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Old 06-18-2013, 11:41 PM   #1
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Default FF 189FBS and Ford Explorer Sport Trac

We will be taking delivery on Friday of a 2007 FF 189FBS. I'm pretty sure we won't have any towing issues but just to get a few others thoughts, the Sport Trac has a 4.0L V6. 205 HP, towing capacity 5000 lbs, hitch capacity 500lbs. The dealership where we bought the FF will be installing a anti-sway/leveling hitch for us. The truck also has a Reese electric braking system installed. So for those of you with more expertise in this area, do you foresee any issues? Most of our camping will be east of the Mississippi, so no Colorado mountain type trips. Tennessee and North Carolina? Maybe.
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Old 06-19-2013, 04:28 PM   #2
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Hi Dillinger,

Does your truck have a transmission cooler?

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Old 06-19-2013, 05:27 PM   #3
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Unless it is a standard factory option, no.

Also, I was going to add to my original post that camping will be just me and the wife, me 6'1 200 lbs, she 5'8 140lbs. Our son is in the Air force, so no hauling around a bunch of gear. Except for our Boston Terrier and she is a whopping 15 lbs.
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Old 06-19-2013, 06:00 PM   #4
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Hi again Dillinger,

Many vehicles have a small transmission cooler built into the radiator as standard equipment. I would guess that some type of towing package was available as an option on your vehicle. A towing package normally includes a bigger engine radiator and often a transmission cooler that mounts outside the radiator. You may or may not need the extra cooling but it is a good idea to have it. Traveling light will help, but the weight is only part of the issue. The drag caused by the big wide camper is also a big factor in heat build up in the motor and transmission.

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Old 06-19-2013, 06:29 PM   #5
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I just checked. No tranny cooler. The truck has a 4.0L Single Over Head Cam engine. It is a 2001 model, 109,000 miles (99,000 when I bought it) but has been serviced with all fluid changed per manual, all maintenance service as required and everything documented, and is in excellent condition. We are the second owners as of a year ago, but the first owner kept this in the garage. Basically the only reason he traded it was due to his wife no longer being able to get into the truck due to her age, so they bought a new mini van. This truck looks like it is about 2 years old, not 12.

Anyway, are you thinking I need to add a tranny cooler?
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Old 06-19-2013, 08:38 PM   #6
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Dillinger,

I think that I would add a transmission cooler if it doesn't have one.

It might be a good idea to have a Ford shop also give you an opinion.

Another pointer is not to pull the trailer in overdrive as this also can cause the transmission to heat.

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Old 06-20-2013, 06:49 AM   #7
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Will do. Also, on my truck it looks like my only option on the shifter is OD, then 3, then 2. So are you saying have the shifter lever in 3 and not the OD?
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Old 06-20-2013, 12:01 PM   #8
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Dillinger,

I think Sport Trac used a 5 speed automatic transmission in 2001. If so, Ford often used a push button on the end of the gearshift lever to control the overdrive. There may also be an icon on the instrument panel that indicates whether or not it is in overdrive.

Your description sounds more like a 4 speed automatic. If it is a 4 speed and if your vehicle does not have the push button, then you would run it in 3 instead of OD (4th). You can look at the tachometer to see what your engine speed is doing as you mover in and out of overdrive.


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Old 06-20-2013, 05:13 PM   #9
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M&M first let me say thanks for the help. Our Sport Trac does in fact have the O/D button switch so I'm good there. Also, we picked up our FFX today and the customer service man spent over three hours going over everything and answering all those nOOb questions. We also have a tranny cooler, the tech showed it to me. Yea!!!

During the test drive they noticed my Reese switch was not engaging the brakes. In two minutes they found the problem, a bad wire. They replaced it free so that was nice. We were so blessed that we are the 2nd owners of this FFX and it looks as if it came off the showroom floor. The service guy and co-owner of the dealership told us it was on older couple that bought it in 07, had it winterized religiously and then stored inside. They traded it for a larger TT and that is the only reason they did. They said there were zero issues and the dealer where we bought it went over this with a fine tooth comb. I mean it was spotless, and they even installed a brand new battery when the battery would hold up under load.

I don't know if we can name dealer names here, but if so I give 2 thumbs up for ours.
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