computers..

[raiderx72]

I have a question i was just told that if you put 31's on a stock explorer or any tire size it would throw the computer off? is this true? i was also told the first thing i should do if i want to go off-roading i should change the transfer case.. if anyone could fill me in about anyof this about throwing the computer please reply or write me xxraiderxx72@hotmail.com
thanks
Pat

 

[Jason_25]

Huh? Who told you this?

Must have been some ignorant redneck at a 4x4 shop. First off, all you need to do is change the speedo gear. It's less than 10 bucks at the dealer ship and a 10 minute job. Also, why would you need to change the TC? It's pretty strong actually. Strong enough that Advance Adapters makes an adapter for it to fit the 5.0 tranny.

 

[james t]

in voice of character at deliverance service station- "I reckon you'll hafta change that there 'puter if you're gonna put some bigger tires on. that'll run ya 'bout $1000, that is if Daryll can git to it today, maybe tomorree." complete and utter B.S. the speedo will be off only a little, and like Jason said, this can be fixed with a cheap drive gear. do yourself a favor, and dont even drive by this shop again. IMHO.

 

[dmasini]

At the risk of sounding really stupid, what is the speedo gear? I'm planning on getting 31's in August for mine and this is the first I've heard of it...

 

[taxx]

from what I have read the newer explorers don't have the gear like ours (pre 98). The speedometer is controlled by the computer and the computer either has to be reprogramed or buy that computer adjuster thing superlift makes.

 

[Robert]

taxman2k is correct. The '97 and earlier Explorers use a plastic $7.00 speedometer gear. On '96 & '97 it is part of the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). It still goes through the computer. The compurter needs the speed to control the fully electronic transmissions. The VSS will either be mounted to the tailshaft on the transmission if 2WD or the transfer case if 4WD. Beginning in '98 Ford used the Rear Anti-Lock Brake Sensor (RABS) to determine vehicle speed. To correct the speed on a '98 and newer requires persuasion of an electronic means.

 

[Jason_25]

Robert, my 95 doesn't have a VSS? How could I have an electronically controlled tranny if I don't have a VSS?

 

[Robert]

Jason, Ford used the term VSS loosely. I would say your '95 has a VSS also (at least according to the way Ford uses it). I only mentioned the '96 & '97 since with the introduction of OBD-II vehicle speed is one of the parameters measured. The '95 Explorer wasn't OBD-II but since the transmission is electronically controlled it would also be considered a VSS. I don't know what Ford called it before they started calling it a VSS. Regardless though, your '95 has a speedometer gear mounted in the same place as the '96 & '97 are that can be changed.