2wd to 4wd

[Robert Craig]

Question I have a 2003 explore xls witch is currently a 2wd but I do want to convert it to 4wd, I understand the front and rear great ratio has to stay the same witch I'm planning on running 4.10, and from what I've read looks like in order to install the transfercase all I need to do is remove to tail shat on my transmission and the t case should bolt on. Not sure if I need to replace the rear drive shafts or if I can still use mine. For wiring I know the explorer runs a electric shift motor aka window motor. So that won't be an issue I can wire each mode to its own switch. Just wondering if anyone has done such a swap and exactly what all parts I will need. Becides the t case, front drive shaft and the front differential with axles.

 

[drdoom]

I'm not sure about the entire plan, but I am fairly certain the transmission will have to be removed and completely disassembled to swap the output shaft. I don't believe it is as simple as just removing the extension housing. I base this on a more intimate knowledge of the 5R55E transmission, which I do know requires a complete teardown to swap shafts, and I am suspecting the 5R55W/S/N series would require the same. Just food for thought.

 

[Mr. Truckles]

In addition to the range shift motor the BW-4411 transfer case requires PWM and sensor feedback from the PCM in order to control the electo-mechanical clutch. Technically speaking it is possible to jury rig a control circuit for the clutch, but I wouldn't advise it due to the negative side effects.

To be honest your best bet is to just trade up for a 4x4 explorer if you can. It'll cost you way less in the end and you'll be starting with the job 90% finished!

 

[Robert Craig]

Yeah it be a lot easier to just start with a 4wd but my future plans are to do an engine swap as well from the 4.0 to the 3.5 eco just trying to weight my opinions because it will have to run 2 pcm or just go awd witch will save me some wiring headache's and stock at 420 ft lbs of torque at awd It can want I looking for. Not trying to do rock crawling just what to be able to get down most trails.

 

[Nickp_]

my future plans are to do an engine swap as well from the 4.0 to the 3.5 eco

As in the 5th gen twin turbo? That would be crazy if you pulled off the swap

 

[Robert Craig]

Yes but out of an f150 3.5 twin turbo 385 hp and 420 ft lds of torque. I did some research and a guy did a swap into an explorer. He said the trans bolted in but had to modify the mounts. Plus a lot more fabrication work ps bracket and so on. That's my goal with my explore I can do most of the work. But some of the fabrication I will have to have someone else do. I don't have the tools to make bracket's an such.

 

[Nickp_]

Yes but out of an f150 3.5 twin turbo 385 hp and 420 ft lds of torque. I did some research and a guy did a swap into an explorer. He said the trans bolted in but had to modify the mounts. Plus a lot more fabrication work ps bracket and so on. That's my goal with my explore I can do most of the work. But some of the fabrication I will have to have someone else do. I don't have the tools to make bracket's an such.

That's cool, and it should fit better than a v8 swap, I guess the intercooler(s) might be a little tricky but it would be awesome if it works. I would really like to supercharge my 4.6, but the transmission can't even handle the stock engine, so I'm lookin into a supercharged Mustang drivetrain, hoping it would fit

 

[TechGuru]

4WD to 2WD > Yes, pretty easy.

2WD to 4WD > Just buy a 4WD!