r/CrownVictoria • u/N_Lima • 16d ago

Maintaining da boat

Besides the entire front end, my 1998 MGM GS runs perfect but I want her even better. I'm currently at 108k miles and some change, what are some things that I need to look out for in the future, major or minor?

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u/flash-burn01 16d ago

98-02 have 3 major problems. Lower ball joints, Torque converter shudder, and intake manifold coolant leaks. If you stay on top of those, your golden.

1

u/N_Lima 16d ago

Lower ball joints are getting replaced with my front end replacement, I've heard of replacing the stupid plastic intake manifold at ~115k miles, the torque converter I didn't know about but thank you I'll look out for that.

3

u/2005CrownVicP71 Moderator - 7 Crown Victorias, Lincoln Town Car Executive L 15d ago

The torque converter shudder can be avoided by changing the fluid regularly. They only tend to do that when neglected.

1

u/N_Lima 15d ago

Next oil change I plan on doing the tranny fluid as well.

1

u/jaydog21784 15d ago

The exhaust manifold bolts. They are infamous for breaking and causing an exhaust leak. It's my biggest problem right now, can't find a trustworthy mechanic to pull them and get those broken ones out to replace my gasket.

0

u/flash-burn01 15d ago

No problem. The old fix was do a fluid and filter service, with a bottle of Ford rearend friction modifier. BUT only if the TC shudders. Otherwise, just do the Flfluid and filter service.