1997 Explorer AWD Systems

[BPortz]

So I've been reading about the 1997 Explorers AWD systems. From my understanding, AWD differs from 4WD by not having a low gear (for off road and
such). The AWD systems adjusts the power distributed to each wheel
depending on which ones have traction at the time.

I have been wondering how the AWD systems operate when you switch to the 1st or 2nd gears (manually). When I do this will the wheels get equal power like 4WD lo does, and is it something to be used when driving in mud?

 

[jremington59]

AWD means all 4 tires are turning at once. If one spins the viscous coupler shifts more power to that wheel. 4 wd has one front and one rear tire spinning at any given time.

 

[koda2000]

AWD means all 4 tires are turning at once. If one spins the viscous coupler shifts more power to that wheel. 4 wd has one front and one rear tire spinning at any given time.

i agree. the AWD system delivers roughly 35% of the power to the front wheels and 65% to the rears. what gear you put the automatic transmission in has no effect on power distribution. AWD was only offered with the V8 engine and automatic transmission. if desired, you can swap the AWD xfer case (BW4405) with a manual one from a F150 (BW4406).

 

[jremington59]

For 4 wheeling I'll take the 4 WD. But for snow driving I'll take the AWD any day. I guess it's the preference of what you're going to use your rig for.