RustyRelic
New Member
- Joined
- January 25, 2014
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Illinois
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1995 Explorer Expedition
My 4wd on demand actuator crapped out a year or so ago. I learned that 1995 was the last year they used it, going to a different design after that. The dealer said it was out of stock at Ford. He said if I could find it he'd install it for 100 bucks labor, and gave me the part number. I tried combing the internet for used parts dealers to no avail. If the 4wd can't be salvaged I'll have to give up on the old bus, which I love. Here in northern Illinois, it is darned near essential. And when it was working, I could practically climb trees with it.
So - anybody have a suggestion for sourcing? Obviously a junked 1995 Explorer or ranger with 4wd is the source, but there aren't junkyards around here to prowl like I did as a kid in the South. So I need to find the cadaver and someone willing to remove the part and ship it to me for a reasonable fee.
And
Anyone have any experience with rebuilding this component?
If I remove it to try to repair it, can I drive without it?
As I understand it, it is a solenoid that kicks in the 4wd, triggered either by the slip-sensors or by the "4wd low" switch. Since neither method activates it, I am assuming the solenoid is dead - or perhaps just seized up and salvageable.
The old bus is a rust bucket - the entire underside is a mess - and it will probably collapse in a few years, but I'd like to nurse it along a couple more years before springing for a successor. Everything above the rocker panels is in super shape. Leather interior, great sound system. And I just like it!
So - anybody have a suggestion for sourcing? Obviously a junked 1995 Explorer or ranger with 4wd is the source, but there aren't junkyards around here to prowl like I did as a kid in the South. So I need to find the cadaver and someone willing to remove the part and ship it to me for a reasonable fee.
And
Anyone have any experience with rebuilding this component?
If I remove it to try to repair it, can I drive without it?
As I understand it, it is a solenoid that kicks in the 4wd, triggered either by the slip-sensors or by the "4wd low" switch. Since neither method activates it, I am assuming the solenoid is dead - or perhaps just seized up and salvageable.
The old bus is a rust bucket - the entire underside is a mess - and it will probably collapse in a few years, but I'd like to nurse it along a couple more years before springing for a successor. Everything above the rocker panels is in super shape. Leather interior, great sound system. And I just like it!