Looking for info

[droopie]

Hey,

I am in Memphis and looking to buy a 98 Mountaineer. It's a 5.0 and has 116k. I haven't driven yet, but I was wondering how these hold up and what common ailments I should look for? How reliable are they mechanically, especially the transmission. It's in great shape and a great price, but I don't have the money to replace the tranny anytime soon. What tranny is in these, anyway...an AODE?

 

[IZwack]

Thats a good vehicle -- a 98 with the 5.0L engine and 4R70 transmission is a dependable combo.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[droopie]

It's fulltime AWD, so I was concerned if there are longevity problems with the transfer case. If I purchase it, first off the bat will be fluid changes for the tranny, transfer case and both diffs.

 

[Joe Dirt]

They're damn near the most bulletproof of the Ex/Mounty combos...

 

[droopie]

I went and looked at it, but couldn't start it or drive it. The sun roof is leaking, but it looks like the seal is dry rotted...must be original. Both rear door handles are broken (redneck childproof locks?). The exterior is pretty good. The clearcoat looks checked or gone on the hatch, but the rest is pretty good. Then engine looks bone stock. Not too oily...and not too clear either!

Need to catch these guys when they are there and see what's what. It needs a windshield, probably...it has a crack running all the way across right at the wipers. We dont have inspections here, but that would bother the heck out of me driving.

I'm just wondering how long the sunroof has leaked and if that's deteriorated the head liner and the seats are moldy/mildewed.