In Need of HELP!!

[Loyalty4242]

Ok so it think my car is falling apart. Its a 99 atx V6, i was wondering if anyone knew where to go to get parts for a half decent price. I am in Portland Oregon. I need stuff like tune up parts shocks struts brakes, and i am having a crazy time with my tranny it is slamming into first and second but only when i have half a tank or less of gas. and my wheel area pops when i try to turn into a parking spot does anyone know what this could be? Thanks guys and girls

[CougarTech]

Buy a new car.. Lol. Not sure where to get parts, but it sounds like you need to replace all of your bushings in your suspension along with your tie-rod and and ball-joint. You'll probably need to service your ATX, or just swap in a new/used one. Brakes are easy. Visit your local AutoZone or w/e is close by. Shocks and struts.. are you sure you need them? What's wrong with yours?

[Loyalty4242]

well that helps a little bit i did a plug and wire change out not too long ago and breaks wont be too hard but if i get 17 inch rims should i just do a coil over suspension and would it be easier to do joints and what not or just a whole new driver side and passenger side axel?? the back end of my car squeeks like crazy when i go over the smallest bump and it sound horrible

[Goldie]

I'd agree... brakes are easy enough to do on your own and will save a ton over having a shop do them (lots of places on line to get a good deal on pads/rotors). Struts & bushings I'd have Les Schwab take a look at it.
For the trans, automatic or manual? No matter which, I don't think it would have anything to do with the amount of fuel you have.

[Loyalty4242]

Its an atx i have 146700 miles i bought it with 123000 on it ill go to les schwab this weekend a Goldie do you know any good sites with brakes and rotors possibly for a decent price Thanks a bunch

[CougarTech]

Ok. If you are going to do coil overs, you will need the coil over kit, the struts, new bushings for your sway bar, control arms, sway bar links for the front, and for the rear you will need bushings for your lateral arms mounted near the back centre of your car. You will probably also want to change your ball-joint (don't forget to grease it), and that should be good for your suspension. You should also get a camber/caster kit, and get a wheel alignment at the same time, especially since you are doing a lot of suspension work. I don't understand what you mean by a new axle? Your axel has nothing to do with your suspension. It is simply a rod with a bellows boot on it with a spindle that goes into your steering knuckle (hub). If this doesn't make any sense to you, let me know and I can go into more detail for anything you request.

[Loyalty4242]

Yea i dont know why it only does the hard slamming shifts if i have less than half a tank? if i get the chance this weekend i will take it to my friends shop in vancouver and see if he can come up with an idea why it does that, Do you think if he orders the parts it willl be cheaper than me going out and ordering them im trying to get this stuff fixed so i can get my car rolling and start to mod it a little bit Goldie do you know of any places around Portland that are mod shops and where would a good place be to get my windows tinted Thanks

[CougarTech]

The gas tank level literally has NOTHING to do with your transmission slam shifting.. It's just a total coincidence (sp?). If your transmission is slamming into first and second there is a problem, most likely with your syncros in the first two gears. Those are hard to find/replace. It's better off to find a new/used ATX.

[Loyalty4242]

Hey tech then would you know why my car would make a wierd popping noise when i try to turn in to a confined space such as parking at like the mall and wal mart it when i have a small turning radius it also does it when i back out of the parking spot it doesnt do it if i am turning off one street to another or while i am taking a corner or anything only while i try to turn to park

[CougarTech]

Better yet.. perfect opportunity to do an MTX swap!

[CougarTech]

Does it make the pop when you turn the steering wheel to the lock (to the point where it won't turn any farther).. or is it before then. If could have to do with your rack in your steering, or with your ball-joint on your steering knuckle. If it is the ball joint then get it replaced IMMEDIATLY..

[Loyalty4242]

ok i want your guys and girls opinions should i just swap out my tranny and engine because i have 146000 miles i found an engine and tranny with 38000 miles both for 1400 shipped to my friends shop i kind want to know if i do that if it will save me alot more headaches to come i mean i love my cougar and i dont want to get rid of it ever and it has soo much potential which would you do swap or fix original and hope more issues do arouse

[Loyalty4242]

i dont lock my wheel it happens before i fully get into my parking space and before its in park so like half way through the turning process.

[CougarTech]

If you would like to keep the car for a while and want to do a swap, then yes. If installed properly with a decent engine and tranny, it means less headaches further down the road. Which engine is it? (i4, 2.5L V6, 3.0L V6?)

[CougarTech]

Yah, that's definatly a syspension component.. Probably never been serviced properly, which is very common. I suggest doing a complete overhaul on your suspension if you are doing a coil over kit/strut combination. Replace all damaged components, and all bushings, ball-joints, and tie-rod ends.

[Loyalty4242]

i have a 2.5 v6 and it is a 2.5 v6 swap so it shouldnt be hard to do as long as i can get it to my friends shop

[CougarTech]

Yah that's no problem. It's upto you though. If you're willing to spend the money, then go for it. You could always re-build and sell your old engine if you're willing to aswell.

[Loyalty4242]

if you had to guess how much do u think i will spend on parts? i know the labor will be free and the reason i ask is i am trying to decide if i can do this next paycheck or part now and part with tax return money

[Loyalty4242]

ok i found the ball joints for 44 a piece and im trying to find some more things

[Loyalty4242]

i dont know what ill do i might keep it for just in case parts but i might sell it because im sure it will get in the way a bit

[CougarTech]

Remember to include all bushings... And invest in some silicone lubricant, and grease. It may also be a good idea to service/replace your wheel bearings if they are in rough shape. No idea on total on parts, to many to price out in my head.

[Loyalty4242]

i am on parts train right now ill be ordering stuff as of tomorrow so if its ok with you if u are on can i pm you to get more help on this? do you know any other sites i should look at for parts and if you can send me a list of what all i need to do this thanks a LOT u r saving me and my car :bowdown:

[Goldie]

Goldie do you know of any places around Portland that are mod shops and where would a good place be to get my windows tinted Thanks
I had mine done at a tint shop in beaverton on Canyon Rd a couple years ago. Not sure of any on the east side though

[Loyalty4242]

Thanks Goldie I might check the phone book and see what i come up with

[CougarTech]

Sure. Send me a PM, or add me to MSN if you have it (s-wallace@hotmail.com). I'd me more then happy to give you a hand in searching. For OEM parts, Ford Parts Online is your best bet: TradeMotion (http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getLocator&siteid=213787&catalogID=1) PM me with everything you need, and I'll give you a hand, and add in things you might need as well.

[sleepr]

i am having a crazy time with my tranny it is slamming into first and second but only when i have half a tank or less of gas. and my wheel area pops when i try to turn into a parking spot

First thing to check is transmission fluid level.
Second thing to check is engine/trans mounts. If they are loose or compressed your engine/trans will rock too much. It may even hit the subframe. That could cause both of your symptoms.


where to go to get parts for a half decent price. I am in Portland Oregon.

I buy my Ford OEM parts from 1st Ford ("Ford Parts" - Online Parts & Accessories Catalog. (http://www.1stfordparts.com)). They're located in Auburn, WA. You'll probably get your parts the next day.