all wheel drive or limited slip?

[gazzer]

My ford explorer 1994 xlt for instance. How do I find out if it is
limited slip or all wheel drive and what dose this mean? thanks
new used explorer owner and likeing it.,,,,, thanks .

 

[Mbrooks420]

Welcome to the site. You 1994 isn't all wheel drive. It may be 4wd. If it is it will have a switch on the dash for 2hi 4hi and 4lo. To find out if it is limited slip you'll have to look at the door tag on the drivers door for the axle codes. If you post the code here I can tell you whether you have it or not. There is a ton of info here on these trucks and a lot of great members who will help you with any problems that you may encounter.

 

[gazzer]

Thanks; Mbrooks420


The axel codes are 41, and thats what I said I diden't look that deep. Now I have a very clean interior.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Axle code 41 is a 3.27 open diff.

 

[gazzer]

So I guess that this means that I have no traction to the wheels that count when I need it there or at times when perhaps two wheels are off the ground. Kinda discouraging. By the way I have 4x4 button and a 4x4 low button on the dash. I wonder if this means I have a better system when the explorer is in 4 low? It would seem that to have a better system for off road that this would require different differentials for one thing. I have read about differentials that have clutches that transfer tourq to the other wheel. I see that the solution is to get posi-drive differentials and all that go with that I have no idea yet, or steel studded tires for the winter. And be real careful where I go.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I have read about differentials that have clutches that transfer tourq to the other wheel. I see that the solution is to get posi-drive differentials and all that go with that I have no idea yet, or steel studded tires for the winter

The clutched diffs are the limited slips. You can also look into a selectable locker. That would give you max rear traction without too much $$$. If you run studs i doubt you'll ever have problems on road.

 

[gazzer]

Hey Mbrooks420
You got any advice on what differentials will go in to my stock explorer with out leaving me short off options for the future for creating a little bit of a compromise between off road and on road?

 

[Mbrooks420]

There are a few options. What size tires do you eventually want to run? 3.27's are pretty high. 3.73's and 4.10's both come stock on the Explorer(8.8 Dana 35) with factory Limited slips.

 

[gazzer]

Probable the 3.27 s for now, If they are pretty high,
but not exactly sure what this means.

 

[Mbrooks420]

3.27 is your stock gear ratio. It is one of the highest ratios available in Explorers. The higher your gearing the faster your truck will go at any given engine rpm. In off roading you want a low gear ratio(which is higher numerically) This gives you a good "crawl" in low range. The bigger the tires the lower your gear ratio should be.

 

[Mbrooks420]

To learn about the basics about axles, differentials, and 4 wheel drive systems you can check out www.howstuffworks.com Tons of info with easy to understand pictures and animation.

 

[gazzer]

great thanks .

 

[Mbrooks420]

Feel free to post more questions here though. If I can I'll answer them.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Just a quick tip... make sure you read up in your owners manual about your 4wheel drive system. Don't use 4hi or 4lo on dry pavement, and don't drive fast in 4lo.

There's a lot more to 4wheeling then pressing buttons. Be safe.

 

[gazzer]

Getting back the question at hand about the gear ratio, mine being a 3.27 … high…for off road. Will the stock ratio of say 3.73’s give me a better off road experience and still be able to drive on road? Can I change to any of these stock ratios with just installing gears hence lockers or positraction kit? And I want to run 30-inch tires down the road.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Can I change to any of these stock ratios with just installing gears hence lockers or positraction kit

No you can only change the ratio with new gears. Well you can change the low gear ratio with a new t case but that's not cheap either, and a whole different subject.
3.73's are a good ratio if you're tires aren't going to be too big. I think 30's would be no problem. I have 3.73's and stock tires and it is very drivable on road. Regearing isn't a cheap dat in a 4wd because you need to change them in the front diff as well.

 

[gazzer]

what about leaving the 3.27's. and putting a locker in the front ? Will there be problems off road ?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Most people opt for the locker in the rear but there are lockers for the front. Off road would be good but I'd never use it on the road.