1997 mountaineer help??

[mountainerexpo97]

Hey guys whats up.. I just bought a 1997 mountaineer i gotta put a few pix up it just broke 157000 miles and still runs strong. Although it definately has some issues its missing the front drive shaft i was told that it snapped when and unexperienced driver gunned it through a turn, just wondering if all that needs to be done is a quick replacement or do i need to service the front differential. Also i was under the rear of the truck and found 2 large plastic boxes basically over the spare tire and the frame was totally rotted out, i was wondering one what that was and two if there are any quick fixes. Than moving on the shocks are totally original giving it a terrible ride any suggestions on those? and finally the a/c worked for a week than sudddenly only blows hot air ?????

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[Dopler174]

Welcome to Explorer Forum! I would guess that the front diff is okay because you are still able to drive it. As far as the AC goes, it probably needs a charge of R134.

 

[MustangP51]

Welcome to the Forum

I would highly recommend Monroe Sensa Trac shocks

 

[techieman33]

You should be ok just replacing the front drive shaft, also make sure you use your parking brake, without a front driveshaft it will creep if it's parking on any kind of an incline

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The A/C might need a charge. It could have a leak if it won't hold a charge.

 

[Turdle]

And-
the black box things are evap canisters-with sensors and solenoids that nobody really understands. This makes them very pricey. So, I would use some plastic zip ties to get them held up well, hope for no Check engine light and forget about it. If it is giving problems, I'd surely try a junk yard unit first.

 

[mountainerexpo97]

thanks for the recomendations i just used a/c zip ties the 48inch ones to rap the rear canistersand used some weatherstripping to keep them from banging and added a 1/4 inch aluminum plate for protection. im moving to the shocks next. im looking for the new drive shaft and ideas on cheap websites? and as far as the a/c its hottttt and now i noticed some air blowing through the vents even when its off. finally i realized it has an exhaust leak sounds maybe like its coming from the passenger side possibly the cat is there any quick fix, the entire system is original that 157000 miles any suggestion on replacing it and price is definately an object!!!