AWD transfer-case swap?

[lancen]

hey guys, I would like to wheel my '98 xlt but I don't want to start any major mods unless I know I can get a t-case w/ low range. My Haynes manual tells me that the AWD t-case is the Borg Warner 44-05, or C-trac, and is only modified to run full-time. I don't think I can swap in the 13-54 out of the 4.0 model because it has a different tranny. But the f-150 is equiped w/ the 4r70w. Her in lies my question. I found web sites that told me the explorer has the same tranny, but I thought it had the A40D tranny. Would I be able to swap in a f-150 t-case and get the low range I want and if so, will I need to modify the computer? Anyone with any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Doug]

If the bolt pattern is the same you should be able to use an f-150 t-case but there might be size constraints. Most likely you will need a custom front driveshaft since the f-150 t-case will have a different mounting plate or u-joint. Personally i think your best option is to find a manual t-case, you wont have to fool around with wires and computers. however i don't know if the 4r70w has mounting points for a shift linkage so you might have to custom fab something. You can also get an adapter from advanced adapters that will allow you to mount a 4405 or 1354 to your 4r70w. stad2x (i think is his name) put a 4405 in his 5.0 explorer and did all the wiring. Also if you do decide to go with a manual t-case you might have to remove the full length console (if so equiped) and swap it out for a short console.

 

[Jason_25]

The transmission you have is the 4R70W. The transfer case you have is the BW 4404.

You could try to fit the F-150 transfer case but it will likely be too big to fit. Pretty sure the newer ones use a BW 4406.

You can buy an adapter from Advance Adapters that will allow you to use the BW 1354.

 

[lancen]

I talked to the guys at Advanced Adapters and they don't think I would need an adapter to fit the 13-54 to the 4r70w. He does think that there would be a problem with the different spline numbers. He said the existing t-case is a 31 spline and the 13-54 is a 25 spline. I'm guessing this is going to be a trial and error project. Has anyone tried this?

thanks guys for the previous responses

 

[Doug]

I'm confused, I thought Advanced adapters make an adapter to go from the 4r70w to the 4405. I know they make something because the 4405 or 1354 will not bolt directly up to the 4r70w.

 

[Doug]

Check out this thread, this should give you all the info you need.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85487&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

 

[lancen]

Oh my god This is exaclty what I am looking for! I kind of had the feeling the guy at AA was kind of guessing with the info he gave me. It is a little more money than I was hoping, but the only reason I didn't want to go with the Atlas was the price. I also wanted to keep my center consol. So I guess $1500 will probably be worth it. I'm just wondering why the search didn't tell me about that thread weeks ago. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Doug]

No problem, good luck with it.