96-97 Drive Train Configurations: Advice Needed

[holptj]

I've spent some time reading the fourms here and looking on Ebay, but I'm still not clear on drive train configurations. Our 96EB was recently totaled when it was rear-ended and slammed into the back of a Dodge Ram. We would like to replace it with a 96-98 with a 5.0, 4 wheel drive, and 4R70W transmission.

Is this combo available? I have seen lots of 5.0 on Ebay, but all claim AWD. I have no big problem with AWD, but really liked the setup on our 96. I was also told by a friend that the only 5.0 with the 4R70W is 2WD.

If we have to go AWD, is the transmission the 4R70W? I think the 5.0 and 4R70W is a strong and reliable combination - that's what is driving this quest. Am I wasting my time trying to find this exact configuration? Thanks for any advice or opinions.

 

[Blee1099]

I've spent some time reading the fourms here and looking on Ebay, but I'm still not clear on drive train configurations. Our 96EB was recently totaled when it was rear-ended and slammed into the back of a Dodge Ram. We would like to replace it with a 96-98 with a 5.0, 4 wheel drive, and 4R70W transmission.

Is this combo available? I have seen lots of 5.0 on Ebay, but all claim AWD. I have no big problem with AWD, but really liked the setup on our 96. I was also told by a friend that the only 5.0 with the 4R70W is 2WD.

If we have to go AWD, is the transmission the 4R70W? I think the 5.0 and 4R70W is a strong and reliable combination - that's what is driving this quest. Am I wasting my time trying to find this exact configuration? Thanks for any advice or opinions.

The V8 is only available in AWD or 2WD. The 4R70W transmission is very reliable and alot stronger than the 4R55E/5R55E family transmission. You should be able to find a 96-01 V8 AWD model Explorer or Mountaineer.

 

[Tom G]

AWD or 2WD gets the 4R70W w/ the 5.O

 

[smiley1]

Get yourself a 5.0 AWD. I have never looked back. and yes, all 5.0's come with the 4R70W.

 

[410Fortune]

the 4r70w is in both trucks

In mid year 97 the gt-40 5.0L got the "p" heads which are better.
So if you can find a 98-01 for the right price, get that!

 

[holptj]

Thanks for all the info. I'm watching a Mountaineer on Ebay.

Smiley1 (or anyone) what kind of gas milage with the 5.0/AWD configuration?

 

[smiley1]

Thanks for all the info. I'm watching a Mountaineer on Ebay.

Smiley1 (or anyone) what kind of gas milage with the 5.0/AWD configuration?

My last calculation was 17 highway and 14 city. That was before I found out my alignment was way off. Wore the insides of the front tires a bit before I noticed. I will be recalculating tomorrow.

Before cleaning the MAF and running a MPG program I was only getting about 15-16. I am hoping to pick up another MPG or so now that the alignmnet is taken care of. MPG is the only downside to the 5.0's and the lack of a low range for the AWD (Which I have never needed). Be careful with Ebay and good luck. I think you will be happier with the 5.0 over the V6's.

-Rob

 

[holptj]

Thanks for the reply. We were getting 15-6 in the city and 17-8 highway, so the 5.0 doesn't appear to make a lot of difference. I never got around to switching over to all synthestic fluids (just M1 oil), but plan on doing it first thing on the new X.

 

[gavin]

I think I hit 16mpg once... that was shortly after I got the truck.
before the body-lift and 33s, I was averaging around 15'ish... mixture of highway and city.

 

[ghh97eb]

My wife and I acquired a '97 Eddie Bauer AWD with the 5.0 V8 engine with 102K miles for cheap this past September, and have driven it approximately 4000 miles since then. We usually drive it between Staunton, Va. and either Charlottesville, Va. or Harrisonburg, Va.

We use 87 octane gas, and on the Staunton-Charlottesville trip (involving going over a mountain on I-64) we get about 18 MPG. On the Staunton-Harrisonburg trip (mostly flat on I-81) we have gotten 20-21 MPG. Optimal cruising speed (shockingly, to me) as far as maximum MPG appears to be between 70-75 MPH.

City driving, of course, is lower--about 14 to 15 MPG.

 

[410Fortune]

Congrats! It is a good idea to change out the transmission and transfer case fluid, as well as the trans filter, especially after 100K miles.
the AWD T case has been known to be problematic and changing the fluid regularly can extend its life a rgeat deal. Synthetic lubricant might also gain you even more MPG.

Make sure you use the right stuff, the dipstick will say what is required. (Mercon V)

 

[smiley1]

the AWD T case has been known to be problematic and changing the fluid regularly can extend its life a rgeat deal. Synthetic lubricant might also gain you even more MPG.

Never heard of problems with the AWD T-cases. What exactly goes bad on them? Only thing I can think of involves the front drive shaft.

 

[410Fortune]

Smiley I have now sold two of them as soon as people found out I had them for sale.
They have internal "issues"

I have not rebuilt one nor have I looked into what the cause is, but I do see them mentioned on these forums often.

Used ones are in high demand = they wear out.

 

[holptj]

410 - Yikees! As I look at the AWDs, what should I be looking/listening for? Any good sign that the T-case is on its way out? I'm headed up into KY this weekend to check out a 97, if it isn't sold by then. What do you get for the used units?

 

[410Fortune]

I only had two, and just by chance because I hused the drivetrains in other vehicles.

Dont worry there are plenty on the road with no problems.

From what I have seen they make an awful gridning andd clicking noise.

I have seen prices from $200-600 so it varys greatly. Here in CO they are somewhat plentiful in the junk yards compared to many states that may have fewer AWD/4x4's. The high end lots usually pick up the v8 trucks at auction and charge a premium for their parts in my experience.
I sold both mine for less that $200, one had 53K miles on it the other 151K miles, I just had no use for them