4X4 question for 94.

[crtyree]

The other day I went to use the 4X4 on my 1994 Explorer and while driving down the road, at about 25, the steering wheel kept moving left and right and there was a weird clunking sound, as soon as i turned the 4X4 off all the werid stuff stopped? Is it the transfer case or something else? Just confused, this is my first car with 4X4.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Bwana Bob]

Luckily, it is not the transfer case. I had the problem you describe. Most likely, one of the automatic hubs is not engaging. You may be able to restore the hub by removing the hub and cleaning out excess grease, if present. Some guys have reported success by cleaning out the hub by pouring ATF into it, letting it soak awhile, then pouring it out. I tried this and had no luck. The best solution is to repace the auto hub. They are expensive ($275 each ), unless you can find a used one, so most guys replace them with manual hubs. The manual hubs are stronger and more reliable. It is an easy DIY project. Warn makes the manual hubs and a conversion kit which you will need. You will also need a spindle nut socket for the new adapter parts. The total cost of new manual hubs and the spindle nut kit should be under $200 and the tool will be $25 or less.

There are instruction for the job in the technical tips on this site, and the Warn hubs come with instructions.

A word to the wise: After you do the conversion, use a label printer and make a sticker to place above the 4X4 pushbutton on the dashboard. The sticker should read, "Lock hubs before engaging 4WD."

Bwana Bob:navajo:

 

[Positive Vibes]

Yep, most likely your hubs. Replace with manuals.

 

[Jason94sport]

Dumb question, but were you running the 4X4 on dry road? Cause doing that will cause that.

 

[JStrider]

Dumb question, but were you running the 4X4 on dry road? Cause doing that will cause that.

first thing I thought of also.

not supposed to run the 4x4 on a dry road, it stresses the system a lot and can cause things to break.

if you were testing it on a dry paved road then I recomend trying them out on a dirt road or during a rainstorm.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Dumb question, but were you running the 4X4 on dry road? Cause doing that will cause that.

I just assumed he wasn't?????

 

[Jason94sport]

He said first 4X4 car, so that made me question it.