95+ Front differential question.

[KSMike]

Does anyone know what years (if any) Ford put the center disconnect module on the front differential of the 95+ Explorers? The question also applies to Rangers.

 

[yob_yeknom]

I assume you mean the vaccuum disconnect? It's on '95 and '96 Explorers. Don't think it's on any Rangers.

 

[KSMike]

I did see a parts blowup of a 99 Ranger front differential and it shows the vacume disconnect. I wonder mounting of the two differentials are the same?

 

[yob_yeknom]

The mounting of the two would be the same.
It would make sense that the Ranger had the disconnect since it has a 2wd setting. I should've thought of that earlier.

 

[KSMike]

John,

I see that you have a 95, so does your front driveshaft turn when you you are in 2 wheel drive?

 

[yob_yeknom]

Yes, it turns in 2wd.
So why the disconnect is there I will never understand.

 

[KSMike]

If you are stopped with all of the wheels on the ground, can you turn the driveshaft by hand? Maybe it is really freewheeling and not mechanically locked to either the differential or transfer case.

 

[Jason_25]

Actually this is what I now beleive happens on the 95-96 auto 4x4 systems

2WD-Vacuum disconnect on, TC clutches disengaged.

4WD Auto-Vaccum disconnect off until signal is sent to it by the GEM when there is a speed difference between the two speed sensors on the TC. At this time the clutches on the TC are engaged.

4WD Low-Vacuum disconnect on all the time. Clutches on all the time.

 

[KSMike]

Jason,

If that is the way it works, that is the closest 95+ owners can expect to get to having "lockouts" . It just seems to me that the 95+ Explorers would drive much smoother if the ring&pinion and drivshaft weren't being driven all of the time. Think of how the 94's and older feel when the hubs are still locked in, even though the transfer case is not locked up. It feel like your dragging a lawn mower behind you.

 

[Jason_25]

Well yes, that would be correct. If you could turn it off, you would reduce some parasitic drag. But, the 97-2001 models drag constantly too because they don't have a front disconnect. So it couldn't be much of an issue.