Disable "auto" 4x4

[sweaver76]

Just bought my first explorer a couple weeks ago. A sweet looking, loaded black 2000 4.0L (the bigger V6).
I love everything about it, except the "auto" function for 4x4.

Is there any trick to disabling the "auto" function, yet still be able to go to 4high and 4low when i want to?
It is an automatic, completely stock (for now).

Thanks, Steve

 

[JoshC]

Hello, welcome to the boards. There is a way to do this. Below is the link for the modification. I know the thread is pretty long, but you need to read through the hole thing so you'll get a better understanding. Plus there is a better way of doing it later in the thread then the idea i had in the beginning. Good luck, any questions be sure and ask.

Dead Link Removed

Happy trails!!

 

[sweaver76]

Yikes, that was a long thread.
Just tobe sure I got the idea....

Put a relay on the brown wire under the seat. Some people threw a HD switch instead.

Eitherway, it works easy. No turning off to set it back.
If I want 2hi, the switch under the seat is open and the selector on the dash is "auto". If I want 2lo, the selector needs to be in 4lo with the switch open.

close the switch(or relay) and it operates as original.

Is that the idea?

 

[Xplodor]

Sweaver,

Let me know when you do this mod, I want to do it too. If you can take pictures and let me know wehre you bought the relay from. THANKS dude!!! Welcome aboard!

 

[sweaver76]

xplodor,
I will let you know when I do it, but it probably won't be for at least a couple weeks.

I'd like some feedback on what kinds of relays other people have used for this mod. I am anxious to do it. I hate having the front axle engaging on me when i don't want it too.

 

[JDraper]

You can use a standard 12V lighting relay like the ones that come with offroad light kits. You can buy them at Radio Shack or Wal-Mart. I used one from Radio Shack. Worst part about the whole thing is getting the seat out and figuring out where to mount the switch.

 

[alfcapone]

You can do it without pulling the seat out, just get the seat in the closest positione to the steering wheel as possible fold the backrest forward and then you can see where the cables to the seat goes in too the floor mat, just cut open the floor mat and you'll be able to get the cables from there. just pull a bit in the harness from under the car (tranny harness) and you'll spot it, its a bit tricky to get the cables to the switch and relay to the console (if you want the switch and relay there) buts it's not unsolvable.

 

[JoshC]

Sweaver, yep you got the idea. I didn't even use a relay on mine, just switch. Works great. I really enjoy having the 2lo.

Happy trails!!