4X4 PROBLEM...someone please help!

[mgokool]

I just bought this 95 XLT and having a little problem with the 4x4. When in 2wd the truck moves ok, for some reason, it rolls fine, but when you step on the gas, it feels like something is holding the truck back. when switched into 4wd low, the truck rolls great, but when you step on the gas, the same thing happens. But now, once you let go of the gas, the front dives down like the brakes are holding it back. When the wheel is cut all the way over in 4wd low, the truck doesnt move, once you start bringing it back to the center it "bucks". theres loud banging noises coming from the front when in 4wd low and the wheel is turned. Has anyone experienced this? Please shed some light on this for me?

 

[JDraper]

Not sure about what you are talking about in 2WD, but what you are describing in 4Lo sounds normal to me. In 4lo you are geared way down, so when you let off the gas, the engine will brake the truck, slowing it quickly. When you turn sharply, all four wheels want to turn at different rates, but when in 4WD, the drivetrain wants to make them turn at the same rate. Something has to give, so the tires slide and hop on the ground, causing the truck to buck. The banging noises are also normal in 4Lo when turning sharply for the same reason. The drivetrain is under a lot of stress, and the sounds are from it popping as the tires slide. That's normal.

Also, YOU SHOULD NEVER USE 4WD ON DRY PAVEMENT!! Doing that is a good way to bust parts.

 

[mgokool]

thanks for the insight! My dad has a 96 EB AWD and that doesnt do that, thought was a problem with the truck. How do you check the fluid in the transfer case? The truck has 178k and just want to make sure eveything is good before the winter!

thanks again!

 

[JDraper]

The AWD Explorer is a different beast than the 4WD Explorer when it comes to how the drivetrain works on pavement. The AWD xfer case has clutches in it that allow slippage so that the drivetrain doesn't bind up. When you are in 4WD, there is no slippage (normally).

As for checking the Xfer case fluid level, there is a fill plug in the back of it that you pull to check the level. The fluid should be level with the bottom of the fill hole.

I suggest you go get yourself a Haynes repair/maintenance manual. They run about $17 and have all sorts of good info, as well as lots of pictures on how to repair and maintain your X.

Good luck!!

 

[yob_yeknom]

Originally posted by mgokool
it rolls fine

Is it very easy to push around in your driveaway with the tranny in neutral? What about with it in drive?

 

[mgokool]

easy to push around in neutral. seems to roll fine in drive and reverse, but when you step on the gas to go, feels like something is holding it back...only when you're on the gas though!

 

[Billy177]

sounds like you are low on tranny fluid

 

[mgokool]

thanks for all the input guys. I got the truck back from ford today. Had a few seals leaking below, so those were changed, the truck seems to be a little better now, but i think its about time i replaced that ole A4LD trans with a new one. Any good ideas in the NY/Long Island area?

Thanks again!