2wd-4wd-awd? 4.0 - 5.0? Best? Worst?

[David in NC]

Which is best? Which is most reliable?
I wrecked my '99 4.0 ohv 2wd xls and I'm looking for a replacement. I have no need for 4wd and don't want the extra maintenance or trouble, but there are more of these on the market.
Which are the most reliable? Least? Are the AWD versions less troublesome than the auto-hi-lo? Are the older 2wd-4wd hi-4wd lo systems better or worse? Does the brown wire upgrade reduce problems? Is the 5.0 drive train better then the 4.0?
I know the SOHC 4.0 is troublesome. Is it ever worth considering or should it always be avoided? What do you think? Thanks for your help?

 

[section525]

Get a 2WD 5.0L. Best drivetrain of the 90's.

 

[Spdrcer34]

Worst: 4.0L with ANYTHING behind it....2WD, 4WD, Auto4WD.

I concur the best one out there is the 2WD, and 5.0L

That motor has been VERY WELL proven in just about every other RWD product Ford has made. And the Explorer got the Final Revision of that design. Best Heads, Best Intake, Best Block....but the WORST Exhaust...LITERALLY the absolute WORST exhaust design I have EVER seen....but Torque Monster Headers are about the BEST looking Header I have ever seen!

And as for the Transmission, it is STILL being used in the Mustangs. Very well designed, not many known issues.

As a matter of fact I am doing a 5.0L/2WD converison in my 1992 Explorer because the Transmissions behind the 4.0L SUCK!

Ryan

 

[96eb96]

Which is best? Which is most reliable?
I wrecked my '99 4.0 ohv 2wd xls and I'm looking for a replacement. I have no need for 4wd and don't want the extra maintenance or trouble, but there are more of these on the market.
Which are the most reliable? Least? Are the AWD versions less troublesome than the auto-hi-lo? Are the older 2wd-4wd hi-4wd lo systems better or worse? Does the brown wire upgrade reduce problems? Is the 5.0 drive train better then the 4.0?
I know the SOHC 4.0 is troublesome. Is it ever worth considering or should it always be avoided? What do you think? Thanks for your help?

I would avoid the SOHC unless you want to risk pulling an engine. Many will disagree, but its a documented issue. Even if it was fixed in the past, you may have an issue. Sure, you may get lucky, but everyone I know with this engine had the issue.

5.0L 2wd is probably one of the best drivetrains on any car. It is similar to the 80s CVs and Towncars. A 2wd is almost like a lifted crown vic station wagon!

Next I would say is a 95 or 96 OHV. The 4R55E has less issues than the 5 speed auto. The 5 speed auto is using parts of the trans at twice the rate of the 4 spd, among valve body issues. I also like the axle disconnect and full 2wd feature. The front driveshaft does not turn in 2wd these years, and therefore less wear.

A manual OHV is a great option too.

If I bought another ex it would be a 5.0L and I would convert it to the F-150manual Xfer case.. But the AWD is great, but I don't personally like all wheels going at all times.

Again...my opinion...

 

[410Fortune]

5.0L 4r70w convert to 4406 t case = tank