I have a 2000 awd 5.0 xlt explorer and i want to convert it to a 2WD. Im sick of AWD and the added weight, so besides a drivetrain, rear driveshaft, front spindles and hub assemblies, what else would i need ? Would i need completely different electronics and could i used my old transmission. How much would you estimate this to cost me, parts and labor. thanks for any help
-
Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator,
Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
Register Today It's free!
AWD to 2WD ?
- Thread starter BeauJ
- Start date
Elite Explorer members see no advertisements, no banner ads, no double underlined links,.
Add an avatar, upload photo attachments, and more!.
V8BoatBuilder
Transplanted Bostonian
- Joined
- November 4, 2002
- Messages
- 3,406
- Reaction score
- 8
- City, State
- East Brunswick, NJ
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 97 Mountaineer V8 4x4
Well you're in luck that the AWD system is 100% mechanical, so there would be no electronics involved in the swap.
Your best bet would be to get a junked 2wd V8 explorer from 1996-2001. You'll need a new transmission tailshaft in addition to your list. The rear (except for the driveshaft) is unchanged. You might need a new transmission crossmember/mount.
I would look for posts by Section525 on here, he converted his 2wd V8 to AWD, so read up on what he did, you will be doing the exact opposite.
You're right on about the front, needing new spindles and their hubs, brakes, etc. Again, get the junker.
Your best bet would be to get a junked 2wd V8 explorer from 1996-2001. You'll need a new transmission tailshaft in addition to your list. The rear (except for the driveshaft) is unchanged. You might need a new transmission crossmember/mount.
I would look for posts by Section525 on here, he converted his 2wd V8 to AWD, so read up on what he did, you will be doing the exact opposite.
You're right on about the front, needing new spindles and their hubs, brakes, etc. Again, get the junker.
- Joined
- February 11, 2001
- Messages
- 14,573
- Reaction score
- 33
- City, State
- Red Bluff, Ca
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1975 Ford Bronco 4x4
espnfreak has a 2wd tailshaft for you. I have the spindles.
You could make money by doing this. The 4WD components are worth more than the 2WD stuff. So you could sell your front diffy (to HEATH!), CVs, transfer case, etc, and more than make up the costs of buying the 2WD parts.
You could make money by doing this. The 4WD components are worth more than the 2WD stuff. So you could sell your front diffy (to HEATH!), CVs, transfer case, etc, and more than make up the costs of buying the 2WD parts.
V8BoatBuilder
Transplanted Bostonian
- Joined
- November 4, 2002
- Messages
- 3,406
- Reaction score
- 8
- City, State
- East Brunswick, NJ
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 97 Mountaineer V8 4x4
I'm not 100% sure about the brakes, but have heard they are different. Most likely due to the lack of CV shafts on the 2wd X.
I personally don't think it would be worth it to convert to 2wd. The AWD system is maybe 400lbs, and adds LOTs of traction and improves handing.
In terms of cost, Section525 got a complete AWD chassis with tranny and motor for under $1500 with about that many miles on it. He dropped his body on it. It all depends on the deals you find, and how much work you do yourself.
SEARCH this site. This swap, and the identical 2wd > AWD swap has been discussed at length.
I personally don't think it would be worth it to convert to 2wd. The AWD system is maybe 400lbs, and adds LOTs of traction and improves handing.
In terms of cost, Section525 got a complete AWD chassis with tranny and motor for under $1500 with about that many miles on it. He dropped his body on it. It all depends on the deals you find, and how much work you do yourself.
SEARCH this site. This swap, and the identical 2wd > AWD swap has been discussed at length.
expHendrix47
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- December 29, 2003
- Messages
- 151
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- New York
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '97 XLT
Can u convert an AWD and make it selectable from 2wd to 4x4 high, and low?
V8BoatBuilder
Transplanted Bostonian
- Joined
- November 4, 2002
- Messages
- 3,406
- Reaction score
- 8
- City, State
- East Brunswick, NJ
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 97 Mountaineer V8 4x4
Most definitley... Stadx2 did it, Section will most likely be next, and as soon as have some $$ I will too!
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85487
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85487
racebronco2
Active Member
- Joined
- August 19, 2003
- Messages
- 68
- Reaction score
- 1
- City, State
- palmdale ca
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 87 bronco2 2000 5.0 ex
i have a 2000 explorere also, i have been thinking about making it 2wd ... by removing the front drive shaft, and removing the front axle assembly ... cost $0 .... sure it will still turn the tranfer case but i don't want to spend any money .... if this is feasably let me know .... looked at it a few times and maybe i missed something
tmsoko
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- March 12, 2001
- Messages
- 838
- Reaction score
- 4
- City, State
- Plymouth, MI
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2010 Adrenalin
You will need to change out the front knuckle assemblies. The hubs used on the AWD need the front axle to keep pressure on the bearings. If you pull the axles, the bearings will wear out immediately.
As for the transfercase, yes, you can leave that in place. You will get a little fluid leaking out through the vent tube though. I have been running my Explorer AWD t-case without front drive shaft in place for 31K miles. No issues, just need to check/add a little trans fluid every now and again.
As for the transfercase, yes, you can leave that in place. You will get a little fluid leaking out through the vent tube though. I have been running my Explorer AWD t-case without front drive shaft in place for 31K miles. No issues, just need to check/add a little trans fluid every now and again.
Explorer Features
Explorer Features
