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Comments
The dealer was seriously uninformed. The entire panther front end was completely redesigned in 03.
The standard 'recirculating ball steering, suspension being bolted to the frame with a stamped metal crossmember supporting the engine' (like your 99) was put to pasture.
In its' place, a marvel really: a big cast aluminum rail runs from one front tire to the other, with the engine sitting on it, the control arms (upper forged, lower aluminum!) are bolted to this rail. The shock and spring setup was changed to a coilover unit (looks like a strut, but there's still an upper control arm/ball joint), and the old recirculating ball was changed to rack and pinion steering.
Handles better, and it's a much more planted car (it's hardly the same car!), but much stiffer overall as you noticed. It is radically different. Some prefer it - I prefer the old front end.
Just one example - this is similar to the lower control arm on the 99 -
http://www.carsteering.com/data/all_images/93-00265.jpg
And this is the control arm on your 03.
http://images.oreillyauto.com/parts/img/large/rap/11264.jpg
This is the new front end:
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http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq11/mlevario99/Truck12-28-08001.jpg
Bart
Lester
I went from a 97 MGM to a 85 TC and then to a 03 MGM in the last couple years (I've owned many panthers). The 03 LOOKS like the 97, but the 97 is closer to the 85.
And even though it's still being fixed up I'd usually rather take the 85. Not to slam the 03 though, it's a great car, and I prefer it in bad weather. I can see why some would rather have the 03. Different strokes etc.
Agreed on the engine feel/noise. Maybe the one piece front end has something to do with it. And for some reason the 03 has a lot of valvetrain noise too, more than the 97, and I already fixed the tensioner issue.
Bart
While you're down there you might want to look at the 'Stabilizer Bar Bushings' too.
This is not your car But the pin is similar, and it shows the job generically. It also shows the bushings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B515N144WOQ
Good luck.
On the 94 it's on the starter, they changed it in 90 iirc? But if it starts by slamming the gear selector into park I'd check my neutral start switch. You might be shaking something else in the steering column too.
The starter can be hard to pull, if you take it out you might want to replace it.
http://www.idmsvcs.com/2vmod/starter/removereinstall/index.html
You've got interesting problems though. I'd at least start by going to a parts store and having them do an electrical test (free).
Are you serious? You're actually whining because your 16 year old instrument cluster is failing? The whole car was made with a 10 year - 150,000 mile lifespan expectation! If you ask me, (and technically, you asked everybody), it has served you adequately. Cars need parts. It's the cost of owning one, and a part that fails after 16 years is not defective - your thinking is. Sorry.
My cluster in my 4 year old Escalade failed. Now THAT may have been worth a complaint..... Give me a Lincoln that lasts that long anyday.
Found plugged cat convert and replaced, no codes, same problem
Replaced electronic ignition, pickup, rotor, cap, plugs and wires, (due for a tune up anyway), still same problem
Replaced MAP sensor, has new fuel filter and pump already, pressure good. Now instead of no power at about and 1 1/2 hours of driving at 75 mph, it just shuts off. Shut off key then on and it starts right away and I can drive about a mile at 55 then it stops. At 65 I can go about 5 to 6 miles before it shuts down and it starts right up again. Heres the kicker at 70mph it runs and does not stop, about every 5 or 6 miles it has a hesitation but keeps going, at 75 miles an hour is stops every 5 or 6 miles again.
Every mechanic gives me an idea they think is wrong and all i have done so far is change the problem and still cant drive more than 1 1/2 hours with out problems. Any ides on this? Thanks!