Changing Ring & Pinion QA AWD? NEED Tech Info

[whitestang04gt]

If you have an AWD 02' Mountaineer, must you change both the rear & front ring & pinion?

If yes, what if the brown wire mod has been done & stays in 2wd all the time, would it be safe to change just the rear ring & pinion?

If it is in AWD & ring & pinions are different size, what is the resulting affect?

Is the rear a 28 spline or 31 spline diff, open or LSD?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BWilliams]

With the AWD, you cannot do the BWM: your transfer case isn't electronically controlled to engage 2/4-WD.. you're always locked into AWD.

If you are changing gear ratios, you MUST change both your front and rear gears at the same time... if you don't, you'll grenade your T-case.

Not sure on the specs for the axle itself... if your truck is the same as the X, though, you'll have an LSD rear if you have the towing package.

 

[jrford]

I’ll second you have to do Both F/R at the same time. Only thing that may work (really slim) is if you removed the Front Driveshaft I’d check with someone else to be sure.

Your also going to have to update the PCM with the new Axle ratios.

Axle Code 45 = 3.55’s Open Diffs and small hitch.

 

[whitestang04gt]

Tuning is not a problem since I have diablo software & a dynojet. I wanted something 2wd but couldn't pass up the deal on this AWD, although I was under the impression the BWM was doable.
So did they make a 2wd automatic version in 2002?

 

[CDW6212R]

Be sure of which transfer case you have. Both AWD and automatic 4WD, (A4WD), were available. The A4WD TC has typical wiring and 4WD low gears available. AWD is not switched or wired, only one speed is in it and it's constant.

If you do have a A4WD TC then you could sever the connection of that brown wire for pure 2WD. I would not do that long term though.

Check the door jamb axle code, a letter code should be LS, number codes should be open diff's. BTW, all Explorers have 31 spline 8.8's. Regards,

 

[whitestang04gt]

Be sure of which transfer case you have. Both AWD and automatic 4WD, (A4WD), were available. The A4WD TC has typical wiring and 4WD low gears available. AWD is not switched or wired, only one speed is in it and it's constant.

If you do have a A4WD TC then you could sever the connection of that brown wire for pure 2WD. I would not do that long term though.

Check the door jamb axle code, a letter code should be LS, number codes should be open diff's. BTW, all Explorers have 31 spline 8.8's. Regards,

Thanks, I thought the BWM would work, & since I'd have to rebuild the one I have & get a new torque convertor, So I'm thinking that I may just start looking for a used low mileage 02-05 2WD automatic tranny, cross member, driveshaft, & ecu, use a high stall TC & just eliminate the AWD all together, I'm sure the weight savings & 2wd would help.

 

[CDW6212R]

Well you are in luck, somewhat. You don't need a different trans, starting in 2002 the trans is all the same, the rear cover is the only change. You only need a 2WD rear trans tail housing, 2WD driveshaft, and swap out the front drive parts. The AWD has no electronics, and the PCM has nothing to do with 4WD or a TC. The 4WD's have different modules(GEM, TOD, 4WD), the AWD and 2WD trucks are the same for those.

I'm not an expert about the 2002+ trucks, but I have learned most of that on this site. Regards,

 

[whitestang04gt]

Well you are in luck, somewhat. You don't need a different trans, starting in 2002 the trans is all the same, the rear cover is the only change. You only need a 2WD rear trans tail housing, 2WD driveshaft, and swap out the front drive parts. The AWD has no electronics, and the PCM has nothing to do with 4WD or a TC. The 4WD's have different modules(GEM, TOD, 4WD), the AWD and 2WD trucks are the same for those.

I'm not an expert about the 2002+ trucks, but I have learned most of that on this site. Regards,

Interesting, I just took a closer look, the front axle has nothing attahced to it other than the front driveshaft, & axles to the front hub, looks like I can completely remove the front drivetrain completely & transfer case, replace the back of the trans...hmmmmmmm..Anyone want to convert there 2wd to a AWD & swap come parts..lol..

 

[whitestang04gt]

I'm guessing my biggest question is whether or not I can use a PI torque converter out of a 2005+ mustang. Guess I need some insight on the input shaft for the transmission, a flexplate isn't a big deal.

 

[EVLSPL]

Tuning is not a problem since I have diablo software & a dynojet. I wanted something 2wd but couldn't pass up the deal on this AWD, although I was under the impression the BWM was doable.
So did they make a 2wd automatic version in 2002?

MY 02 MOUNTY 4.0 is a 2wd. I am not sure if they made the v8 in 2wd.

 

[CDW6212R]

I'm guessing my biggest question is whether or not I can use a PI torque converter out of a 2005+ mustang. Guess I need some insight on the input shaft for the transmission, a flexplate isn't a big deal.

I would call them, they should know, and they could say what resulting stall speed you might end up with. Ask Rob about what works best with those engines.

 

[whitestang04gt]

I would call them, they should know, and they could say what resulting stall speed you might end up with. Ask Rob about what works best with those engines.

Yeah, alot of that will depend on heads, cam & rear gear choice once I swap to 2wd. It's going to be a nasty little sleeper.