4wd problems??? 97 explorer

[Jate]

Hi, I'm new to this board and would appreciate any answers you may give me. I have a 97 Explorer Sport with the 4.0 SOHC engine. The question is when I first used 4wd high in the snow and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left to make a turn, it feels like the truck has no power and starts making a thumping noise.

I don't think this is normal and I took it to the dealer and went for a test drive with them and they said it was fine and said not to play with the 4wd switches. They couldn't even give me a direct answer when I asked them which 4wd setting I should use in different types of road conditions. What's the point of a 4wd truck if I can't use it?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jate

 

[James]

My 95 explorer thumps in the front end when I'm in 4wd Low. I feels like the front end is coming out from under it. The ford peole said that it was normal. And recomended on driving it in 4wd at least 15 miles a month. They do not make manual hubs for new explorer either.

 

[MarkP]

I have a 92 Explorer, which I'v only had for a couple of months, so I'm finding out all it's little problems too. Mine thumps when it's in 4WD, but only when the steering wheel is turned all the way, and I'm moving. It sounds pretty bad, but as I say only does it when the wheel is hard over.

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Mark