New guy: looking at an '03 tomorrow, seeking advice!

[cscmc1]

Good evening, ladies and gents -- I'm new here, and am going to look at an '03 Sport Trac with 150K on the clock tomorrow. I was hoping for some general advice. If what I have read so far is correct, the 01's are the trucks to avoid with their timing chain tensioner/guide issues; these were sorted (for the most part) by '03, no? I still plan to listen for chain rattle, and have been tols to look for valve cover leaks toward the back of the covers.

I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, and enjoy routine maintenance. That said, though, I really don't want to deal with things like timing chains and 2-3 transmission flare. How best to I check for these, and what else should I look at? I sure appreciate any and all advice you can offer; thanks in advance!

Oh, and also: on 2001's that have had timing chains replaced by Ford, were "upgraded" parts generally used (making the truck a more viable candidate), or is that an unsafe assumption without documentation? Thanks again!

 

[OffTrac]

I responded on the other site but I'll post it here, too as it may help someone in the future.

Also check the body mounts. That's an expensive job that is almost surely an issue. Not something I'd shy away from in a purchase but definitely a good negotiating tool. Done yourself, it's less than $200. Shop quotes have been anywhere from $600-1200.

I'd get as new a Sport Trac as you can find but I personally haven't had any of the problems attributed to the Job1. You'll still see the same problems in the newer ones despite all the claims; doesn't seem to have been much improvement although there are updated parts. My assumption is it has to do with maintenance. It's that or luck.

If you hear a rattle at all, don't buy it.

 

[cscmc1]

Thank you! I hadn't thought of body mounts -- I appreciate the advice. I will be leaving in a few hours and then have a couple of hours' drive to look at the truck (there really aren't many Sport Tracs in my area for sale -- at least not decent ones).

 

[01STrunner]

-Listen for any rattle (if you do hear any, make sure it's not just the belt tensioner as this is the rattle in my 01)
-Make sure the trans seems to shift ok
-Body mounts
-Check the PCV elbow near the top of the engine. These are known to crack so see if it has been replaced or not. Its a cheap $25 part though so no big deal. For pictures check out the P0171/P0174 thread.
-Look for leaks near the rear main seal, the oil pan gasket and trans pan gasket. Just making sure gaskets are still good
-Make sure it shifts in and out of 4x4. Need to be in Neutral for it to shift into low. These T-case shift motors are known to lock up if not used for years.
-Make sure all 4 doors open easily from both inside and outside. The interior handles sometimes break although not the most common problem.
-Other than that I think it's just obvious appearance of the paint, seats etc.

 

[cscmc1]

Thanks, STRunner. I appreciate the advice!

 

[just1me]

All good advice I would also check out the thermostat housing and make sure it's not leaking as well.

 

[OffTrac]

I forget all those good things to check since only the body mounts have been an issue for me.

Sent from my Galaxy S5 using Forum Runner

 

[cscmc1]

Thanks, friends -- I did go take a look. The good news was that the engine was quiet as could be, the body mounts looked surprisingly good, and the frame seemed very, very clean overall. The bad news was that there were several little things that required attention, and I just don't think I have time to sort them all out. The rear seat leather was ripped through in a couple of spots, the rear window would open but not close properly (VERY slow and kept stopping at about 1/3 closed), both front windows were VERY slow to roll down, odd braking (felt like ABS was kicking in at very low speeds, maybe?), etc... Just too much for me at this point. I like getting my hands dirty, but not with this many question marks.

I'll keep looking. Thanks again, though!

 

[cscmc1]

Oh, and I am still wondering about 2001 models that have had timing chain guides/tensioners replaced. If the upgraded parts were used, are there any reasons to avoid these trucks? Thanks!

 

[OffTrac]

If there's legit documentation that the upgraded parts were installed, I see no reason to avoid an '01. The only thing I really wish I had that wasn't available on the '01 was rear disc brakes.

 

[Kjhadfield]

-Listen for any rattle (if you do hear any, make sure it's not just the belt tensioner as this is the rattle in my 01)
-Make sure the trans seems to shift ok
-Body mounts
-Check the PCV elbow near the top of the engine. These are known to crack so see if it has been replaced or not. Its a cheap $25 part though so no big deal. For pictures check out the P0171/P0174 thread.
-Look for leaks near the rear main seal, the oil pan gasket and trans pan gasket. Just making sure gaskets are still good
-Make sure it shifts in and out of 4x4. Need to be in Neutral for it to shift into low. These T-case shift motors are known to lock up if not used for years.
-Make sure all 4 doors open easily from both inside and outside. The interior handles sometimes break although not the most common problem.
-Other than that I think it's just obvious appearance of the paint, seats etc.

I thought the belt tensioner was more of a squeal/squeak? At least that is what I remembered or thought I remembered mine sounded like. That was the 1st thing I actually did myself versus taking in to a shop…haven't been to 1 since.

In her current condition, mine wouldn't pass this test…unfortunately

 

[swshawaii]

I thought the belt tensioner was more of a squeal/squeak? At least that is what I remembered or thought I remembered mine sounded like. That was the 1st thing I actually did myself versus taking in to a shop…haven't been to 1 since.

In her current condition, mine wouldn't pass this test…unfortunately

I believe they're referring to timing chain tensioners. A LOT more involved and serious than a serpentine belt tensioner.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278100

 

[01STrunner]

Nope I'm talking about my belt tensioner. It's a little worn out so it bounces. My tensioner pulley also used to squeal until I replaced it just like yours had KJ. Just don't want anyone to hear a rattle and immediately think its the timing chain tensioners

 

[fullmoonrising]

I have a 2003 Sport Trac XLT 4X4, I bought it at around 55000mi. and it currently has 156000mi. on it. I have never had a major problem as I have kept up on routine maintenance the engine is solid and transmission is strong. I am right now waiting on the arrival of a 4" superlift and some other cosmetic repairs that need to be done. The thermostat housing was a pain in the a$$ do to the fact that it is a tight spot and there is an upper and lower housing- So I'd definitely inspect that. Suspension might be flat also and depending on price of what they are asking for and your goals and price. It wouldn't be a bad deal-- but I'd definitely pay attention to routine maintenance from past owners. I've always used synthetic oil (engine, front/rear diff, transfer case and trans change when warranted and that means pulling the cover and changing the filter.

 

[cscmc1]

Thanks, gents (and ladies? Don't want to be sexist!)-- I am going to look at another truck today. The first few were either beaters (most of them), already sold (these go QUICK if they're nice!), or overpriced.

I really do appreciate the advice, and have been using your recommendations when I look. It's been very helpful.