the distributor housing is stuck in the block. Tried soaking and heating and still stuck.

Thanks for those replies. You seem very knowledgeable on some of the later escape models. I am with you in that I dont like the 2013 design in the least bit. I am returning to the states in a month or so and want to purchase an escape and I do like the 08-12 design. As I stated, I have been a bit turned ouff by the transmission issues but....It is hard to grasp just how prevelant the issue really was/is. Did Ford acknowledge this issue in the 08 escape and onwards and act on it at all in the 2010, 2011, or 2012 model?> (What Im getting at is, would it be better to get an 11, or 12 verus a 2008 or 2009?) I think at this point, I am looking for a 2012, 4X4, XLT, certified, pre-owned, and under 40k miles. Should I be cautious>? Look for anything in particular?> Ask any specific questions to dealer? Like previous work etc.
THANKS SO MUCH!!!

I'm replacing the struts and installing new mounting blocks in my 01 Escape. I didn't mark the orientation of the old mounting blocks before removal, and I need to know what the right orientation is before installing the new blocks. I can see that the orientation matters, but don't know what is correct. I saw a thread in which you posted " At least in 2010, camber/caster is set by the 4 possible positions of the strut upper bushing. The bushing mount has an offset from the centerline of the strut rod. With 4 studs, that gives 4 different positions to orient the mount," so I thought you might know the answer. I have the shop manual, but it doesn't have this info. Any ideas?

Just thought I'd stop in and invite you to join the TEXAS CHAPTER.
Here is the link to join
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/profile.php?do=joingroup&usergroupid=46

We just had a GTG(get together) at Lake Bryan(near Bryan College Station) and are currently planning one on July 10th at Quintana Beach park near Brazoria county