Wheels and Tires

Jons · Oct 28, 2021

I have been thinking about an ST for some time now and it has a lot of strengths. One concern I have is about how 'rugged' this will be, especially with respect to tires and wheels. I had a GT350 and kind of expected to have to be very careful about the tires and rims

The ST would be my daily driver and I live in the southwest and some of the roads are unpaved. I don't expect to do anything in terms of serious off-roading but would want something that is at least as strong as an Outback on fire roads etc. Because of the larger brakes, the rim size is fixed from the factory and I don't want to mix and match to much. I even considered a Timberline but you can not order it with the 3.0 twin turbo. It also looks like not very much has been done to improve its off-road ability.

So..... with stock tires (which are all season) on the ST, what do people think about bumpy gravel roads with a few rocks? This will be less than 1% of my driving. The ST is very well suited for the trips I have in mind and every day use. Thoughts?

UNBROKEN · Oct 28, 2021

The wheel size is far from fixed…you can go as small as an 18 and I’ve seen as large as a 26.

TMac · Oct 28, 2021

It's certainly as capable (and much faster) than an outback! (former outback and baja owner).

Jons · Oct 28, 2021

TMac said:

Thanks very much. What I meant was as capable off-road. I had a 2019 outback XT. I did not like how it handled on the highway very much. I would guess that the ST would be more stable. We have lots of winds around here and the Outback used to get blown all over the highway. I hope an ST would be somewhat more stable.

Jons · Oct 28, 2021

UNBROKEN said:

Thanks, I am sure there are lots of things to be done. What I am hoping to find out is how well a stock ST does with bad roads.

I bet people that live in the northeast and midwest that have potholes have a lot to say

TMac · Oct 28, 2021

I'm talking about off-road and on-road. No comparison...not that the outbacks aren't nice vehicles, but the ST is better in every single way. As far a high winds, I'm not sure any vehicle would claim that high mph crosswinds aren't a problem.

Jons · Oct 28, 2021

TMac said:

Thanks,

While more expensive, the MB GLE and GLCs I have had do not have the problem the outback had. A current 2016 Audio Q5 is also far more stable than the Outback was. I think in all cases, they may have systems to assist with this problem (I know the MB claims to). There is a 40 + mile stretch between where I live and a major city so I use it quite a lot. They even have warning signs on the stretch in some places. This was a primary factor in getting rid of the Outback.

sadeen · Oct 28, 2021

This may of interest to you - Ford Explorer ST durability test #1 - YouTube

Jons · Oct 28, 2021

sadeen said:

I watched as much as I could. Not a real test (though the ST did better than I thought it would). It think the video was more about abuse of the vehicle than actual testing.

Chrisicle · Oct 28, 2021

I live in Detroit and have had my ST for about 7 months and I'm going to say its OKAY at best. Since its a stiffer suspension with larger rims in a pot hole infested city with horrible roads its not the most quiet ride. the vehicle squeaks and rattles more than the 2013 Explorer XLT I had prior to this. I've driven it on dirt/gravel roads and honestly in comparison to trucks and SUV's I've previously owned id rate it as fair. It has the power and the traction yes. But its a pavement princess in my opinion. If you don't mind that it'll raddle more than a vehicle with softer suspension then I would say its an amazing vehicle and I love it.

Jons · Oct 28, 2021

Chrisicle said:

Thanks very much. This is helpful. As it turns out, the paved roads here are quite good. I moved from the northeast and know what you are talking about. For the most part the stiffer suspension for 99% of the driving I do should be a plus. It is on the dirt roads that the rattle and squeaks should show up. Of course the MBs I mentioned did not rattle of dirt roads, but they were far more expensive. It is still a concern for a car that will approach 60K.

Just goes to show there are no free lunches, we get better handling at the expense of stiffness. I think the MagneRide suspension in a lot of cars is a good way to go. But that adds $$$. Air ride suspensions can also help with this too. I guess I will have to think more.

F=MA · Oct 28, 2021

Build your own ST or get the Timberline option for the Explorer.

https://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/models/explorer-timberline/

Chrisicle · Oct 28, 2021

Jons said:

If the roads are good where you live then I'd say its a great vehicle. when I get outside of Detroit to smaller towns where roads are considerably better I hear a lot less rattling. I am in probably one of the worst areas in the U.S which can make driving the vehicle a little frustrating. but turning on the music always helps. I'm going to go the extra mile and invest in some sound dampening for the vehicle. But if you not 100% on the vehicle definitely think it through. as you said its nearly a 60K SUV

Jons · Oct 28, 2021

Thanks. - I have a very low tolerance for rattles and squeaks. I will rethink

TMac · Oct 28, 2021

I've had my 2020 for over 18 months. No rattles, no squeaks. YMMV. Not the most plush leather or greatest interior, but everything else is top notch. Go drive one, don't post on the internet for random input.

Chrisicle · Oct 29, 2021

TMac said:

The 2020 interior was subpar, the 2021+ I think has a nicer interior, they made such simple changes that made a huge difference in my opinion.

bigcat1185 · Oct 29, 2021

Chrisicle said:

What changes were made for the 2021?

Chrisicle · Oct 30, 2021

bigcat1185 said:

they replaced a lot of that matte plastic with a gloss plastic. They did it on the doors, radio, and center counsel. I think it went a long way and really tied the interior together.

hbalek · Oct 30, 2021

They also changed the hard plastic on the front seat backs to stitched vinyl. Unfortunately they removed the lights in the glove, armrest and center console compartments. Also, discontinued the front camera washer and windshield wiper defrosters.

Medotechinc · Oct 31, 2021

Jons said:

I have been thinking about an ST for some time now and it has a lot of strengths. One concern I have is about how 'rugged' this will be, especially with respect to tires and wheels. I had a GT350 and kind of expected to have to be very careful about the tires and rims

The ST would be my daily driver and I live in the southwest and some of the roads are unpaved. I don't expect to do anything in terms of serious off-roading but would want something that is at least as strong as an Outback on fire roads etc. Because of the larger brakes, the rim size is fixed from the factory and I don't want to mix and match to much. I even considered a Timberline but you can not order it with the 3.0 twin turbo. It also looks like not very much has been done to improve its off-road ability.

So..... with stock tires (which are all season) on the ST, what do people think about bumpy gravel roads with a few rocks? This will be less than 1% of my driving. The ST is very well suited for the trips I have in mind and every day use. Thoughts?

Do not get this car. Read all the forums. This car is nothing but a headache.

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