A few drivetrain questions.

[Aussie_jase]

Ok,
Just wanted to know if it is normal for the explorer to clunk a little when moving off in 4x4 low range. It does it when on the sand , its like as if it takes a second or two for the hubs to lock or something , anyone know?? Also, does the GEM module have a history of causing problems changing from low range to high range and vise versa?? Mine has an intermittent problem of changing ranges , sometimes it will do it , sometimes it wont?? No lights flash when it happens , just the 4x4 low light stays on as if it doesnt know to change? Any reason why it may not want to change? Could it be a heat problem because it only does it when the car is failry hot, like i can feel the heat on the transmission housing. Any help would be great.

 

[Ray Lobato]

G'Day Mate,
You should hear a thunk when the transfercase motor shifts from HI to Lo gear, but not normally when you start to move, unless there is a little play in the transfercase with the viscus clutches that actually give power to the front drivetrain.
Because you said there were no lights that turned on when you went from lo to hi, I don't think it is the motor, but maybe the switch itself. I did have that problem once on my 95 and it turned out to be the 4wd switch itself. If you are sure that it is the T-case motor, it's pretty easy to take it out and clean it up. hope this helps.