How-To Videos

Burnouts are fun! Except when wheel hop happens, then burnouts are a shaky mess. Fortunately, there's a fix!

Parts: (American Muscle)

Adj. Control Arms: https://www.americanmuscle.com/jm-adjustable-lower-control-arms-blk-0514.html

Upper Control Arm: https://www.americanmuscle.com/cnl-mustang-non-adjustable-rear-upper-control-arm-blue-410885.html

Differential Bushing: https://www.americanmuscle.com/bmr-rear-diff-bushing-red-0514.html

Music: (Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"El Secreto" by Yung Logos

"Warzone" by Anno Domini Beats

On a long road trip, shocks and struts can be the difference between happy passengers and an angry mob. Don't let the mob happen - replace those parts!

The work is performed on a 2007 Ford Mustang GT. The processes shown here can be applied to similar vehicles.

Parts Links: (Amazon Associates)

Shock Strut Kit: https://amzn.to/3MeQWm0

(American Muscle)

Shock Strut Kit: https://www.americanmuscle.com/sr-performance-shock-strut-kit-0515gtv6.html

Music: (Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Exhale" by Jeremy Blake

Hood props suck. Hood struts rock. The fact that some Mustangs did not come from the factory with struts installed is saddening. Fortunately, the aftermarket is there to make us happy again!

Parts List: (American Muscle)

Hood Strut Kit: https://www.americanmuscle.com/ford-performance-hood-strut-kit-w-ford-performance-logo-0514.html

Music: (Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Cover" by Patrick Patrikios

For a minute there, I thought I was in a Jeep! Fortunately, it was a simple fix!

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"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Tempos Vari" by Freedom Trail Studio

If you ever wanted to make your jumper cables a bit more complicated, this is the video for you!

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(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Forever" by Anno Domini Beats

What else is there to do when you can't check the transmission fluid level? Drain out all of the fluid of course!

There is no such thing as a "lifetime" fluid! Don't let the dealerships fool you! A transmission service is an important part of maintaining a vehicle. This video goes through the process of replacing the fluid and filter on a 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Road Trip" by Slynk

"Aioli" by Andrew Langdon

What else is there to do when your CEL comes on? Put some tape over it of course!

Check Engine Lights are there to protect the engine. Putting a piece of tape over it does not sole the issue. Some fixes are easy, like the one shown in the video.

The work is performed on a 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion. The processes shown here can be used on similar vehicles.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Lonely Troutman II" by William Rosati

What else is there to do when you keep botching shifts? Install a short throw shifter of course!

The math is simple: less travel means less time between shifts means more time applying power means quicker times at the track!

The work is performed on a 2007 Ford Mustang GT/CS. The process shown here would apply to similar vehicles.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Call the Shots" by Slynk

What else is there to do when your air shocks leaked? Replace them with coil bags of course!

The Air Lift Drag Bags are designed to help even out a twisty start off the line. They also have the added benefit of reducing the squat when you have a bunch of junk to move around! Rocky Mountain Race Week, here I come!

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Aioli" by Andrew Langdon

What else is there to do when you need more style points? Install a window louver of course!

The work is performed on a 2007 Ford Mustang GT/CS. The processes shown here can be used for similar applications.

Photo Credits:

https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/1971-lamborghini-miura-sv-feature

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1969-ford-mustang-mach-1-4

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Muriel" by Bobby Richards

What else is there to do when you your seal doesn't want to seal? Put in a replacement of course!

Differential pinion seals are bound to leak. It's what they do. Replacing them can be done at home, with the right tools and know-how.

The work is performed on a 2007 Ford Mustang GT. The processes shown here can be used on all Ford 8.8 differentials and similar differentials.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Shawl Paul" by Norma Rockwell

What else is there to do when you need to lift more weight? Start weight lifting of course!

Rocky Mountain Race Week requires extra gear. Extra gear means extra weight. extra weight means spring squat. Spring squat means riding on the bump stops. No Bueno.

This video is Part 1 of 2 in my quest to add some lifting power to the Mustang for Rocky Mountain Race Week.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Stellar Wind" by Unicorn Heads

What else is there to do when your windshield picks a fight with a rock? Repair all the damage, of course!

Chips, anyone? While driving a vehicle, it is unavoidable to get a rock chip at some point. Depending on the size, the whole windshield may need to be replaced! Fortunately, the smaller chips and dings can be repaired, even at home by yourself! The techniques shown here can be applied to any vehicle with any windshield.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Barrel Full of Sea Monkeys" by The Whole Other

What else is there to do when your gaskets start seeping? Replace them of course!

An engine leaking oil is never a good thing. Especially on a drag strip. To keep things smooth sailing for Rocky Mountain Race Week, the Mustang valve cover gaskets needed to be replaced.

The work is performed on a 2007 Ford Mustang GT 4.6L engine. The processes shown here will apply to similar vehicles and setups.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Grant & Green" by "Josh Lippi & The Overtimers

What else is there to do when lights become annoying? Turn them off of course!

The Mustang Perimeter Lighting feature is neat, but I find it more annoying than helpful. This video goes over how to enable/disable that feature.

The work is performed on a 2007 Ford Mustang GT. The steps shown here may work for other similar vehicles. Check your owner's manual for verification.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Lilac Skies" by Corbyn Kites

What else is there to do when you really want to connect your iPod to your stereo? Install the special adapter of course!

Device integration into modern vehicles has arguably improved the safety of driving. There are even options to upgrade older vehicles to have similar features! That's what this vehicle aims to show.

The work is performed on a 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion. The processes shown here will work for all similar vehicles.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Lifelong" by Anno Domini Beats

What else is there to do when your fan gets cracked and worn? Upgrade to a new electric one of course!

This project was not needed whatsoever. I just wanted to try it to see what happens!

All the parts used can be found on Amazon.

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4. The processes shown here can be applied to similar vehicles or modified to your liking.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Airborne" by Quincas Moreira

What else is there to do when your knob is cracking? Freshen things up of course!

After nearly 15 years of use, the shift knob in the Mustang has become worn and cracked. It makes daily use uncomfortable. Time to change things.

I found a new, better looking shift knob on amazon for less than $10, a win-win in my book.

The work is performed on a 2007 Ford Mustang GT. The processes shown here can be applied to similar vehicles.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Drop" by Anno Domini Beats

"Overdrive" by Corbyn Kites

What else is there to do when your brake fluid is black as night? Replace it with fresh fluid of course!

Brake pads and rotors stop a vehicle in motion. Brake fluid allows that to happen. Brake fluid condition is commonly overlooked on vehicles. Dirty brake fluid can reduce braking performance, and could lead to brake fade and failure. Replacing the brake fluid regularly should be right up there with all the other fluid services.

The work is performed on a 2002 Volkswagen Passat Wagon GLX 4Motion. The processes shown here will apply to similar vehicles.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Motor Hums" by The 126ers

What else is there to do when you need more stopping power? Get some new brakes of course!

Brakes are an important component of any vehicle. As they age, the effectiveness can wear down. Rust buildup also effects braking performance. The Waaagon was in desperate need of some new brakes.

All parts used were purchased through Amazon. The work is performed on a 2002 Volkswagen Passat Wagon GLX 4Motion. The process discussed here can be applied to similar vehicles.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

"Modern Situations" by Unicorn Heads

What else is there to do when your fenders keep getting dirty? Put some splash guards on of course!

Amazon is really turning out to be a great car parts supplier! OEM Splash Guards from Volkswagen can run upwards of $100 or more. This set I install on my Wagon const $15 on Amazon. Can't pass up a deal like that!

Note: the parts description on Amazon stated these would not fit a Wagon body style, but as you can see in the video, I did not have any issue installing them.

The work is performed on a 2002 Volkswagen B5.5 Passat Wagon. The process should be similar for all B5.5 Passats.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"The High Line" by Causmic

What else is there to do when your foam bushings disintegrates? Install some poly bushings in their place of course!

Body mounts separate the frame from the body. Such a novel idea, right? Many modern bushings are made of a durable rubber. For some reason, Ford decided to make the center bushings on the Sport Trac out of foam. The original was most likely to improve comfort, but 20 years later, the foam no longer holds its own. Some new poly mounts should fix that issue no problem!

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4. The process should be the same for all Ford Explorer Sport Tracs and any similar vehicle.

*Depending on the tires being used, road noise can be more prevalent inside the cab when using a poly bushing.*

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Beginnings" by Unicorn Heads

What else is there to do when you need to pull a trailer with a light harness that is not factory installed on your vehicle? Install your own of course!

Trailer hitches are handy. Having a lighting harness is even handier. The Waaagon did not come with such a harness installed. I found one on Amazon for under $30.

The work is performed on a 2002 Volkswagen B5.5 Passat Wagon GLX 4Motion. The processes shown here should apply to all B5.5 Passats and other vehicles with a similar setup.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"X Ray Vision" by Slynk

What else is there to do when your panels come loose? Stick them back together of course!

Trim panels exposed to the elements over time are known to come loose. It's a known fact in the automotive world. Usually this can be an easy fix. The hardest part is prepping the surface to reattach the panel.

Word of caution: the processes shown here can be hard on the paint. I am in no way claiming to be an expert on body work. If you are worries about your vehicle's paint, consult a paint & body technician before attempting this yourself.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Basement Floor" by Silent Partner

"Destructoid" by MK2

What else is there to do when your lights are boring? Get some new ones of course!

Amber on blue/grey is not a good match. Tinted/blacked on blue/gray is a good match. The Waaagon got some lighting upgrades and a new headlight switch!

The work is performed on a 2002 Volkswagen B5.5 Passat GLX. The processes shown here should work for all B5.5 Passats as well as other Passats of a similar style.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Powerup!" by Jeremy Blake

What else is there to do when you ball joints are too loose? Install some new ones of course!

This job has been on hold ever since the Sport Trac Front Suspension and Brakes video was filmed. All because I didn't have the correct tools for the job. I finally got the correct tools and promptly set to work.

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4. The process shown here should be similar for all 2001 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Tracs, 4x2 and 4x4. It should also be similar for Explorers and Rangers of the same generation.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Treat Me This Way" by Otis McDonald

"Stardrive" by Jeremy Blake

What else is there to do when your inserts start to sag? Glue them back up of course!

Heat can cause things to stick and cause things to not stick. Unfortunately the latter happened to the door panel inserts in my 2007 Ford Mustang GT. The glue holding the inserts in place deteriorated over time. New inserts can run upwards of $150 or more. I chose to take the cheap way out and spent $10 on 3M Adhesive Spray. Stay tuned to see what happens!

The work is performed on a 2007 Ford Mustang GT. The process shown in the video can be applied to any similar situation and vehicle.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Simpler Times" by The 126ers

What else is there to do when your glove box door won't stay shut? Replace the whole thing of course!

Things breaking is a natural occurrence with vehicles. Sometimes the broken things can be mended or patched, other times they must be replaced. The mend on this glove box door has gone on long enough. It's time to replace the glove box door.

Also covered is swapping the lock cylinder to the new door. Fair warning, there are micro-parts involved. Be prepared to catch.

The work is performed on a 2002 Volkswagen B5.5 Passat. This procedure should apply to all B5.5 Passats, and other similar Volkswagen setups.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Shawl Paul" by Norma Rockwell

What else is there to do when you find your thermostat housing is just not up to the job anymore? You retire the old bring in a new one of course!

For some time, the coolant has been slowly disappearing from the engine. During the valve cover replacements, I found the culprit. The thermostat housing was seeping at the mating surface of the two halves. Fortunately the housing is a separate part from the engine block, so replacement of the housing is a simple process.

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with the 4.0L V6 SOHC engine. The process shown here should apply to all Fords with a similar engine.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Manchester Dream" by Bruno E.

"The Jam" by Slynk & Mr Stabalina

What else is there to do when your engine oil will not stay inside the engine? Replace the gaskets letting it out of course!

I have been putting off this project for years. It was compounded by the fact that every time I changed the oil, I just cleaned off the oil from the valve covers and didn't think about it further. But now it's to the point of being unmanageable. So I broke down and finally replaced the valve cover gaskets.

The work was performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4 with the 4.0L V6 SOHC engine. The steps taken can be applied to similar vehicles and engines.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"A New Orleans Crawfish Boil" by Unicorn Heads

What else is there to do when your switches lose their rubber? Find some new switches of course!

**The driver front airbag is removed for this process. Airbags can be dangerous if not handled properly. Do NOT set off airbags intentionally at home!**

This video shows the simple process to replace the cruise control switches on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. This process should be the same for all 2001 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Tracs, also the Explorers and Rangers of the same style.

The cruise control switch kit can be found on Amazon.com or other online retailers. I salvaged the set used in the video from a wrecked Ranger.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"The DeLong Incident" by Craig MacArthur

What else is there to do when your Volkswagen starts misfiring in the rain? Replace all of the ignition system parts of course!

When there is excessive moisture in the atmosphere, cracks in the ignition coil cause the engine to misfire. This is a common problem on Volkswagens with a single ignition coil setup. Since I have never replaced spark plugs or spark plug wires since taking ownership of this Passat, I figured it was a perfect time to replace everything. And it was a good thing I did.

This video was filmed with a 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 SOHC. The diagnostic test for a faulty ignition coil can be applied to other makes/models with a similar ignition coil setup.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"1973" by Bruno E.

"Ditch Diggin" by Jingle Punks

What is there to do when you your shocks decide to leak everywhere? Replace them of course!

The front shocks on my Sport Trac have been slowly leaking for years, and I have been putting it off for too long. The front shocks are being replaced by aftermarket factory replacements. The rears are Gabriel Hijackers Air Shocks. All the parts used in this video were bought on Amazon.com.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Beach Walk"

"Get in the Car and Go"

"Serial Dream Rock"

All by Unicorn Heads

What else is there to do when your turn signals stand out too much? Get some better ones of course!

These factory turn signal assemblies really pop against the black paint on the Mustang. Too much for my liking. So I got some new ones, some better ones.

This work is performed on a 2007 Ford Mustang. This process will work for all 2005-2009 Ford Mustangs. It should be similar for all S197 Mustangs (2005-2014).

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"City Night Lights" by Bad Snacks

What else is there to do when your sparks are dim? Put some brand new sparks in of course!

Dora needed some new Spark Plugs. And some new Spark Plug Wires. and a new Ignition Coil. This video shows the steps taken to replace all those parts.

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with a 4.0L V6 SOHC engine. The steps taken should apply to any vehicle with 4.0L V6 SOHC engine, and can be used as guidelines for other engine configurations.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Sunrise Drive" by South London HiFi

"Wonky West Coast" by DivKid

"Measured Success" by Mikos Da Gawd

What is there to do when things just need to be locked in the bed of your Sport Trac? Put new locking T-Handles on of course!

The T-Handles that came on this topper did function but there were no keys when I bought it. It was only a few bucks more to buy knew handles over getting replacement keys. This process should be similar for any other toppers out there.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Trophy Wife" by Rondo Brothers

What else is there to do when your instrument cluster blinds you in sunlight? Perform a color change of course!

I've had these black cluster gauges sitting in my toolbox for years now. Procrastination can only take you so far though. So took advantage of a nice day and got down to business.

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The process discussed should directly apply to Ford Rangers and Explorers of the same generation.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Blue Macaw" by Quincas Moreira

"Wild Pogo" by Francis Preve

What is there to do when your vehicle's factory lighting just sucks? Add more lights to the setup of course!

I found these Driving Spot Lights on Amazon.com for $8 a piece. It was something I just couldn't pass up. I then took a spare light bar wiring harness and modified it to work with a Ford Factory (OEM) Fog Light Switch.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Experience Nature With You" by South London HiFi

What else is there to do when a strange clacking noise comes from underneath your vehicle? Take the driveshaft out and fix it already!

The front driveshaft CV Joint has failed on the Sport Trac. This video goes over what I did to replace it. I was quite surprised this project went as well as it did. My previous experience with CV Joints was working on Volkswagens - those always gave me trouble.

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4. The processes done in this video should work for any other vehicle that has the same driveshaft setup - one end has a U-Joint, the other end is a CV Joint.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Dragonfly" by Quincas Moreira

"Schizo" by Anno Domini Beats

"Synergy" by Geographer

What is there to do when your Check Engine Light comes on? Turn it off of course!

This video goes through the steps I took to diagnose and repair my Check Engine Light issue. The fault code stored was P0102 - Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input. Using the OBDLinkMX+ and a multi-meter I was able to trace the cause to a faulty Mass Airflow Sensor.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Trancer" by Gunnar Olsen

What is there to do when your door handle breaks? Tear the door panel off and replace it of course!

The Sport Trac has plastic handles that open the door. Some engineer somewhere decided this was a smart idea. While the factory handles can last if properly taken care of, any aftermarket replacement handle just does not hold up. That is why they are cheap to purchase. If you know your way around a wrench this job is a piece of cake. Although a heated shop would be nice in the winter.

This process should apply to all 2001 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Tracs. It may also apply to Explorers and Rangers of the same era.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"My Train's A Comin'" by Unicorn Heads

"Blank Holes" by Jingle Punks

What else is there to do when you replace suspension components and your vehicle doesn't drive straight? Perform a Toe Alignment at home of course!

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4, since it recently had multiple suspension components replaced. The process described in this video applies to nearly every make/model of vehicle, as most steering systems are the same.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Universal" by Vibe Tracks

What else is there to do when your parts are falling apart? You drop everything and replace them!

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4. The process is for all 201-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Tracs, 2wd and 4x4. It is also similar for like year Explorers and Rangers.

This video focuses on replacing the front brake pads and rotors, the front wheel bearings, the front upper control arms, and the front outer tie rod ends.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Treat Me This Way" by Otis McDonald

"Nite Foul" by Noir Et Blanc Vie

"Liberation" by Asher Fulero

"Haunt" by Silent Partner

"Psychic Magic" by Unicorn Heads

What else is there to do when you have a free weekend and your front sway bar sways too much? You give it new parts!

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4. The process is for all 201-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Tracs, 2WD and 4x4. It is also similar for like year Explorers and Rangers.

This video is Part 1 of 2. Part 1 focuses on the front components, including the front sway bar bushings and end links. Part 2 focuses on the rear components, including the sway bar and end links.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Nimbus" by Eveningland

What else is there to do when you have a free weekend and your rear sway bar sways too much? You give it new parts!

The work is performed on a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4. The process is for all 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Tracs, 2WD and 4x4. It is also similar for like year Explorers and Rangers.

This video is Part 2 of 2. Part 2 focuses on the rear components, including the sway bar and end links. Part 1 focuses on the front components, including the front sway bar bushings and end links.

Music:

(Provided by YouTube Audio Library)

"Hang Ups (Want You)" by Otis McDonald