Two problems related to driveshaft have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Major and recurring issue with front drive shaft, and front differential, grinding, shaking, with near crash due to difficulty to handle (this was on the way to the mechanic).
Driveshaft have failed on two occasions. Once at 18,000 miles, and then again at 38,000 miles due to a design flaw. Manufacturer has issued new part .