'92 Explorer XLT drivetrain HELP!!

[gotbike]

So I recently got hold of a '92 XLT for $500 from a friend. I don't know anything about 4x4's, but have a basic mechanical knowledge. He says he took it a while back to get a rebuilt transmission put in, but the guys did'nt hook up the 4WD (?) and when he went back to complain about this he found the business had been burned to the ground, and no trace of any previous mechanics could be found. Now what the heck could "didn't hook up the 4WD" possibly mean, and am I justified in being too terrified to press the button on the dash to find out? Additionally, the thing has just begun this habit of not wanting to shift out of 1st gear first thing in the morning, but after the first shift seems to be fine. Transmission fluid seems to be at a good level, and doesn't really smell burned or anything. Thanks for any input you folks might have...

 

[snoborder42]

As for the 4x4 not hooked up portion. It could be any number of things.

1) Driveshaft not there.
2) Shift Motor not there.
3) Shift Motor not hooked up.
4) Something they broke and didn't want to fix.

If anything just push the button to see what happens. I highly doubt that bad could happen. But I could be wrong.

Plus I see that you are in Seattle, I may be able to help you. There are also several others in Seattle. So you are not alone in this.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The 1-2 delayed shift when cold is most likely a sticking governor. This is located in the rear of the transmission in the extension housing.

 

[gotbike]

thanks for the welcome. alright, i'm curious... what is a governor, what does it do, and can some joe like me fix it?

 

[gotbike]

snoborder42 - nice to see a local (kinda) as to your post, 1+2 are there, do you mean 3 mechanically speaking, or electrically, or both? There dont seem to be any wires loose or empty sockets where they should be. I'm inclined to agree with 4.