Ford MOUNTAINEER 1998, MOUNTAINEER 1997, RANGER-1997, RANGER-1998 User Manual

Table of contents

Introduction 2
Notice to 4X2 utility vehicle owners 3
4WD and AWD systems 3

4WD Or AWD operation on the road 6
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD 9
Trailer towing 14
Tires, replacement requirements 15
Maintenance and modifications 17
Hauling cargo and vehicle handling 18
Index 20

1

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Ford Motor Company’s
world of four-wheel driving! Your
new 4WD or AWD vehicle opens
up a completely different and
challenging world of travel unlike
what you have ever experienced
with a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle. Now, you’ll be able to
travel places where roads don’t.
You’ll be able to travel when
weather conditions have made
roads impassible for two-wheel
drive vehicles. Most importantly,
you’ll be able to travel with the
safety, comfort and dependability
of a Ford-built vehicle.

The steering and handling
characteristics of vehicles may vary
and you must learn and
understand the capabilities and
limitations of your 4WD or AWD
through experience. Take it slow
and easy until you get to know and
understand your vehicle and have
confidence in your ability to drive
it.

Your 4WD or AWD vehicle,
particularly when loaded, may
handle differently than an ordinary
passenger car. This is because your
vehicle has special design and
equipment feature for off-road
operation.

Familiarize yourself with this
vehicle’s operating characteristics.
Study the “Owner’s Guide” and this
supplement for specific information
and instructions for safe driving
under various conditions.

2

Notice to 4x2 utility vehicle owners

All occupants should always wear
the safety belts provided and
children/infants should use
appropriate restraints to minimize
the risk of injury or ejection.

Driving at speeds safe for road
conditions and the use of safety
belts are the best means of
avoiding the possibility of accident
and serious injury.

Ford Motor Company reserves
the right at any time to change
information provided herein,
including specifications, design
or testing procedures without
incurring obligation.

NOTICE TO 4X2 UTILITY
VEHICLE OWNERS

Although this supplement is
primarily directed to 4WD or AWD
vehicle operators, these principles
of safe driving also apply to
operators of two-wheel drive utility
vehicles. Even though you did not
select a 4WD or AWD option for
your vehicle, many of its operating
characteristics are similar to those
of 4WD or AWD vehicles. For this
reason, Ford urges you to read and
understand the contents of this
supplement.

4WD AND AWD SYSTEMS

Your AWD or 4WD (when you
select the 4WD mode), uses all
four wheels to power itself. This
increases traction, enabling you to

3

4WD and AWD systems

drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional
two-wheel drive vehicle can’t.

Power is supplied to all four
wheels through a transfer case. On
4WD vehicles the transfer case
allows you to select 4WD when
necessary. Information on transfer
case operation, shifting procedures
and maintenance can be found in
your “Owner’s Guide.” You should
become thoroughly familiar with
this information before you operate
your vehicle.

Normal characteristics

• On some 4WD models, the initial
shift from two-wheel drive to
4x4 while the vehicle is moving
can cause some momentary
clunk and ratcheting sounds.
This is the front drivetrain
coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging
and is not cause for concern.

• On some 4WD models, if the
vehicle is stopped while in 4WD
and the vehicle direction is
reversed from the previous
direction, the automatic locking
hubs will momentarily disengage
and re-engage. The automatic
locking hubs may click as they
automatically engage in the new
direction.

4

How your vehicle differs from
other vehicles

4WD and AWD vehicles can differ
from some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your 4WD or
AWD may be:

• Higher — to allow it to travel
over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components, and to
accommodate 4WD components.

• Shorter — to give it the
capability to approach inclines
and drive over the crest of a hill
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody
components. A shorter
wheelbase may make your
vehicle quicker to respond to
steering inputs than a vehicle
with a longer wheelbase.

• Narrower — to provide greater
maneuverability in tight spaces,
particularly in off-road use.

These differences that make your
4WD or AWD so versatile also
make it handle differently than an
ordinary passenger car.

4WD and AWD systems

5

4WD or AWD operation on the road

4WD OR AWD OPERATION ON
THE ROAD

Basic operating principles

• Do not use 4WD on dry, hard
surfaced roads (except models
equipped with Auto 4WD or
AWD). This may damage the
drivelines and axles.

• Drive slower in strong
crosswinds which can affect the
normal steering characteristics
of your vehicle.

• Be extremely careful when
driving on pavement made
slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice.

If your vehicle goes off the
edge of the pavement

• If your vehicle goes off the edge
of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application,
Ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing
your speed. Do not turn the
steering wheel too sharply while
returning to the road surface.

• It may be safer to stay on the
apron or shoulder of the road
and slow down gradually before
returning to the pavement. You
may loose control if you do not
slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or
abruptly.

• It often may be less risky to
strike small inanimate objects,
such as highway reflectors, with
minor damage to your vehicle

6