4x4 conversion

[YettiCrush]

I know it would probably be the same price to buy a new truck than to convert a 2wd X but, how much (a general range) would it be to convert a 2wd X to 4wd? I nkow I'd have to get a new tranny, new diff, drive shaft, and redo my front suspension, just wanna know how much it would cost. My guess would be around $4-5k.

 

[YettiCrush]

Ok, I have been doing some serious searching on this site and from what I hear, correct me if I'm wrong, is the following.

You can use the standard v6 4.0 Automatic tranny but you will need the 4wd transfer case, the front diff, and new drive t. Anything else? Will I need a new tranny as well? Also, the cost question is still out there, mainly the average, or general cost of parts.

 

[JoshC]

I'm not 100% sure if you can use a 2wd tranny, but IF you can then you will need a new tailshaft and extension housing off of a 4wd tranny.

As for parts, lets see if i can get a list strated for you.

tcase
driveshaft
front diff with same gear ratio
cv shafts
hub assemblies
4wd spindles
Rotors are probably different too

Right off the top of my head that's what i came up with. This isn't including the money you'll have to spend for a new computer more then likely. Also there is a GEM module behind your stereo that controls your 4wd system and i'd bet it's different too. Well unless you went with a manual transfer case which would save ALOT of trouble and money.

What are your reasons for doing this?

 

[YettiCrush]

My X is in PERFECT condition atm and I noticed that right now, on the trails I am going on, 2wd is plenty to make it with some nice/large tires, but I also plan on doing some harder stuff soon.

I dont mind the chip, rotors, and suspention because I plan on getting an Aptem chip, new front-end rotors soon (lots of milage), and suspention becasue I have yet to lift it with anything other than tt and AAL.

What would you say everything will cost?

 

[JoshC]

I honestly don't know what it would cost, but if i were to throw out a number i'd say a couple thousand easy if you went with the electronic tcase. That's if you have to have the new computer and the GEM module that i was talking about.

If u went with the manual tcase, then everything is under the truck, no electronics, so it COULD be cheaper, but i wouldn't know by how much.

I do know the computers are about $450 cause i had to by one new from Ford. I'd imagine that if you had to purchase a GEM it would be close to the same as it runs almost all of the electronics inside the vehicle.

 

[rino351]

Ask Kris Guilbeaux-- I'm pretty sure that he did it.
He could probably help you out.

 

[jgilbs]

if the GEM controls all the electronics, is there a difference between a 2wd GEM and a 4x4 GEM? i mean wouldnt it be cheaper for ford to build one computer and just not wire the 4x4 stuff instead of having to produce multiple GEMs?

 

[JoshC]

That may be true, that's why i was saying IF above. But the GEM controls the 'torque on demand' relay. That was the start of my hole thread about making the 97+'s 2wd. You could probably call ford and ask them and they could compare part numbers.

 

[MartyD]

And don't forget new front wheels, as the 4wd spildle is a larger diameter, the opening in the front wheels change size too. the best way to get the parts would be to find a junk 4wd X the same year and pull the parts from it. Or if you can find a 4wd teh same year with a blown motor you might be better off just putting your motor in it (plus any other parts from yours you want to keep). Good to see someone else from GA in here. There is a local Explorer group, here is a link to the web sight.

http://www.southernxplorer.com/

 

[rino351]

http://www.explorer4x4.com/2wdto4wd.html
This should help too!

 

[98XLTLMEdition]

I dont see why not just buy another X you can just take the stuff you have done and do it to another one...there are 4 million explorers out there im sure there is one just like yours for sale with 4wd you can get its a better alternative then doing the conversion i think.....I have seen 36 identical twins to my explorer to date same color and all and i find it hard to shell out 5 grand for a car thats worth 8 when i can sell mine and buy another one maybe with less miles with all the stuff i want.

 

[section525]

I know of two reasons why he should convert his 2WD.

1) He will learn more than he'd ever want to know about his Explorer.

2) He could make some money by doing it. Not spend it.

I did something like what you want to do. I got a donor vehicle, transfered parts, sold what was left of the donor, and walked away with a 4wd Explorer and more cash in my pocket than when I started.

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

sounds like a fun project if you have the time the money and the tools,


otherwise it may be more work then you think and you may lose interest,


why not think about selling yours and finding a 4wd instead

 

[Jay98]

I have the complete set of parts you need to convert your X from 2WD to 4WD, and I will sell it to you for $1500 + shipping from CT. I was going to convert my '98, but I'm moving back to CA, so I don't need 4WD anymore.

Includes:

• Ford 5R55E 5-speed Electronic Overdrive Automatic Transmission
• BW 4405 Electronic Automatic Transfer Case (married to trans)
• Shift motor for transfer case
• GEM control module and harness for transfer case
• Front and rear drive shafts
• Front torsion bars
• Dana 35? Independent Front Suspension (Axle) Assembly including
  • Differential and axle housing assembly
  • Half Shafts
  • Spindles and hubs
  • Brake rotors
  • Caliper mounting brackets
• Misc hardware

 

[Jay98]

The wheels on my '98 2WD fit on the 4WD spindles perfectly.

Jay

And don't forget new front wheels, as the 4wd spildle is a larger diameter, the opening in the front wheels change size too. the best way to get the parts would be to find a junk 4wd X the same year and pull the parts from it. Or if you can find a 4wd teh same year with a blown motor you might be better off just putting your motor in it (plus any other parts from yours you want to keep). Good to see someone else from GA in here. There is a local Explorer group, here is a link to the web sight.

http://www.southernxplorer.com/

 

[YettiCrush]

I may take you up on that offer. I will get back to you on this, this comming Sunday.

 

[Jay98]

Still interested...?