AWD to FWD Conversion

[jetav8er]

I have a Winnebago Rialta that I want to convert from the VW Chassis to Ford Explorer. I am going to chop off the VW, cab and all, and replace with a 2011-2019 Explorer from the rear of the front doors forward. It would be relatively easy to do with just the FWD model but I sure would like the twin turbo engine. The problem is that the ecoboost is only available in AWD.
I think without the rear driveshaft it automatically reverts to FWD and you can drive forever like that. However, you will have all kind of faults illuminated on the instrument panel.
My questions are: Is it OK to drive the AWD without the rear drive shaft without damage? Is there a way to reprogram the drive module to remove the fault warnings?
Thanks.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.

Peter

 

[03WIExplorerLtd]

Why? Explorers arent perfect, and is alot of work.

 

[Josh P]

Engine swap would be the way to go, ecoboost or a vw diesel.

 

[03WIExplorerLtd]

Not economical to swap engine, its not plug and play for ecoboost.

 

[jetav8er]

The VW chassis and drivetrain is 20 years old and mine has 160k. It is unreliable and slightly underpowered. Maintenance is hard to find and very expensive. I have a 2011 Edge and love the Ford V6 engine. The swap would also give me an updated powertrain that is reliable and parts are eazy to find and much cheaper. It would also give me updated electronics and more comcomfortable seats.
What do you think about the AWD to FWD? Any ideas?

 

[boominXplorer]

What is its weight? A 4cyl EcoBoost might actually do the job and be easier. Is the VW front wheel drive?

 

[jetav8er]

What is its weight? A 4cyl EcoBoost might actually do the job and be easier. Is the VW front wheel drive?

Yes, the VW is front wheel drive. I am making the whole cab swap so an engine swap is not in the plans.

 

[Josh P]

The weight is just under 8,000 lbs empty and 9,000 loaded. The vw guys have swapped just about anything into a vw. If you can swap the entire front end, go for it.

 

[boominXplorer]

This is a tricky one as I'm not sure how'd you do that transformation safely and worth the time and effort. Sounds like a cool project just not sure I'd choose a 5th gen explorer to use.

Another thing to consider is availability to replace the water pump on that engine. It can be done without a lift but it can't be fun. I'm actually replacing the engine in a 2011 Edge as I type due to water pump failure at 162k mi.

 

[rusty813]

Isn't the explorer an unibody vehicle?

 

[jetav8er]

I appreciate all the comments and recommendations but getting back to my questions:
Is it OK to drive the AWD without the rear drive shaft without damage? Is there a way to reprogram the drive module to remove the fault warnings?
Thanks.

 

[blwnsmoke]

I appreciate all the comments and recommendations but getting back to my questions:
Is it OK to drive the AWD without the rear drive shaft without damage? Is there a way to reprogram the drive module to remove the fault warnings?
Thanks.

Someone just posted about a week ago that their rear diff blew up and they removed the rear driveshaft to make it home (quite a few states off memory of travel) with no codes or issues.