4WD Explorer tranny question from newbie

[comtech5]

I read some of the sticky's here, but I'm still not sure on this: On a 4WD late model Explorer, will the front diff lock on command? Will the rear diff lock on command? Will both front and rear axles lock to each other so that all wheels are locked to each other (isn't that the best mode for snow? I've seen this mode selectable on some heavy duty trucks). Or did all this change when traction control came into the equation? I noticed that 2010 models have a selector knob for road conditions, but I don't think Ford explains (I haven't read an owner's manual) what is going on underneath. I asked the salesperson (35 yrs experience) and he had no idea. Also, with the 2011 models being fully redesigned from the ground-up, did Ford change anything with the 4WD tranny from 2010 to 2011? Would be great to gain some knowledge on this!

 

[comtech5]

Anyone?

Anyone?

 

[IZwack]

I read some of the sticky's here, but I'm still not sure on this: On a 4WD late model Explorer, will the front diff lock on command?

"Late model" is kind of vague. But the only Explorer that had a disconnecting front axle was in 95 and 96. After that, the "disconnect" was eliminated and the axle shaft was a solid piece.

Will the rear diff lock on command?

There is no "rear diff lock". There are two rear differential types in Explores - open differentials, and limited-slip differentials. Limited-slip differentials are a passive device and is not controllable or selectable by the user, so it doesnt lock "on command". In fact, its locked until a force overcomes it (like making a turn when you're trying to park), then it becomes almost the equivalent to an open differential (I say almost because there is still a dynamic/sliding coefficient of friction that exists between the friction plates).

Will both front and rear axles lock to each other so that all wheels are locked to each other (isn't that the best mode for snow? I've seen this mode selectable on some heavy duty trucks). Or did all this change when traction control came into the equation?

Wheels on the same axles are never "locked" to each other when 4wd is selected/engaged (even with limited slip because that can be overcome). Only the driveshafts "lock" together when 4wd is engaged because the driveshafts are the only part of the drivetrain which the transfer case manages mechanically (and the transfer case is what you control with the buttons on the dash). Differentials still allow wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds (thats what they are for after all).

Also, with the 2011 models being fully redesigned from the ground-up, did Ford change anything with the 4WD tranny from 2010 to 2011? Would be great to gain some knowledge on this!

There really isnt anything new a manufacturer can do in the mechanical side of 4wd world - all of the major designs have already been on the market for a long time now (decades). The only major change a manufacturer can do is in the electronics - that is to say, how the computer manages the 4wd system and torque. If Ford has done something revolutionary in the 2011's 4wd system, I would be interested but at the same time, would be skeptical because the first year of something new hitting the market is usually when things go sour (like the 2002s which had suspension issues).