1997 Mercury Mountaineer Four Wheeling Supplement

Inspect the tire side walls for cuts,
bruises and other damage. If
internal damage to the tire is
suspected, have the tire
demounted and inspected in case
it needs to be repaired or replaced.
MAINTENANCE AND
MODIFICATIONS
The suspension and steering
systems on your vehicle have been
designed and tested to provide
both reasonably safe, predictable
performance whether loaded or
empty and durable load carrying
capability. For this reason, Ford
strongly recommends that you do
not make modifications such as
adding or removing parts (such as
lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not
equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that
raise the center of gravity can
make it more likely the vehicle will
roll over as a result of a loss of
control. Ford recommends that
caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or
device (such as ladder racks or
pickup box cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle
properly may void the warranty,
increase your repair cost, reduce
vehicle performance and
operational capabilities and
adversely affect driver and
passenger safety. Frequent
inspection of vehicle chassis
Maintenance and modifications
17

components is recommended if the
vehicle is subjected to heavy
off-road usage. Refer to the
ªOwner's Guideº and ªService
Guideº for proper maintenance
instructions and schedules.
HAULING CARGO AND
VEHICLE HANDLING
When using your vehicle to haul
cargo, make sure it is properly
loaded to help ensure safe
handling. Cargo should be evenly
distributed over the floor of the
cargo area, with the heaviest cargo
on the bottom and ahead of the
rear axle.
If you must haul cargo on the roof
of the vehicle, use extra caution
when driving. Cargo placed on the
roof will tend to make your vehicle
top heavy, causing it to lean more
on corners and creating a greater
possibility of vehicle roll over
should you lose control of the
vehicle.
Hauling cargo and vehicle handling
18

Loading the vehicle improperly can
deteriorate handling capability and
contribute to loss of vehicle
control.
Once you have reached the weight
capacity of the vehicle, do not add
more cargo, even if there is space
available. Make sure you consult
the safety compliance certification
label attached to your vehicle and
the ªOwner's Guideº for
information on maximum safe
vehicle weight limits.
Hauling cargo and vehicle handling
19

All-Wheel Drive System, The .......3
AWD Vehicle Operation ................6
Cargo, Hauling and Vehicle
Handling ......................................18
Differences in Four-Wheel
Drive ..............................................5
Driving Off-Road with 4WD .........9
Driving Off-Road with AWD .........9
Emergency Maneuvers .................7
Four-by-Four Operation ...............6
Four-Wheel Drive System, The ...3
Hauling Cargo and Vehicle
Handling ......................................18
Hills, Driving on ..........................12
If Your Vehicle Goes Off the
Edge of the Pavement ..................6
Introduction ..................................2Lift Kits ........................................15
Maintenance and Modifications .17
Mud, Driving in ...........................10
Off-Road Driving ...........................9
Operating Your AWD Vehicle
on the Road ...................................6
Operating Your Four-by-Four
on the Road ...................................6
Parking ...........................................9
Sand, Driving in ..........................10
Snow, Deep, Driving in ...............12
Snow/Ice, Driving in .....................8
Tires, Replacement
Requirements ..............................15
Trailer Towing .............................14
Water, Driving in .........................12
Index
20