Transmisson swapped in my '99 Taurus Wagon

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Finally had the time to do the transmission swap in my '99 wagon with 298K on it,
the transmission was sitting in the crate in the back of the wagon for three years. :(
I replaced the original one myself at 168K in 2006 with Ford remanufactured transmission,
they have three year unlimited mileage warranty. I also swapped one in my '99 Sable.

So this is the third one I've done and I made sure I had my Bendpak lift to make it easier this time.
Big difference having a few inches vs a few feet to work under the car.
They come out a lot easier then going back in, gravity working with me.

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Replacing the struts with new complete units, (have the tool but got them on closeout at rock auto),
new sway bar bushings, outer tie rods, ball joints and sway bar links.
Noticed right wheel hub bearing had small amount of play so got a pair to swap out.
It's going to ride like a new car, already have new tires on it.

My wife thinks I am nuts, the car is worth about $1,400 and I put a $1,800 transmission in it. ;)
I tell her I don't pay for labor, just like a 747, they just change the parts and keep it in the air.

I tell her I'm going to put 500K on it!
 
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Both the wagon and sable were Hertz rentals for sale in Raleigh back in 1999, mfg date of 10/98,
the sable had 25K on it, $11,600 and the wagon had 22K, $12,600.
I got two used cars for what my neighbor paid for one Honda back in July and August 1999.
Told salesman I'd be back in a week for the second one, he looked shocked when I showed up for the wagon.
 
I've always been afraid of doing this on FWD cars. You are the man !

My middle brother had a Taurus that he thinks is one of the best cars he ever owned, 2nd to his 199x Honda Accord that he had till 2 years ago (450k).
 
Yes, they sold so many of them, mostly for fleet use. Tons of parts at LKQ parts yards and RockAuto.
Having the engine support bar is mandatory along with the transmission jack, 3L OHV in my cars.

The 24v engine is a BEAST, very little room to work on it but that model SHO hauls azz....
 
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Mine is a 2000 with 325+K on it. Rebuilt front end last year and put new tires on it. Drives just like new and doesn’t use oil. Never had a engine of transmission problem yet.

You most likely have the AX4N transmission, it can skip a gear when up or down shifting vs the AX4S wear out earlier.
The AX4N is a more efficient transaxle. The ability to skip un-needed gears helps reduce wear and tear.
Mechanically, the AX4S and AX4N are very similar, but hydraulically, they are not.
 
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Finally had the time to do the transmission swap in my '99 wagon with 298K on it,
the transmission was sitting in the crate in the back of the wagon for three years. :(
I replaced the original one myself at 168K in 2006 with Ford remanufactured transmission,
they have three year unlimited mileage warranty. I also swapped one in my '99 Sable.

So this is the third one I've done and I made sure I had my Bendpak lift to make it easier this time.
Big difference having a few inches vs a few feet to work under the car.
They come out a lot easier then going back in, gravity working with me.

View attachment 142736 View attachment 142737 View attachment 142738
View attachment 142740 View attachment 142739

Replacing the struts with new complete units, (have the tool but got them on closeout at rock auto),
new sway bar bushings, outer tie rods, ball joints and sway bar links.
Noticed right wheel hub bearing had small amount of play so got a pair to swap out.
It's going to ride like a new car, already have new tires on it.

My wife thinks I am nuts, the car is worth about $1,400 and I put a $1,800 transmission in it. ;)
I tell her I don't pay for labor, just like a 747, they just change the parts and keep it in the air.

I tell her I'm going to put 500K on it!
Wow, I'm calling you next time my car has issues! LOL. Good job!
 
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