97 Explorer Control Trac Problems

[ZeR0]

Hello Everyone,

I recently picked up a 97 Explorer Eddie Bauer Control Trac 4x4 with a 4.0

It has 180,000 and is still in great shape other then one problem I'm having with the trans. I bought this thing knowning this had a problem. Was told it had a bad trans in it...but for $500 I was ok with that.

But if the thing is in Auto it doesn't pull,slip or move period. Doesn't make any weird sounds...It's like its in N. So I figured bad trans like i was told. So I go ahead and put it in 4 low.... it clicks in and pulls fine as if nothing is wrong. I try to power brake it alil just to see if the rear wheels are pulling and they are. Now if you switch it over to 4 high....Nothing! Doesn't pull or anything. Same as auto....But drives fine when it's in 4 low. You can hear it switch over as you switch it between modes. The 4x4 light never flashes or goes off or anything. To me it almost sounds like its not fully ingaged when its in auto or 4 high. Now I know nothing about the Control Tracs.

Does anyone have any ideas on what I should check for first?? or what might be causing such a problem??

Any info would be greatly needed.


Zach

 

[gijoecam]

Search the transmissions and transfer cases forum for 'shift rail bore' or 'shift fork' and you'll find your symptoms fit. Essentially, teh transfer case is letting the low range/high range planetary gear set slip into neutral never-never land. Time for a rebuild/rebuilt unit.

For about $500 or less, you can swap in a used one (but it's got to come out of another 97. ) or for about a grand, you can buy a rebuilt one. Somewhere in between, you can probably do it yourself.

Good luck!