97 explorer ohv sport 5 speed awd, t case question

[fox9150lx]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum but not new to mechanics. I just got a 97 explorer sport with a 5 speed and the electronic shift awd t case. I personally hate awd with a Passion and want to swap it to a manual shift 2/4/4 low t case. I've tried to research what model t case to get with no solid results. I'm hoping someone here knows which one I have to get and what modifications will have to be done(aside from floor cutting and maybe driveshafts if anyone knows for sure if ill have to get new driveshafts please let me know ) and what vehicles I can pull it from. I was thinking a close year ranger with the m5od but i don't want to spend the time and money if it won't work. Thanks in advance.

 

[snoranger]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum but not new to mechanics. I just got a 97 explorer sport with a 5 speed and the electronic shift awd t case. I personally hate awd with a Passion and want to swap it to a manual shift 2/4/4 low t case. I've tried to research what model t case to get with no solid results. I'm hoping someone here knows which one I have to get and what modifications will have to be done(aside from floor cutting and maybe driveshafts if anyone knows for sure if ill have to get new driveshafts please let me know ) and what vehicles I can pull it from. I was thinking a close year ranger with the m5od but i don't want to spend the time and money if it won't work. Thanks in advance.

^ You must have tried hard.

Try searching for a 13-54 (or 1354, thats how most people type it.) swap.

 

[fox9150lx]

Ok thanks.

 

[fox9150lx]

I'll have to look for write up later unless someone has a link. I didn't even try searching this forum and now that I'm trying my phone doesn't want to cooperate, won't let me type into the search bar.

 

[Beargap]

I have a '97 with the manual 5-spd and Control Trak. While I thought I might have preferred the manual t-case (not available in '97), the changes made to Control Trak in '97 made it really pretty good. You need to manage it...understand that 4WD Hi and Lo will lock the transfer case just like a manual would, and you have just as much control. Mine has nearly 300K miles since new and has tackled steep non-maintained log trails up mountains to work on radio repeaters in the snow without a problem, pulled trailer loads of xmas trees from muddy fields, and been a DD. The previous versions didn't let you lock the t-case except in low range and had a troublesome front axle disconnect in 2wd that was all fixed in '97.

 

[fox9150lx]

I want to be able to select 2wd, not AWD. It isnt for off roading purposes or anything, its mainly because I do about 400 miles a week on the highway, and I dont like the way the AWD handles anyways. We just got the first snow storm of the year and I cant stand the way it reacted to small slides, both intentional and unintentional.

 

[snoranger]

I want to be able to select 2wd, not AWD.

1st... it auto 4wd, not AWD.

2nd... Thats what the brown wire mod (BWM) is for.

 

[96eb96]

If you want a true 2wd system swap the GEM computer,front axle, and some other vacuum components from a 95-96. The front axle has a center disconnect that turns it into a true RWD car. There are some reliability issues, but I haven't had any problems. You will have 2WD, 4WD Auto, and 4WD Low instead of the Auto, 4wdhigh, 4wdLow you have now.

Now, if you can add a switch to the brown wire that feeds voltage to the transfer case clutch, you can turn off any transfer of power to the front wheels on demand.

 

[fox9150lx]

Hmm that's something to look into. So it cuts power at the transfer case to the front wheels? Or is it a disconnect at the axle with power still going to the driveshaft?

 

[tgibbonsfordluv]

Hmm that's something to look into. So it cuts power at the transfer case to the front wheels? Or is it a disconnect at the axle with power still going to the driveshaft?

It's in the transfer case. all of the explorers 96 and up have the front axle constantly engaged. No lock outs.