Sport Trac Trans. tough enough for plow? | Ford Explorer Forums

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Sport Trac Trans. tough enough for plow?

Joined
October 18, 2010
Messages
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City, State
Lombard, IL
Year, Model & Trim Level
2001 Sport Trac
(Posted this in the Transmissions Forum, then saw Sport Trac Forum....)

I am planning to put a lightweight Sno-Way plow on my 2001 Sport Trac to do one parking lot this winter... After extensive research I have convinced myself the Sport Trac can handle this job.... My only remaining hang up is regarding the transmission.. I'm not sure which model of trans Ford put in the Sport Trac's, or if they are tough enough to plow for 2 hrs each time it snows in Chicago...
Any advice?
 



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I would think it probably be best to run it in 4LOW when plowing.

Those that actually plow with it would be able to give a better suggestion.
 






You should have the 5R55E transmission.

I recommend you install a transmission temperature gauge so that you will know when you are abusing it and can give it a break. Heat kills automatic transmissions.
 






I was thinking about installing the Trans temp gauge....
Could you suggest a decent brand?
Any tips for installing one?
Also, what is the acceptable range of operating temperature? How high should it go before I let it cool off?

Thanks.
 






Here's a transmission temperature gauge install thread...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176798

In one truck I have a cheap gauge I got from one of the chain auto retail stores. The other truck has the more expensive Autometer gauge. They both work fine. I think the Autometer might be smaller and looks better.

But other forum members have said that the Scangauge II product can give you the transmission temperature from connecting this product to the ODB II connector.
http://www.scangauge.com/products/
 






Can I assume that as long as I keep the trans. temp. within a safe range;(and of course that I am not beating on it while plowing) that the Trans will hold up to the work?

Is there anything else I need to be cognisant of?

Thanks for the great advice.
 






You should be fine if you're just doing one lot. But as mentioned a trans temp gauge would keep you informed on its condition.

My dad has had this plow on a 91 and this 96
The 96 has been fine, the 91 did require a transmission replacement one winter.

No need to plow in 4Low, it would take you forever.

Dad's does not have downforce, (its about 20 yrs old) but I think most of the newer ones do, that would be a good feature for a clean surface.
Power angle is a must

IMG_4530.jpg


IMG_4529.jpg


plow1.jpg


plow2.jpg
 






For the past 5 years, I was plowing with a 1991 Explorer 2 door with Fisher 6'6" MM2... It was great. That beast finally died 350K miles in! (Tranny quit & opened up on the roadway and spilled the most rank fluids I ever smelled... but thats another story....)

I have researched the plow I want extensively.... Having plowed for over 10 years and used a dozen or so commercial and personal setups... I am buying the SnoWay 22 series (330 LBS all in) with down pressure...

My question is this: For those who plow, or anyone else.. Should I plow in 4-lo or 4-hi ?

I was off-roading last weekend and I threw it in 4-Lo and I really liked the much stronger feel of 4-Lo...

What would be any disadvantage of plowing in 4x4 Hi? Can it handle the stress?
 






For the past 5 years, I was plowing with a 1991 Explorer 2 door with Fisher 6'6" MM2... It was great. That beast finally died 350K miles in! (Tranny quit & opened up on the roadway and spilled the most rank fluids I ever smelled... but thats another story....)

I have researched the plow I want extensively.... Having plowed for over 10 years and used a dozen or so commercial and personal setups... I am buying the SnoWay 22 series (330 LBS all in) with down pressure...

My question is this: For those who plow, or anyone else.. Should I plow in 4-lo or 4-hi ?

I was off-roading last weekend and I threw it in 4-Lo and I really liked the much stronger feel of 4-Lo...

What would be any disadvantage of plowing in 4x4 Hi? Can it handle the stress?

The benefit of 4low is a major gear reduction. Because of that trans temps will remain much lower - that's good for your transmission.
The down fall is the speed, you're manual will have details on what the max speed in 4low is.
 






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