Confused!!! 96 V8s are AWD or 2WD or either?

[BrianV]

Per my other thread, I test drove a 96 V8 Explorer today (XLT). I was under the assumption it was 2wd, however, I've read countless online stuff that says only AWD was available with the V8 in 96. I've also read in a couple places that only 2wd was available in 96 and then in 97 awd was also available.

I've seen cars for sale with both awd and 2wd listed. I didn't look under the car of the one I drove today, and I never got any wheels lose so I really couldn't be absolutely certain whether it was 2wd or awd. The owner told me it was 2wd via email before I came and saw it, but he doesn't know anything about cars really so he could be wrong.

I'm still fairly certain it was 2wd, but can someone set me straight on what configurations were available during what years with the v8 so I can at least have that knowledge while I continue my search.

Thanks

 

[celly]

See if this helps.

 

[justin146]

I am pretty sure they had 2wd and AWD in '96. Easiest way to tell is to look under it for AWD components.

 

[BrianV]

See if this helps.

I've already read this and it's added to my confusion:
"A big improvement underhood arrived for 1996, when Ford made their 5.0-liter V8 available in the Explorer. Boasting 210 horsepower, the V8 gave the Explorer a noticeable boost in performance, as well as an increase in towing capacity from 5,000 to 6,500 pounds. Unfortunately, it could be ordered only on four-door XLTs with 2WD."

I've seen 96s with AWD yet edmunds states it can only be ordered as XLT/2wd. I'm fairly certain I've seen 96 EBs with V8s as well.

 

[96limitedX]

all V8s either came in 2wd OR opt AWD..1996-2001.

it was a option on any xlt,EB,limited explorer in ALL years that the V8 was offered. the V8 was never a option on the XL/XLS trucks.

 

['97 V8]

check the sid of one if it say V8 AWD on the fender

 

[FexplorerV8]

put in in reverse and step on it, if it burns out its 2wd.

 

[IAmTodd]

In early '96 2wd was the only option. But it was later added and continued through 2001.

 

[BrianV]

Thanks guys, here's another question. Was both 2wd and AWD offered on 98 Mountaineer V8s? There's a 98 Mountaineer in my area that looks real attractive, I haven't gotten all of the details yet from the owner, but can you guys let me know what the options were.

Thanks

 

[rizzjc]

I think Todd is correct. I know in '97 it was available with either (I've got AWD). I would be very surprised if Moutaineer didn't have AWD *option* in '98. And something to think about .... my transfer case went on me at about 125k miles, so if you're buying one, you could be running up against the life of the tcase.

 

[BrianV]

I think Todd is correct. I know in '97 it was available with either (I've got AWD). I would be very surprised if Moutaineer didn't have AWD *option* in '98. And something to think about .... my transfer case went on me at about 125k miles, so if you're buying one, you could be running up against the life of the tcase.

Yeah that was one of the attractions with the 2wd version. I think this Mountaineer is 2wd because he didn't list awd/4x4 in his ad. I was just curious if all Mountaineers were AWD because they come a little bit more loaded.