One problem related to ball joint has been reported for the 1997 Lincoln Town Car. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driver noticed that both frontal seat belts do not retract back. While driving driver noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Updated 12-12-07. The consumer stated while driving, coolant leaked from the vehicle. The consumer was informed the vehicle had a defective intake manifold. The ball joints were defective and one of them had already failed. Updated.