Hmmmmmmmmmmmm
The provisions for the front differential MIGHT be there in 1996, I am just not sure
The 95/96 frames were slightly different then the 97+ in a few spots.
Some of the 2wd Explorer based vehicles have the mounts in place for the front diff and some do not
You will just have to look unless somebody chimes in
Gearing is all about matching what you have now in the rear axle. if your rear axle is currently 3.73 ring and pinion ratio then you MUST match the same with the front diff
Explorers came with 3.27 (rare), 3.55, 3.73 and 4.10 ratios you can check your door sticker for the axle code and decipher it online.
ALL 5.0 Explorers were 3.73, I have been told somebody has one with a 3.55 axle but I dont believe them as I have owned about 25 of these 5.0 trucks and every single one I have ever seen or known about were 3.73 ONLY
The 95/96 trucks used a vacuum actuated center axle disconnect (CAD) on the front diffs, the 97+ did not. The CAD will not clear the V8 oil pan if you have the 8 cylinder, something to consider. So for your 96 you will want to use a 97+ front center section (diff)
Most people will tell you to just sell the RWD and buy a 4wd and they would be correct, its likely the easier path. However not everyone follows the norm
To convert from rwd to 4x4 you will have to change the 4r70w transmission and change the t case and drivelines. Add a front diff, cv axles and knuckles wheel bearings from a 4x4.
Then you will have to decide if you are going manual shift t case or e shift....
