hi i have just bought a 2002 mountaineer and discovered a droning noise from the rear end, i have been told this is a common problem and wondered if anyone could tell me how to fix this, also what will happen if i just live with it??

What do you mean by a droning noise? I have a 2005 and I have noticed like a buzzing/whistle. It happens sometimes on take off, and just out of the blue between 25 & 40 mph. Somtimes it stops if I slow down & sometimes it doesn't. It usually only lasts a few seconds. Also, sometimes it will do a real quick noise that sounds like a cop has flipped their siren on behind me really quick. Is this what yours does? If so, I would be interested to hear anything you have been told about it. Mine is still under warranty for a short time, but whenever I take it to the dealership it won't make the noise. I'm about to go insane trying to figure out what it could be. Thank You