My wife is describing (if you are married, you probably know how bad the description is) a couple of problems.
I don't drive the car at all, so I haven't seen it.
1998 Ford Windstar GL 4.0L engine
Problem #1--When the car is hot, she will get out, go into a store and when she gets back, it won't catch when she turns the key. She says she needs to gun the engine to prevent it from stalling. Only when hot.
Problem #2--The car "shudders" when making a left turn--only when turning. I can't pin her down if it is happening when she is at a complete stop and starts accellerating through the turn or when she is turning at a level speed.
Problem #3--The Brakes feel funny--I will check them myself, I have a set of shoes for the back, and will get pads for the front before I begin.
The car has basic maintainence done regularly (oil, tranny, etc.), but due to school and work, I don't have much time to do much else. It does have a "permanant" air filter in it, installed within 20k miles, and we drive in a city environment, not on dirt roads.
My '94 Ford Explorer (2 Wheel Drive only) needs shocks. Any suggestions on relatively cheap ones (on-road use only--so I would prefer a softer ride for trips)? I will have some free time over Christmas, so I will try to do basic repair work and winterizing then--I have done Brakes, Clutches, Timing Chains, etc. on other cars, but never on these. Any diffculty in changing my own shocks, or just pay to have it done??
PS--the Windstar has an extended warrantee, but I like to be able to know what might be wrong BEFORE I take it to the mechanic (a few of the mechanics in this area are not what you would call the most honest guys in the business).
Thanks for any help!!