Right now i'm leaning on getting a cheap Lincoln Mark VII for when I go back to school. I grew up with a 89' Grand Marquis. So I know RWD and winter. Its really not that bad. The Mark has a 225hp 5.0L V8 vs. the 150hp 5.0L V8 my old Grand Marquis had. I want 4 wheel disks w/ anti lock which it has. Remember its just a beater. I think a very BASIC V8 w/ RWD is reliable cause that combo seems the best for sh*t kickins.

well, I would never go RWD for winter, but I guess you know that. I'd at least have FWD, but I went with my Explorer 4x4.

In addition, I'd have it inspected by a mechanic, those are prone to catch fire from a faulty cruise control or bad tranny lines...

Its not just winter but nasty situations I really don't want to subject my LSS to. You're right though my buddy is selling his 97 Mountineer but the price is a bit high. Its AWD, maybe he'll lower the price. The Mark i'm looking at is $400.

I personally guarantee you that any explorer would outlive a Mark IV. The 91-94 models are getting CHEAP. I betcha you could find a decent one for $1500. I got mine for $3000 for a 96 with 100k miles...

I don't think the mark VII'* came with trak-lock. That being said, check the pumpkin and find the tag on it. Check the tag for a (this is just an example) 3L27. being a 3.27 trak-lock rear end. I never did like the open rear end on the two previous T-Birds I owned. Love the TL rear I have now. Got 3.73 gears that are gonna be set up to go in in a couple weeks maybe.

As for being a beater.... Most of the 5.0 cobra parts should bolt on if you want a little more giddyup to beat with.


*edit* I would opt for the Mark VIII (also non trak-lock) which has the 4.6L DOHC rated at 290 hp and a 4r70w tranny(96 models are better, but if you can swap in a 99 mustang GT tranny you got it made).

Yea the Mountaneer is a 97 w/ 107K and he wants a solid $4K. If I could only ge him down to 2K. How is insurance on AWD Explorers and Mountaneers?

Really. I thought most of the LSC'* had the track-lock. The one i'm looking at is a 92'.

Um, I don't have the AWD one, but it cost me $4 more to insure the explorer due to it being a 4x4. I pay a little more than $400 (basic insurance + roadside assistance) every 6 months. Which engine does it have?

My appologies. I guess some Mark series did come with trak-lock.

So, that should help a good bit with traction? The Grand Marquis I used to have had the whole one wheel wonder and had no snow traction, but somehow I made it.

I know the Mark VII has the HO 5.0 (Mustang engine) and is a good deal more powerfull than the Marquis. I hope the trac lock will help. I'm considering it cause it has good power and a nice JBL sound system. I DON'T expect the stock 5.0 even in HO form to compete with the L67. I just find the Grand Marquis a bit sluggish on hills and hope the Mustang engine can overcome that.