Getting Used 99 Mounty 5.0 have a few questions

[manaen]

I found a great deal on a used 99 mountaineer with the 5.0 and AWD, I am coming from a 95 Ranger 4.0 4x4mnl with a 4" susp lift and a few other mods that I had fun doing (just to give you background). Well to make a long story short, my kids dont fit the ranger soI need to get something with more room for my them.

In comes the Mounty and all the questions to follow

1) I have a large popup (about 4500lbs) that I towed fine with the ranger, but I am a bit worried about the AWD on the mounty and how it will handle towing. I know the engine and tranny are great but will I be burning up transfer cases left and right?

2) is there anything that I should be checking before I purchase this thing. I know all the standard stuff, I mean weak points on these model years, things that normally get abused?

Any insight would be great, this thing will be way plusher than my ranger, now I just need to figure out how to make an "executive leather trimmed deer carrier"

Yeah, I might be a redneck

 

[celly]

1) I have a large popup (about 4500lbs) that I towed fine with the ranger, but I am a bit worried about the AWD on the mounty and how it will handle towing. I know the engine and tranny are great but will I be burning up transfer cases left and right?

V8 equipped Explorers have the highest towing capacity of any 2nd gen Explorer. I would assume that if your Ranger could handle it, then your Mounty would do it with ease.

 

[manaen]

I guess I was just concierned after reading about the problems with some AWD systems and not properly rotating the tires. The problem being when the front tires are slightly off from the back it produces excess heat in the TC which can lead to premature wear. If that is the case, wouldnt the added weight of a trailer squat the tires enough to change their effective diameter which would also have the same negative effect on the AWD.

If I make this purchase I want to make sure it is a long term thing, I hate changing vehicles, I love my Ranger it is well maintained and runs great considering it has 175K miles on the odometer. I want to make sure this vehicle will be as relaible for my uses.

I am sold on the 5.0, what a great engine this has been for ford since it's inception back in the 60's ( I know many changes since but same basic design). I just want to make sure the rest of the vehicle won't fall apart leaving the 5.0 clinging to a frame alone and cold ;-)

something else I thought about, is it possible to add a transfer case temp gauge that will warn when things are getting a little too "hot in the crouch" under the mounty?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

You will love the 5.0 and AWD for towing. I use mine all the time and it does great. I pull a 23' travel trailer with mine ~5k. The 5.0 engine and trans are rock solid drivetrain, with a few mods can make some really good power.

The T case you don't have to worry about as far as temps, I run a tranny temp gauge just to make sure I don't cook it.

If you are really worried about the AWD, you can swap in a selectable transfer case later on, several on here, including myself have done it.

 

[manaen]

That great news, I will be picking up the vehicle later this week to give it a once over and possibly purchase it if all works out I will be in the new ride by the weekend.

Thanks for the info guys, BTW this is a GREAT! Site with tons of really good info!

Now I just need to sell the Ranger...

 

[tktrain]

The second gen X's with 5.0 and AWD do great towing. You should have no issues at all. I would recommend replacing all the fluids in the truck with synthetics, if for no other reason than to get the lower friction and improved mileage.

 

[Turdle]

Be sure to show it off to us when you get it!
Oh, this is cool, another Mounty--

Where are you located?

 

[manaen]

I do plan to replace all fluids, and perform a complete tuneup as well as check all sensors with my proscan. I guess the only thing I am still cloudy on is changing the tranny with full synthetic, I see that mecron V is only partially synthetic does mobil 1 make a mercon V compatible synth?

and if so how do I ensure that I do a complete swap, I've been reading and it seems some say do a total drain other say it is never good to totally drain the tranny. Then there is the flush method which is fine however I don't have a flushing tool, and if you go to some garage they will use their fluid which is generally junk. So how do I swap the tranny fluid. I have been researching this heavily. All my previous trucks have been manual, I have had some very bad expiriences with Ford autos and I want to make sure that I treat this thing right!

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Be sure to show it off to us when you get it!
Oh, this is cool, another Mounty--

Where are you located?

It took you long enough. : I was nice & waited for you to get first shot & you're #7. He posted this around 8:00 this morning.

Oh yea welcome aboard manaen. Just have to harrass Mr. Smith every chance I get

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I do plan to replace all fluids, and perform a complete tuneup as well as check all sensors with my proscan. I guess the only thing I am still cloudy on is changing the tranny with full synthetic, I see that mecron V is only partially synthetic does mobil 1 make a mercon V compatible synth?

and if so how do I ensure that I do a complete swap, I've been reading and it seems some say do a total drain other say it is never good to totally drain the tranny. Then there is the flush method which is fine however I don't have a flushing tool, and if you go to some garage they will use their fluid which is generally junk. So how do I swap the tranny fluid. I have been researching this heavily. All my previous trucks have been manual, I have had some very bad expiriences with Ford autos and I want to make sure that I treat this thing right!

I don't know on the fluid- I just use Mercon V-

As for the trans, you can get 90% of the old out- there is a drain plug in the torque converter. Drop the pan, remove rubber plug from bottom of bell housing, rotate flywheel or bump starter until you see the plug, remove it. Pull the front cooler lines and drain them. Button it all back up, then fill. It will take a little bit for the fluid to work back into the TC.

 

[manaen]

If I get it I will add the photos this week. I want to keep track of the mods as they go on. Let's see
31" Goodrich A/T's (from ranger)
TT/shackle lift (under 2" but OK for now)
Tranny temp guage (Already has 2 coolers)
Some type of custom made Fly rod holder
Needs a new towbar (old one is toast)
Better roof rack for Kayak and Canoe
I have a set of shorty headers from my 85 GT they may find their way on there

and I'm sure there are many other mods that will find their way into the truck
I'm always open for suggestions.

It is one of the limited models with all the fancy leather and woodgrain finish so I will need to redneck it up and still keep it professional for my job <G>

 

[manaen]

You guys rock!

Wow you guys are fast, I can't reply fast enough

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I have a set of shorty headers from my 85 GT

Won't work. You will have to go with a set of Torque Monster headers.

 

[Turdle]

heh heh--he said fly rod!

 

[Dan Whitaker]

heh heh--he said fly rod!

Hell he had you at Mountaineer

 

[Turdle]

Won't work. You will have to go with a set of Torque Monster headers.

yep--he's right--
don't you worry about that now--just get the truck and some money--Evan will help with the rest--lol

 

[manaen]

well my wife is perfectly capable of holding that "fly rod", but I was referring to my fishing fly rod

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Oh yeh he will need a gun rack as well

 

[manaen]

LOL ok now that the I have cleanly flush my nostrils with the water I was drinking, after seeing that picture. I will need to replace my keyboard

 

[Turdle]

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/16828848.htm

Going here in May!

One of my favorite places---

Have you been to the White River?