'03 Explorer XLT w/Control-Trac 4wd spins.

[geneT]

Hi --
Yep, I'm new ... Google brought me here searching for a single solution for a generally satisfactory vehicle.

We live up a steep, winding driveway.

The Explorer is '03 XLT 4.6L v8 with Control-Trac, "3.73 LS Axle".
At one turn, the driveway fully loads the front-driver's side and rear passsenger's side so that the front-passenger's side wheel is lightly-loaded or even a few inches off the ground.
Under those conditions, the front passenger's-side wheel spins freely and the Explorer stops all forward motion ... apparently all the power goes to the unloaded wheel.
This is also true when I switch to 4wd Hi, and 4wd Lo.
The only solution is to back down and take a run at again - to get past that spot on pure momentum.
Apparently, the center differential is not even minimally limited-slip!
NOT what I expect from 4wd nor this package.
The techs at my dealer (who seems to be ethical and competent) say this is normal!

And my '02 F-150 XLT has no such problem!

SO:
Is my Explorer designed to put all power to that wheel?
Or is there a "fix"?

thanks/gene --
btw - if this has been handled a) "my bad" - I missed it, b) please aim me in the right direction

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[corkey]

something is definately wrong, the back wheels should push the truck over that bump,, i would check the rear diff,, or have it checked,, , mine has the limited slip , and if the front wheel is off the ground the rear will do the job,

 

[dogfriend]

Is my Explorer designed to put all power to that wheel?
Or is there a "fix"?

For the front, yes, this is the way that an "open" differential works. All of the torque will go to the wheel with the least traction. You have an open diff at the front.

For the rear, if you have limited slip, the limited slip axle should prevent all torque going to the wheel with least traction and should distribute the torque to both wheels. So, it sounds like your limited slip diff in the rear is not working right (or it isn't limited slip).

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the stock 2002-2005 section.

 

[geneT]

Thanks - now I'll go learn about "open" differentials
But since both rear wheels are firmly on the ground, I'm now thinking that the center differential is also "open" - which may be the design issue.
If that's true, I'm saddened - since I have a seemingly simple situation where 4wd is actually less effective than 2wd with limited slip ... and the tech's are correct
gene --

 

[patrick112390]

here is a good demonstration of what it sounds like you need. a locker, which both the wheels on the locked axel spin the same speed unlike open diffs... now dont be discouraged about the f150 gettin stuck in the vid, the 09 fx4s have lockers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6_kOlUXYoI

 

[geneT]

here is a good demonstration of what it sounds like you need. a locker, which both the wheels on the locked axel spin the same speed unlike open diffs...

I guess my puzzlement is less of the front & rear differentials, but of the center one - it seems to be open ...
btw, my '02 F150 specs don't mention it, but it easily walks over the same spot that sticks my '03 Explorer - exactly like in the video!
thanks!

 

[patrick112390]

I guess my puzzlement is less of the front & rear differentials, but of the center one - it seems to be open ...
btw, my '02 F150 specs don't mention it, but it easily walks over the same spot that sticks my '03 Explorer - exactly like in the video!
thanks!

actually it is the front and rear lol, the driveshafts spin the same speed out of the transfercase in 4wd. now think about turning around a sharp parking lot corner, the outside wheel will travel further than the inside wheel, thats where the DIFFERENTIAL differentiates the wheels individual speed and sends power to the wheel that can travel the fastest, try going around a sharp corner with your rear axel locked gaurentee you your inside back wheel will be RA!RA!RA! barking its ass off.. now on your comment how your f150 can make it
A. it weighs more=suspension can scrunch more under the weight
B. its wheel base is longer o--o <explorer o----o <f150 possibly clearing the "rough spot"

heres another diff lock vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-rQTHMVAuw

 

[gsmaclean]

I guess my puzzlement is less of the front & rear differentials, but of the center one - it seems to be open ...
btw, my '02 F150 specs don't mention it, but it easily walks over the same spot that sticks my '03 Explorer - exactly like in the video!
thanks!

The center diff is not open. There is no center diff.

When you shift into 4WD High or Low, the transfer case locks the front to the rear and sends torque to both. The only way you can get stuck is if you have one front wheel off the ground, one rear wheel off the ground, and open differentials front and rear.

If, as you describe, you have one front wheel spinning in the air, and the other three wheels are sitting solid on the ground, then you've got a problem, I would guess with your rear differential.