I just purchased an 87 Couger for $350 with 83000 original miles and have been reading about different problems and what not I might experience.
As best I can figure I need to replace the motor mounts, jerky motion when letting off the accelerator.
Also the heater core needs replaced (that'll be a fun weekend)
It also seems to bog a little accelerating from 0-20 sometimes it will get up to around 8 then take 5 seconds to get to 11 then take off.
Other wise it seems to be in good shape with minor problems like the passenger side window being off it's track.
My main concern is the transmission, I've never had luck with fords and trannys. At 83k how concerned should I be about the tranny?
Also from experience, anything else I should worry about?
My AOD lasted until 140000ish before I needed to rebuild the clutch packs. I wouldn't worry too much about the tranny, but if it starts shifting funny, make sure you look into it. Is this a V6 or V8 car we are talking about? (both had the AOD)
My tranny has lasted 200,000 miles and is still going. To be on the safe side its usually a good idea to either have a flush or a fluid/filter change. As far as the jerk motion, according to coolcats it could be the U-joints. But those motor mounts aren't the most sturdy things in the world so it could be those too. :dunno: http://www.coolcats.net/tech/troubleshooting/clunk.html
Check the TV cable. It's easy and free.
I am guessing v-8, other wise the engine wouldnt rock at all(motor mounts or not) and there would be no acceloration in that sentance
;)
anyways.
tranny should be fine, but dont mess with just to see. Do a basic tune up, its prolly bad spark plugs or wires or......
When you do the heater core, print off the coolcats page. It helps alot.
Actually I have the 3.8L motor, I planned on doing a tranny flush and adding Lucus tranny additive as well as adding Lucas Fuel Injector and Carb cleaner in the fuel tank once a month (I run this in all my vehicles even the diesel rabbit).
This car is pretty nice, interior is brand new looking plush blue cloth and carpets. Had the car up on a lift when I did the oil change.. drive train has little movement.. not much really though. I will check out the coolcats info, this is great stuff.
Not lookinh forward to the heater core
Do a little research before you flush the tranny. I've heard good and bad about having it done to an older car. I was considering having it done to my 88', and found I was actualy leaking a little fluid from time to time.
Heater core really isn't that bad. I did mine in about 3 hours.
Just follow the directions on Cool Cats, you'll be fine.
Check your U-joints
I recently did this task in 3 hours with the information from here: http://www.coolcats.net/tech/troubleshooting/heatercore.html
As stated above, check your TV cable/rod http://www.txchange.com/aodadj.htm
The AOD behind my first Cougar had almost 140,000 miles on it when I parted ways with the car. It never missed a beat.
TFI modules will sometimes go without warning whatsoever and leave you stranded. It's a good investment to buy one and leave it in the trunk.