Control trac 4x4 system

[David W]

Hi guys, I just love the styling of the 2nd generation Explorer Sport but the thing I hate about them is the control trac system. Is there any kind of way to modify this system to work as a conventional part time system?
I'm grew up on 4x4's with lockout hubs and manual shift xfer cases and I'm just not comfortable with the computer deciding whether or not I need four wheel drive.
Any tips short of installing a solid front axle would be welcome.

 

[Nate1]

Dead Link Removed

Control trac with 4x4 Auto, 4x4 High, and 4x4 Low found in the newer second gens (97+ I think) works really well. A simple mod gives you 2x4 High, 4x4 Auto, 4x4 Low, and 2x4 Low ... a pretty cool system indeed.

Also, the 4x4 Auto setting in the newer ones with no vaccum disconnect or auto hubs works great... its very smooth.

[edit] the last few pages of the thread with the *brown wire* mod are the preferred method of disabling control track[/edit]

 

[David W]

Originally posted by nweibley
Dead Link Removed

Also, the 4x4 Auto setting in the newer ones with no vaccum disconnect or auto hubs works great... its very smooth.

[edit] the last few pages of the thread with the *brown wire* mod are the preferred method of disabling control track[/edit]

When you say newer ones, what year was the first?

When control trac is "disabled", in what way does the system work different?

Thank you for your reply!

 

[Nate1]

Here is how the 97up control trac works.
The front driveline is always engaged. There are no hubs.... the driveshaft ALWAYS spins....
In the T-Case there are a set of electromagnetic clutches... and two speed sensors.. one for each driveshaft...
In 4x4 Auto... the computer pulses about 4% of the power to the front driveshaft with very quick pulsing in the electromagnetic system. This is even if there is no speed discrepancies.
Up to 35mph when there is a speed difference in the two driveshafts... the control trac system will progressively provide more and more power to the front driveshaft through pulsing the clutches. In other words.. in the rain, if you punch the gas and your back tires begin to spin... control trac will very quickly start applying more and more power to your front wheels untill both wheels are spining the same speed.
The 4x4 High button causes the computer to send a split of controlled but constant power to the electromagnetic clutches.... in otherwords... there is a 60/40 split or so...
The brown wire mod taps a relay into a brown wire that runs into the transfer case... and essential the driver can choose to either allow or disallow the wire to be connected with the flip of a switch.
The brown wire is the wire that controls the electromagnetic clutches.... so if you disconnect it.... you will essentially have a 2wd car. Also, the brown wire doesnt send a feedback signal back, so your computer will not know you are interfering, and wont freak out.
Really, you can flip to 4x4 low and flick your switch on and off when you need to, without any real regard to the vehicle's speed or anything... unless of course your rear tires are spinning.
The application is cool.... for example, I was trailoring a boat the other day... and I switched into 4x4 Low to pull the trailor and boat back up the ramp, and without stopping... going into neutral, and switching back into 4x4 Auto to use on dry pavement, I just kept driving and flipped the switch when I was on level ground... and turned away and let other motorists get their boat.... so it does come in handy.

I think I explained it... sorry for being so long winded.
-----Nate

 

[95explorer150K]

Ok in saying all that. Is the '95 thru '96 control trac system the same. I know I have 2wd already there but when i use 4*4 high auto is it the same concept. Thanks.

 

[TPLYNCH]

'95-'96 system has a vacuum disconnect on the front axle. The driveline is not always fully in motion until the vacuum connects the differential. In '97 and up, this feature was eliminated as testing showed the constant engagement of the front driveline was not damaging, and wear and tear was minimal.