All of the v8's I've ever seen had 3.73's with limited slip, there may be some that are open though. The transfer case does use a viscous coupler, and it could be a weak link, but they aren't known to fail on a regular basis. As a whole the 302 explorers are really solid and reliable, with no real big problems.
Please don't waste your time and money on making an Explorer a drag SUV. It clearly was not designed for this, and you will ultimately be disappointed.
If you enjoy drag racing, do some research and pick a much more suitable vehicle.
If you want 4 wheel drive, get a STI.
The '01 5.0 AWD I purchased a couple of weeks ago has a 3.55 open rear. I was really surprised when I checked the code on the door considering that this Explorer feels WAY peppier down low than my previous two 5.0 AWD Explorers with 3.73LS rears.
I have the NP 205 transfer case in this with a built 460 and C6 auto. The power eventually stretched out the chain and required a rebuild.
It might boils down to how much power do you plan on having and comparing that to what others have done. Tires and gear ratios will play a big role as well.
The 2wd trucks are out there, mostly texas and california from what I've read. And you find one occasionally up in the northern states.
As far as the viscous coupling; I've seen a few Typhoons W/ over 500hp still running through the stock t-case. They had a BW t-case w/ a viscous coupler.
I would basically build your truck up with power then when traction starts becoming an issue decide to go AWD or get better traction through a better tire compound or something.
The 2wd trucks are out there, mostly texas and california from what I've read. And you find one occasionally up in the northern states.
In '96 and '97 I worked at one of the highest volume ford dealers in NJ. Out of the approx. 100 Explorers a month we got in, I'd say about 5% were 2wd.
So im curious as to how that viscous t case works? My BF busted his front drive line and has been running without it. Seems to work fine but being an AWD case i wondered if this would cause pre mature t case wear or failaure...
I'll have to get under the truck and check the tag. It cruises at 70 at a hair over 2k rpms so I'm inclined to believe that it is 3.73s. Also, its definetly 2wd. Is this an oddball truck? '98 EB 5.0 2wd? Its spent its entire life in Houston to my knowledge....not exactly an area that calls for AWD, but I'm still surprised: most web sources would tell you that ALL 5.0s came with AWD.
I have AWD and its nice being able to cut the wheel and mash the gas to get in a tight spot in traffic with out being worried about fishtail or tire spin in rain, snow, or shine. I know its robbing power though.
How do you stretch the chain in a GEAR DRIVEN transfer case?
As far as the viscous coupling; I've seen a few Typhoons W/ over 500hp still running through the stock t-case. They had a BW t-case w/ a viscous coupler.
it will absolutely cause premature failure of the viscous coupler.
With a little spray and aheap of whoooosh you can have a very fast Expy with the original engine, just be ready for the failures. As you already know it's the weakest link in the system that goes first. Good luck with it and have fun smokin' them chebbies and mowerpars.
