Sporttrac?

[Bennybooster]

How do you guys feel about the sporttrac as a dd, camping vehicle, pulling a trailer no more than 5000lbs? Do you recommend the v6 or v8 for this application? How is the mileage for each? Are they comfortable and reliable? How is the auto tranny? Is there a manual? I heard the 2007+ is a better vehicle all around, is this true?

I am asking this for my parents who are thinking of getting a new vehicle and they want to change to a one car family because my dad already has his work truck.

So any insight into these vehicles or any suggestions if you can think of a better alternative.

Thanks, Ben.

 

[4.0B2]

i like everything i've dealt w/ them... which is some; but not a lot
i recommend the one with the real 8.8 rear axle tho.. lol not the IRS!!

 

[adsm08]

I wouldn't want the 07+ for towing because it has the IRS. Catch 22 is that I think 07 might be the first year of the V8.

A 4.0 should be able to handle 5000 lbs, but it might not be as fun as with a 4.6. Def need a receiver for a load that big though.

The did come with manual trans, but it was a fleet-sales only thing, and they are very rare, mostly 2wd. The auto isn't terrible though.

If you have the gumption your best bet would be to buy a 1st gen ST and but a V8 ST that is wrecked. Then swap engine, trans, etc into the 1st gen with the solid rear.

 

[RangerBoy94]

Slap the body on a ranger frame!!!

 

[exbass94]

Slap the body on a ranger frame!!!

And the point of this would be....

There's nothing wrong with IRS. I'd probably prefer it over the solid axle.

 

[4.0B2]

the 4.0 will be fine w/ the right gears. auto- is fine once again- w/ the right gears

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

How do you guys feel about the sporttrac as a dd, camping vehicle, pulling a trailer no more than 5000lbs? Do you recommend the v6 or v8 for this application? How is the mileage for each? Are they comfortable and reliable? How is the auto tranny? Is there a manual? I heard the 2007+ is a better vehicle all around, is this true?

I am asking this for my parents who are thinking of getting a new vehicle and they want to change to a one car family because my dad already has his work truck.

So any insight into these vehicles or any suggestions if you can think of a better alternative.

Thanks, Ben.

We loved our 05 when we had it! It was the 4.0L SOHC with the 5r55E and 4.10 gears. Comfortable, decent power, decent gas mileage and it did everything we ever needed it to do. I would not hesitate to buy another one. The 07+ are nice because of the 4.6L v8 option and bigger trans. I would not be worried about the IRS rear end in it, I've never had to do any work to one other than change the odd axle seal. And yes, they will pull 5000lbs with a weight distributing hitch.

We pulled our 24 foot 4800lbs dry weight travel trailer with it for a year and half, never had any issues other than don't expect to win any races.

 

[Bennybooster]

keep the info coming guys, it's really helping. And this is not going to be a project vehicle, it will be bought stock and stay stock

 

[4.0B2]

it will be bought stock and stay stock

well i just lost all interest in this thread...

 

[Twister]

We borrowed one from a dealership for a week for testing it out. It had the 4L. From what we could tell it was a good car, it drove nice, was comfortable on the inside and the 4x4 worked well.

 

[camodown]

It has crossed my mind many times to get one & swap my RCD into it so I could have 4 doors, still could happen if I found the right deal I guess

 

[Destroyer000]

my ole man just picked up a 01 st loves it.. very comfortable all leather all power options and has towing package with 4.10s great power and gets 24 with it on the hwy and about 19-20 around town.. i just put leather st seats and a console in my ranger.. id say it would be perfect for what they what it for.