Instrument cluster durability on rough roads

[nevadabob9mm]

I'm not talking about "Rubicon rough" but rather washboard dirt roads. My main hobby is target shooting out in the Nevada desert on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) federal property. I'll be picking up a new-to-me 2005 Sport Trac today. Carfax shows the instrument cluster was "repaired/replaced" a couple of years ago. I perceive the Sport Trac to be a "city boy/gentleman's" 4X4 and not really a rough and tumble hillbilly machine. Should I take it easy when I'm heading to the outback?

 

[swshawaii]

MANY here beg to differ. Start with good AT tires and non OEM shocks. Search, many multi purpose Sport Tracs here.

Off road sport trac?

I am interested in your opinions and experiences. Almost every review i read of the Sport trac rates in real low on off road and 4x4 ability. Some say it is sub par. Some have it listed at the very bottom on there list of off road ability. I even read one that said it doesnt have the ability to...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[Mbrooks420]

The instrument cluster is going to be the least of your worries.

 

[swshawaii]

2004-05 Sport Tracs with digital odometers have known instrument cluster issues.
Has nothing to do with off roading.

2004 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Instrument Cluster Repair

Is your Explorer Sport Trac instrument cluster having problems with intermittent power or the odometer display? We repair your unit in 1 business day!

circuitboardmedics.com

 

[spetersen]

The Sport Trac has a nice solid frame, and as far as I can see only ground clearance is your limitation, in 4L this thing can climb hills pretty good.
Auto of Manual?

 

[nevadabob9mm]

Automatic... I just brought it home.

 

[spetersen]

I bought mine a month ago, and have been fixing all of the irritating small broken items since, I have $100 invested in all of the broken small parts installed or bought to date.
2 door lock actuators
Brake pressure switch for cruise control
spare key and remote start control
Gas gauge servo motor
Valve cover gasket set
ball hitch mount(missing from the forever stuck in the receiver hitch)
Cruise control buttons and harness

 

[Mbrooks420]

My biggest concern would be the auto trans. I’d do a pan drop, filter change, and add a drain plug. I’d also add a huge cooler.

 

[swshawaii]

Add inspection of plastic timing chain guides if over 100,000 miles, especially if rattling.

For longevity the 4.0L SOHC and 5R55E transmission require CLEAN 5W-30 and Mercon V. If not, it's just a matter of time or mileage.

 

[Turdle]

Cluster repair was most likely light bulb replacement.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

these clusters are very durable, at least on my 2g which is close iirc. though my speedo stops working when hot LOL but thats not from offroading its from the heat here. these trucks are very durable, as long as theyre maintained theyre very "rough and tumble!" its no solid axle 70s f series, but compared to all the new stuff it would give them all a good run for their money with TT shackle and 31s. as with anything, having a good LS or lunchbox locker, ATs, and tt shackles makes them highly competitive. want more? tt shackle BL then 33s

 

[nevadabob9mm]

The comments are reassuring, thanks to all for your comments.