Maintaining your 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with the 4.6L 8-cylinder engine requires precise attention to fluid specifications and filtration standards. Proper lubrication is critical for managing the high operating temperatures and mechanical stress inherent to this rugged SUV platform. Using high-quality synthetic fluids ensures that critical components like the engine, transmission, and differentials receive the protection they need to withstand both daily commuting and demanding off-road use. This guide details the exact AMSOIL products and capacities required to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers unsurpassed protection and extends change intervals up to 25,000 miles for maximum performance.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers extended-life protection for up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A trusted alternative that outperforms conventional oils and meets original equipment milestones.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and oil consumption.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns with extended service life and high contaminant capacity.
- WIX XP Oil Filter – Premium media offering significant improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – Reliable OEM-style filtration with premium media for consistent engine protection.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation designed for protection up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – Concentrated coolant offering superior corrosion and erosion protection for heavy-duty and passenger applications.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Promotes smooth shifts and guards against leaks with excellent cold-weather performance.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Engineered to withstand severe driving conditions while optimizing fuel economy.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and promotes smooth operation for fuel efficiency.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for front differential applications with GL-5 requirements, controlling thermal runaway and rust.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection against wear for a wide range of differential applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Offers robust protection for demanding axle loads and operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The recommended synthetic lubricant for rear differentials requiring 75W-140 viscosity.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity across temperature ranges.
Engine Oil and Filtration Specifications
The heart of your 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is the 4.6L V8 engine, a robust powerplant that benefits significantly from the superior flow characteristics of synthetic motor oils. For this specific engine, AMSOIL recommends 5W-20 viscosity for all temperature ranges. The total capacity for an oil change, including the filter replacement, is 6.0 quarts. After refilling, it is essential to check the oil level to ensure accuracy. The drain plug torque specification is 19 ft/lbs.
Selecting the right oil grade is crucial for maintaining engine longevity and performance. The Signature Series 5W-20 offers the highest level of protection, with industry-tested claims of 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards. This oil is guaranteed for up to 25,000 miles or one year. For owners seeking a balance of performance and extended intervals, the Extended-Life 5W-20 provides up to 20,000 miles of protection and features enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother.
If your vehicle has accumulated significant mileage, the AMSOIL 5W-20 High-Mileage Motor Oil is the optimal choice. Designed specifically for engines over 75,000 miles, this formulation includes boosted detergents and dispersants that help reduce sludge by 67%. It is also guaranteed to protect for 12,000 miles or one year.
Filtration is equally important to the longevity of the engine. The recommended AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO11) offers 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns. This level of filtration allows for lower restriction, keeping engine parts lubricated effectively, and provides greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants than many competing filters. For those who prefer a name-brand alternative, the WIX XP Oil Filter (51372XP) offers premium media that improves upon original equipment standards, while the standard WIX Oil Filter (51372) provides reliable OEM-quality filtration.
Transmission and Differential Fluids
The 2007 Explorer Sport Trac is equipped with automatic transmissions that require precise fluid specifications to ensure smooth shifting and durability. The vehicle utilizes two primary transmission models: the 5R55S (5-speed) and the 6R60 (6-speed). For the 5-speed 5R55S transmission, the total fill capacity is 12.4 quarts, while the initial fill requires 5 quarts. The 6-speed 6R60 transmission has a total fill capacity of 11.1 quarts.
AMSOIL synthetic transmission fluids are engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain typical of Sport Trac usage. The Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF provides reserve protection during heavy use and remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures. For owners prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Signature Series Fuel-Efficient ATF offers similar robust protection with added benefits for economy.
The OE Multi-Vehicle ATF is another excellent option, known for resisting harmful sludge and promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts. It guards against leaks and offers excellent cold-weather performance. Similarly, the OE Fuel-Efficient ATF provides reliable protection against wear while promoting smooth operation.
Proper lubrication of the differential and transfer case is vital for the drivetrain’s health. The transfer case requires 3 pints of fluid. For the front differential, which requires GL-5 lubrication at 80W-90, the capacity is 2.7 pints. The recommended lubricant for this application is AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 80W-90, which contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and helps reduce operating temperatures. The rear differential requires a 75W-140 synthetic oil, with a capacity of 3.6 pints. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 is the specific product designated for this requirement, ensuring advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway.
Coolant and Brake Fluid Maintenance
Coolant plays a dual role in your engine, regulating temperature and preventing corrosion. The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac’s cooling system has a capacity of 13.9 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. This unique poly-organic acid formulation exceeds original equipment manufacturer requirements and is guaranteed for 150,000 miles or 5 years. For those who prefer a concentrated option, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers protection up to 150,000 miles and greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion. It is phosphate-, nitrate-, and silicate-free, making it compatible with all other antifreeze colors.
Brake fluid integrity is paramount for safety. The vehicle recommends DOT 3 and DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid. AMSOIL’s DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range ensures consistent braking performance in both hot and cold conditions, a critical factor for a vehicle that may see heavy loads.
Additional Maintenance and Fluid Additives
Beyond the primary lubrication points, maintaining the fuel system and cleaning the engine bay contributes to overall vehicle health. The AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive is highly effective for this vehicle, restoring up to 14% horsepower and cleaning GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after a single tank. It helps prevent carbon buildup and controls pre-ignition knock, which is beneficial for maximizing the efficiency of the 4.6L engine.
For owners storing their vehicles during off-seasons, AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, fighting ethanol corrosion. The Engine Fogging Oil is ideal for protecting internal engine components during long periods of inactivity. Additionally, the AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor provides continuous lubrication to the fuel system and upper cylinders.
Cleaning and protection products like the AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Degreaser can remove the toughest grease and grime from engine surfaces. The AMSOIL Engine Degreaser offers a professional-strength formula for easy application. For exterior and interior maintenance, the AMSOIL Exterior Ceramic Spray sheds water rapidly and protects against UV rays, while the Interior Detailer – Light Lemon and Interior Detailer – Scent Free offer multi-surface use with 90-day UV protection and odor elimination.
About the Vehicle
The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a unique offering in the SUV market, blending the utility of a mid-size pickup truck with the comfort of a traditional SUV. Based on the Ford Explorer platform, the Sport Trac was designed for owners who needed to haul cargo or tow trailers but wanted the ride quality and interior amenities of a passenger vehicle. It was a significant departure from the body-on-frame ruggedness of the full-size F-150, offering a more car-like driving experience with better on-road handling and fuel economy.
Under the hood, the 4.6L V8 engine was a workhorse known for its durability and smooth power delivery. This pushrod V8 was a staple of Ford’s lineup for decades, providing adequate torque for towing and sufficient horsepower for highway merging. The engine’s relatively simple design made it a popular choice for owners who valued reliability over high-revving performance. The 4.6L was available in the 2-valve and 3-valve configurations, though the 2007 model year typically featured the robust 2-valve setup in the Sport Trac, known for its longevity and ease of maintenance.
The Sport Trac’s cabin was designed with versatility in mind. It featured a removable rear seat, allowing owners to carry long loads while still having a place to sit passengers. The interior was equipped with the comfort features expected of a Ford SUV of that era, including cloth or leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a robust audio system. The vehicle’s suspension was tuned to balance comfort with the ability to handle light off-road trails or muddy jobsite commutes.
Despite its versatility, the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac does have some common issues that owners should be aware of. One prevalent problem involves the cooling system, where radiator leaks or thermostat housing failures can occur due to age and heat cycling. Another issue often found in these models is the failure of the power steering pressure hose, which can lead to fluid leaks and whining noises from the power steering pump. Additionally, the 5R55S automatic transmission is known to develop shifting delays or harsh shifts if the fluid degrades, making regular fluid changes critical. Finally, the fuel tank sending unit and pump assembly can fail over time, leading to inaccurate fuel readings or stalling issues. Using high-quality AMSOIL fluids and filters can mitigate many of these mechanical stresses, extending the life of these components and ensuring the vehicle remains reliable for years to come. By addressing these potential weak points with superior lubrication, owners can enjoy the full potential of this unique and capable vehicle.