Explorer AWD?'s

Decided against the explorer.

the 5.0 AWD Explorer uses a transfer case that has no provisions for low-range
or 2wd modes, actually there are no external controls what so ever..


the rear output is solidly connected to the front input
and the front axle output is coupled through a viscous coupling
(like a fan clutch) and is intended to slip just enough to prevent
driveshaft windup in high traction conditions.

It seems to me like it would be a good combination for snow...

I do know that conventional 4x4 trucks are less than ideal in snow

While on this topic, are there any transfer cases that will bolt in where that AWD case is? Are there 5.0L explorers that aren't AWD? I have some plans for the future so I'm thinking of looking for one and I'd like low range

Isn't the awd t-case in v8 exploders based off f150 stuff?

Yeah, explorer awd tcase is full size. I don't know definitively what tcase would drop in, but I'd look at f150 stuff.

Makes sense

BW 4406 out of 97-03 (IIRC on the years) F-150s will bolt in using the t-case/linkage/front drive shaft.

I agree a BW 44-06 is likely the closest match.

AllanD

Bw 4406 bolts right up but you have to shorten the rear drive shaft and use the front shaft out of a 97 to 03 f150 with a 4.6 with the conversion ujoint up front

My plan involves swapping to spring over in the rear and a TTB D44 up front... so there's gonna be some custom stuff going on

scotts90ranger said:

Are there 5.0L explorers that aren't AWD?

Click to expand...

Incredibly helpful for your application but they did make 2wd 5.0 Explorers for the south.

willy said:

Bw 4406 bolts right up but you have to shorten the rear drive shaft and use the front shaft out of a 97 to 03 f150 with a 4.6 with the conversion ujoint up front

Click to expand...

Why 4.6? Same trans, tcase and front diff as a 5.4. Aside from bellhousing depth (which I don't know about) the 4.2 uses the same too. (8.8IFS, 4406, 4R70W)

85_Ranger4x4 said:

Why 4.6? Same trans, tcase and front diff as a 5.4. Aside from bellhousing depth (which I don't know about) the 4.2 uses the same too. (8.8IFS, 4406, 4R70W)

Click to expand...

There different lengths

mtnrgr said:

Another couple of questions I have regarding AWD. Been doing more internet research and discovered that people actually own these say the different percentages between the front and rear.

1. They say the front is 65%, rear is 35% and the front wears out parts quicker due to the higher percentage in the front. Is this correct?

2. Some were also saying there is more electrical problems with the AWD system. Can anybody explain this?

I do not want to get an explorer and then have it turn into a hooptie. I may just get a 5.0 4WD explorer instead.

Appreciate the advice ahead of time before I buy this.

Click to expand...

1. It's biased more toward the rear, not the front.. It's a direct coupler to the
rear axle, with a viscous coupler that can relieve driveline stress toward the front.

2. Absolutely not... The AWD system in the V8 had NO electronics to control it. How could it have more electrical problems. Most likely they are confusing it with the auto 4WD in the V6 which can have issues. Most people call the V6 system AWD because they don't know any better. The V8 Awd does have issues with the viscous coupler if the truck isn't maintained well, (Running mismatched tires, not changing T-case fluid, etc) but for the most part it's a good working system.

3. They don't make a V8 4wd Explorer... Only 2wd or AWD.

snoranger said:

3. They don't make a V8 4wd Explorer... Only 2wd or AWD.

Click to expand...

mtnrgr said:

Appreciate the clarification on the AWD. Ford does make a AWD V8 Explorer, I have seen them on craigslist.

Here is one for sale

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5071003158.html

Click to expand...

Right, they never made a 4wd V8 Explorer, (2-4wd not selectable, no low range) only AWD. Even though that guy seems to think his AWD is a 4x4.

snoranger said:

1. It's biased more toward the rear, not the front.. It's a direct coupler to the
rear axle, with a viscous coupler that can relieve driveline stress toward the front.

2. Absolutely not... The AWD system in the V8 had NO electronics to control it. How could it have more electrical problems. Most likely they are confusing it with the auto 4WD in the V6 which can have issues. Most people call the V6 system AWD because they don't know any better. The V8 Awd does have issues with the viscous coupler if the truck isn't maintained well, (Running mismatched tires, not changing T-case fluid, etc) but for the most part it's a good working system.

3. They don't make a V8 4wd Explorer... Only 2wd or AWD.

Click to expand...

The full time 4WD in my Jeep Grand Cherokee was pretty similar except I had the option of neutral and 4Lo. Other than that, the full time 4WD was awesome in snow/ice...actually it did great in stock form offroad as well. The full time 4WD made take offs even in good weather nice and smooth no tire spinning, just power to the ground...it made tires last longer as well as you weren't spinning them in gravel, or sand trying to get moving on non-paved roads, as well as the sand they'd put down for traction in the winter.

With your explorer, someone mentioned that there weren't any electronics to worry about in the AWD...there weren't the T-case just allowed power to go to the front and rear axle, there weren't any sensors or electronics to control anything on them which made the system pretty reliable. Between that and the 302 engine it was a great combination from what I recall. Now the V6 explorers with the control-trac 4WD or whatever it was called that had the 2WD, 4WD auto, and 4WD low range had a few issues...I've never heard of issues with the AWD V8's though, other than some viscous couplers wearing over time...which is pretty minimal if you maintain the vehicle and don't try using different sized tires on different axles. All the tires need to be the same size, and type otherwise it really messes with the AWD system and will overheat the viscous coupler wearing it out very quickly as a result.