Can you "FOOL" the front diff???

[FireZeus]

My '95 EB has this crappy little thing called A4WD. I know you guys know what I'm talking about. I was wondering 2 things. First, can you fool the front end to think that the rears are always losing traction, which would make the front always engaged while in A4? Second, when in 4LO, is the front engaged by rear wheel slip also, or is it locked in?
This is why I like the simplicity of my '81 CJ7.

 

[Robert]

First, I don't consider the Auto 4x4 crappy, at least when combined with the option of locking 4x4 High. I know, that doesn't do much for your '96. I have driven through up to 12" of snow in Auto with no hint of slipping. There are several thread from people with '95/'96 Explorers trying to convert their Auto 4x4 to a locking 4x4. Try doing a search and see if you can find them. I don't think making the system think the rear was always slipping is the answer though. If the GEM (General Electroncs Module) thinks the rear is slipping, a) it will keep diverting the torque to the front wheels until either it detects the front and rear spinning the same speed in which case it will back the torque off from the front again, or b) once it has redirected all of the torque to the front wheels that it is capable of directing, if it still thinks the rear is slipping, it will switch into 2WD mode and flash your 4x4 lights since it thinks there is a problem.

Your 4x4 Low does lock the front and rear together. It doesn't rely on the rear slipping to engage.

 

[FireZeus]

Then explain why would the 4LO would engage the front without any problems, but to trick it while in A4 like it is in 4LO is????? There has to be some sort of signal that locks the front axle.

 

[Robert]

Yes, there is some signal that does lock in the front axle. However that signal relys on the transfercase being in 4x4 Low. I don't know if it is mechanical or electrical though. A few people here were trying to do what you are asking. I just have never seen them reply that they succeeded. I am sure that something can be done to get the front to lock. It's just that fooling the front end by making it think the rear end is slipping isn't going to be the answer.

 

[LazyDay]

This thread might help out.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=20740

Someday I'll also get around to llooking into this a little closer. If anyone has had success or failure in trying this please add your advice.

Good Luck!