I'm looking to getting back into a V8 powered medium sized SUV. I had lifted Jeep WJ with the 4.7 V8 and I miss it now. I like the idea of the 32v 4.6 V8 in the Aviator. A 3v 4.6 V8 Mountaineer will work too i suppose. I want the AWD. Im looking at 2003 and newer models.

What years should I avoid?
-2005 rear end issues?
-2003 Transmission issues?

Problems to look for?


Thanks!

 

Really? Nobody has input? lol

Would a solid rear axle Aviator be better than an 06 and new Mountaineer with Independent rear suspension?

 

There were no solid rear axle Aviators. I had both a 2004 Mountaineer and a 2004 Aviator. The seats in the Aviator were quite a bit more comfortable, the features were nicer in the Aviator, and the engine was noticeably more powerful as well. I also prefer the looks of the Aviator a lot over the Mountaineer. I'm sure there were any years of the Aviator to avoid, I'm not aware of rear end issues specific to the 2005 model year or transmission issues specific to 2003. FWIW, my 2004 Aviator had a badly worn servo bore in the transmission at 85k miles on the odometer. My favorite local transmission shop was surprised by that, said they previously had never seen that issue at less than 100k.

Both the Aviator and the Mountaineer are no longer produced, and both have some parts that are specific to the model, but the Mountaineer does share MANY more parts with the more popular Explorer than the Aviator does, so long-term parts availability may be better with the Mountaineer.

-Rod

 

Thanks for the great info. What years Mountaineer had the solid rear axle? I read the servo Bore fix is easy if it happens, is that true?

 

I don't recall what year was the first year for the Mountaineer, maybe 1998. They had the solid rear axle until 2002 when the Explorer and its variants went to independent rear. The first year for the Aviator was 2003.

I didn't perform the servo bore fix, but it seems the price difference over the fluid, filter, and solenoid pack change was only like 30 minutes labor and about $100 in parts. That was several years ago and I don't recall specifics.

-Rod

 

Good to know, thanks Rod.

Do the tow packages with V8 come with better gears like 3.73 rear ends in Mountaineer or Aviator?

 

I'm not sure if the tow package includes anything more than additional oil coolers and a trailer brake controller pigtail connection.

Hopefully there's someone reading this thread that knows more of that detail.

-Rod

 

All of these trucks come with a hitch. If you get one with the real tow package, it includes a 2" receiver, 3.73 gears and a bigger transmission cooler.

 

Great to hear thanks! What is the stock gearing? 3.55?

 

Yes. The 3.73 in the tow package come with a limited slip, and the 3.55's come with an open diff.

 

Good, open diffs are horrible. Thank you. Is there a way to confirm it has the tow package? Extra tranny cooler? VIN code?

If I do go look at one, besides the usual items to check over, what are some things to look at that is Explorer/Mountaineer/Aviator specific?

 

If it has the 2" receiver, it has the tow package. Another way to tell is look at the rear diff tag and the first numbers should be 3 L 73 referring to a 3.73 gear ratio with a limited slip.

Listen for wheel bearing noises as they tend to need replaced more than normal.

Make sure all the climate control stuff works.

Pay attention to how the transmission shifts, and that it doesn't "neutral out" between shifts.

All the rear ends in these make some noise, especially around 50 mph. If the noise is real noticeable, it could use a rebuild.

 

Will do, thank you.

Is it true the wheel bearings go out on these about 100K?