Gen 3

[naval-avi8or]

Looking for some GEN 3 knowledge. I'm considering adding a GEN 3 to my car collection. I have owned a 94 SHO (ATX) since 1995. What I would like to know is what problems other than the CAM issue the GEN 3 offers for weekend maintenance. Also does the GEN 3's AX4_ offer the same tranny wows as the GEN 2's AXODE tranny.

Any inputs are welcomed

Thanks
Curtis

 

[SHOZ123]

Yes the GEN 3 has tranny problems. Nothing that can't be fixed with enough money though. Other than that they are relatively trouble free (when compared to earlier SHOs).

 

[stephen newberg]

And the transmission problems have been, to my mind, overblown. All transmission eventually have problems. I am at 150,000+ on mine with no transmission difficulties at all as yet. But I do not drag at stoplights and have only once taken the car to the track. And I do keep a close eye on it, temp wise, and change both the fluid and filter every 40K.

pax, smn

 

[Glue Maker]

Not all of the AX4Ns are bombs. Mine has 87k on it with at least 200 1/4 and 1/8 mile passes on it. All I have done is change the fluid and filter. *knock on wood*

 

[nothingtoseehere]

Mine had 165000 before the tranny went

 

[racr16]

mine has 104K and I just started to have tranny problems... or atleast i think it is tranny.... stuttering before tranny shifts (AUTO)

 

[Snow]

mine has 104K and I just started to have tranny problems... or atleast i think it is tranny.... stuttering before tranny shifts (AUTO)

Could be a speed sensor or a torque converter problem. Mine has 105,000 with no problems. As of yet. And im not exactly easy on it. But I do take care of it 15,000 mile tranny fluid change intervals.

 

[racr16]

its not always the same gear it does this at... on slow accelerations, when i gun it i seldom get it


any help would be appreciated

 

[Snow]

its not always the same gear it does this at... on slow accelerations, when i gun it i seldom get it


any help would be appreciated

Usually if the shutter is in more than one gear it is most likely the torque converter. Mine has had a slight shutter on the 3-4 for about 25,000 miles now. Only when I drive it easy. But it is easy to fix, I drive it like I stole it. She likes it hard.

 

[Shoman594]

Coils coils and more coils. Tranny...

Other than that the V8 SHO is a great car!!!!

 

[Mr. SHO]

Looking for some GEN 3 knowledge. I'm considering adding a GEN 3 to my car collection. I have owned a 94 SHO (ATX) since 1995. What I would like to know is what problems other than the CAM issue the GEN 3 offers for weekend maintenance. Also does the GEN 3's AX4_ offer the same tranny wows as the GEN 2's AXODE tranny.

Any inputs are welcomed

Thanks
Curtis

Generally speaking, they are more reliable than the previous-generation SHOs once the cams are taken care of. Yes, coils will STB on you but replacing the back 4 with new ones was one decision I have been happy about (no problems in 24K miles). And Ford didn't really make a truly reliable ATX until 2000, although keeping on top of the fluid & filter changes and installing an appropriate ATF cooler will reduce the chances of premature failure. And the 1996-1999 AX4Ns don't seem to be as fragile as the earlier ATXes.

The other issues that crop up are generally related to poor maintenance or accidents. This is why it's imperative to shop very selectively. Just like the earlier SHOs, two cars that look identical can be worth totally different amounts depending on the maintenance history. I'd take a SHO with a rough body that had accurate maintenance records and fresh fluids over an immaculate looking SHO with a show-quality body and interior that might puke a trans or engine, or have other serious problems. CARFAX only tells you the stuff that was reported to the DMV, so a clean CARFAX is just one tiny step in the right direction.

 

[luigisho]

Curtis I think you will be pleased with the GenIII especially as a daily driver. All the common weaknesses have been stated (tranny, coils, cams). As long as gas prices don't bother you it should be a good car. When I stomp on it now and then, the gas gauge moves almost as fast as the tach!

I am happy with mine so far, and once I get to the maintenance I've been putting off over the winter it should be even better.

 

[racr16]

torque convertor, shop fix or can a weekend warrior fix it....