lag issues like something holding back power

[texaspride]

hello everyone . i have just bought a 97 explorer 5.0 awd with 158k miles really well kept and maintained by an older woman but when i drive it always feel like something is holding it back almost like a brake . the engine sounds great and powerful but does not preform the way she sounds . their just seems to be a lag threw the entire cycle which to me doesnt feel normal for a 302 .i notice when i make a u turn which feels like the awd pulling and holding back the truck from turning smoothly and almost feels like its slowing the car down while i turn making me excellerate as im turning slightly . could their be something wrong with the awd or are these things i feel normal for this truck ..im not looking for speed im just confused why it always feels like their is something holding the truck back

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Sounds pretty much normal for the AWD.

 

[yavapaires]

hello everyone . i have just bought a 97 explorer 5.0 awd with 158k miles really well kept and maintained by an older woman but when i drive it always feel like something is holding it back almost like a brake . the engine sounds great and powerful but does not preform the way she sounds . their just seems to be a lag threw the entire cycle which to me doesnt feel normal for a 302 .i notice when i make a u turn which feels like the awd pulling and holding back the truck from turning smoothly and almost feels like its slowing the car down while i turn making me excellerate as im turning slightly . could their be something wrong with the awd or are these things i feel normal for this truck ..im not looking for speed im just confused why it always feels like their is something holding the truck back

Check the parking brake shoes, inside the rear brake rotors.

 

[storlied]

Clogged cat?

 

[shadowless127]

Clogged cat?

This is what I'm thinking, or gummed up spark plugs and/or fuel filter. I'm sure none of those have been serviced in a long time if ever.

 

[my98nnj]

Check tire pressure too

 

[shadowless127]

Check tire pressure too

good call. Also check tire tread depth. uneven tires past 1/32 will cause AWD to engage.