Fix It

A Dana 44 is a type of automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corporation and used by many automobile manufacturers. The Dana 44 Axle for a Scout II is made specific for a Jeep. These axles can be installed on the Jeep, but often they need to be cut down to fit properly. If you are planning on installing a Dana axle for a Scout II, you may need to cut it down so it will fit.

Instructions

1

Run a tape measure along the length of the Scout II Dana 44 axle. It should measure 58 inches in length. This signifies it is the proper axle.

2

Lay down on the ground near the front of the Jeep and measure the distance across the front axle. This is where the new Dana 44 axle will be installed. Record the measurement.

3

Run a tape measure along the new Dana 44 axle and draw a small line along the axle with a black marker at the desired cut location so it will fit onto the Jeep.

4

Press the blade of an angle grinder up to the mark on the axle where you will be cutting. Put on gloves and safety goggles for added protection. Hold the arm coming out of the side of the angle grinder with your dominant hand and the back with your non-dominant hand.

5

Flip the switch to turn on the angle grinder and press it firmly into the metal. Cut caully along the black mark. Press down on the grinder so it does not move right or left when you are cutting and continue until the piece has been cut in two.

The 1999 Mercury Cougar has two engine options. The base engine is a 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, which produces 130 horsepower. The optional engine is a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter V-6. No matter the engine size, the 1999 Cougar has an on-board diagnostic (OBD) computer with an OBD-II port.

Location

The OBD-II port is sometimes difficult to find on certain vehicles. However, the Cougars OBD-II diagnostic port is easy to find. It is located on the drivers side, under the dashboard and to the drivers side of the steering wheel.

Function

The OBD-II port is where an OBD-II scanner can be plugged in. This scanner gathers all of the information from the vehicles computer and displays it on a screen. Some computers even have testing functions for certain components.

History

On-board diagnostics started back in 1982 in California when the California Air Resources Board began creating regulations that required all vehicles to have an on-board diagnostic system -- now known as OBD-I -- to sense emission system failures. In 1996 the Federal Government followed suit by making the more-universal OBD-II required on all vehicles.