Hello everyone, this is my first post here.

Recently I got a 2007 500 SEL, and my family friend who is a mechanic found that the engine cradle is pretty badly rusted, but everything else is in good condition.

Rust is a common issue here since roads get salted in the winter.

The thing is, I cannot for the life of me find the engine cradle for the FWD model, and i wanted to know if the AWD model one could be used? I also found one for the Ford Freestyle, and it looks essentially identical, would that work?

Any help here would be appreciated, I love the car and I don't want to have to get rid of it because of 1 part. Thanks.

 

Perhaps your dealer is the place to find out. Are you doing the work or paying a shop to do it? The shop (if applicable) should be able to determine parts compatability. My advice, if you are doing the work yourself, it's a good project. If you are having a shop pull the engine and trans to replace the craddle, I would not put the money into it. Actual trade in value is not much and this could be costly. It is also hard to figure that if the craddle is rusted out, that the rest of the structure is sound. There's also a good chance that other items are also worn out. Those being engine mounts, steering etc.

 

Like RASKI said, let someone who knows what they are doing-----repair shop-----determine the compatibility. Customer should just worry about the thousands, to repair their 'likeable'' Five Hundred .Unfortunately, mine is a poorly designed MONEY PIT.

 

Have you considered a salvage yard?

Many times a vehicle is in there because the owner didn't want to spend the $$ to do needed repairs.
They know what they have and might be able to save you a lot of time and $$.
They might even be able to answer your question while there.
You can see what you are getting before buying it.