited, or Adrenalin?

[WildBillMI]

Hello to all.

I'm a new member here but have been reading thru alot of the threads in the forums regarding Sport Tracs.

First off, let me say I am a Ford guy at heart. I have a '67 Mustang 289 Coupe, and a '95 F-150 Flareside as projects. I come from a Mustang background having owned and modded several over the past 15 years.

Ok so I have decided I want a Gen II Sport Trac. I'm looking for the 4.6L V8 since it reminds me of my Mustangs of past.

I'm torn on what to get...I like the looks of the Adrenalin, the side vents, dual tip exhaust, fogs, bumpers, grille, lack of roof rack, rims, etc. However I would rather have 4WD over AWD for the ability to turn it off / lock it in when necessary (realizing it's still on demand and not really 2WD only normally).

I realize when it comes to the Sport Trac, the 4.6L is the same across the board...so it's not like the Adrenalin gets you anything other than looks (and AWD).

I can't find real data from Ford but it looks like the XLT was available with the 4.6L?...I kind of like the Black with the Black trim on the XLT...take off the roof rack and you can make it look close to a Limited...I also like black rims which lends to the XLT look. Black on Black on Black.

I like some of the options on the '08- Limited, Ford Sync, Stiffer frame...yada.

I wanted to get opinions on what you guys think...I don't know what to do....I wish they offered the Adrenalin with a 4WD version...that and of course as everyone else does, more power...that would make it a no-brainer.

I'm not going to be getting one for a couple months so I have time to prepare and keep my eyes peeled for what I decide on. I think I'm looking at an '08 from a option / price standpoint....which model with a V8 is the tough one.

TIA for everyone's input!

 

[psycareyo]

If you can actually find an adrenalin when you're ready to buy...get it. They are exceptionally rare. They are not significantly more money, a couple grand. They hold their value better than all other trim levels.

The AWD is, in my experience with two AWD adrenalins, a WRX, an STI, and a Silverado SS, is a far better performer unless the only thing you want is straight line performance. Then it would be a bit wasteful. Even then, you don't really lose that much 1/4 time with them. They launch very well.

The biggest grip I have , with all gen 2 v8 sport tracs, is the electronic throttle body delay. The throttle response is piss poor. The 6R tran makes it even worse with sloppy shifting and lack of downshifts at WOT.

 

[psycareyo]

I would also buy an 09 or newer. Better handling, better tcm, ECM, sway bars etc.

 

[WildBillMI]

psycareyo - Thanks for the input and advice, that's what I was looking for. So 09 or 10 then it is.

I guess I was trying to decide if the 4WD was better than the AWD version. Performance wise I would like the ability to run in 2WD w/ trac off but I realize the benefit of year round driveability (I'm in MI).

I definitely like the looks of the Adrenalin styling over the roof racked xlt and limited.

Anything else option wise I should be looking for? I'd like a moon roof and the sync system...but I thought of aftermarket stereo / amp / sub upgrade as well.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[psycareyo]

If you change out the factory head unit you will not have SYNC anymore. All mid to late build 2008 Adrenalins have SYNC. They are all Limited and SYNC is standard on Limited trim.

It's not easy building an awesome audio system in a Sport Trac. I did it but it would have been much better if I had more room. Check my link and you can see all the stuff I did to my 08 STA.

 

[WildBillMI]

Sounds like I'm leaning towards a 2010 Adrenalin due to it being the best of refinements / improvements over the 3 model years?

I do want SYNC, to at least try it out...I wonder if the stock will keep me happy enough or if it can be improved upon if needed?

Any ideas on production #'s for Adrenalins over it's life?

 

[psycareyo]

The audiophile system is pretty good but it doesn't hold a candle to my last setup.