Explorer 4x4 -VS- Aviator all wheel drive.....swapable?

[cecoen]

OK, been on the hunt for a 2005 explorer but decided that I needed a/c seats. I know, silly reason but I finally have saved enough to buy something for almost $20K and I want what I want. Anyway, in doing some homework to see what would be involved in installing cooled seats in my explorer I found that I like the Aviater better(only vehicle with cooled seats). Besides it has a more powerful v8 So now the problem is that I do not want all time all wheel drive, I want selectable 4 wheel drive with low range. Does anyone know much about the lincolns transfer case? I am assuming that the front drive line is the same and the transfercase is different. Simplified, very simplified, version, I am going to buy a aviator and a explorer t-case and switches and wires and unbolt the all wheel drive and bolt in the 4 wheel drive and install the switches wherever I can find room in the cab. What do you think? Am I nuts? Am I WAY oversimplifying this?

Anyone have part numbers/pictures or the differences?

Are they physically the same units as far as shaft size, bolt holes, ect?

I mean, basically the damn thing is an Explorer, right?

Thanks,
Chad

 

[CDW6212R]

Search to be sure that there wasn't a 4x4 Aviator. The only problem I see is if you have to have a GEM module from a 4x4, the Explorer 4x4 GEM may be different and affect other features.

You should have very little trouble with that, just the money and labor. I thought that the Aviator had an option for the 4WD at some point. But anyway, the Explorer and Aviator share the same transfer case designs, etc. The AWD BW4410 TC is the same one used in both vehicles. The 4WD TC of an Explorer will swap in just like if you were to swap it into an Explorer AWD.

Basically you need the same parts as if you had started this thread talking about having bought a 4x4 Explorer. I do not own one, but the parts will be similar to people who have swapped the Expedition BW4406 into an AWD 96-01 Explorer. You'll need the dash bezel, 4x4 switch and GEM module, a couple of 4WD control boxes in the dash, an under truck 4WD harness etc. Good luck,

 

[cecoen]

SWEET! I was hoping you would chime in. I have read, with great interest, your input on other peoples conversions. And your input here is no different, great information. I am glad to hear that it is just some parts and time needed. Well, isn't that what all mods require. I mean, glad to hear that it will be all factory ford. It is all there, just in two different vehicles. I had a deal worked out with a junk yard for parts for swaps a while back so maybe I can do it again. I installed a power third row in my wife's xlt expedition. Talk about a pain. Had to ad wires to blank holes in factory plugs and everything but the seats just bolted right up and work like factory Ford designed it to. Junk yard allowed me to park the vehicles side by side and start swapping parts using one or the other as a real life diagram. Hopefully I can do the same with the tcases!

So far my shopping hasn't indicated that the Aviator came in a 4x4. I have only seen the awd. the dash bezel is way different so I am not even sure where Lincoln would have put the switch anyway.

Thanks,
Chad

 

[CDW6212R]

Good luck Chad, the switch to install if needed would not be a big deal. The 4x4 GEM module that will be required is the only real issue to work out. If there was a 4WD Aviator then it's just a matter of finding the parts.

If there was not such a model, I think you will have to use a 4WD GEM module from an Explorer/Mountaineer. In that case you will need to learn what differences there could be in the electronic features of the trucks. From what I've read about GEM modules, more similarities exist within model years. Swapping GEM's from differing years causes more trouble than by trim level differences. This may mean nothing for the Aviator, but it gives you an idea of how to hunt for the answers.

Do post what you learn, here. I'd love to get an Aviator someday, and I'm hopefully soon going to be changing to a BW4406 in my Mountaineer. BTW, that swap requires a V6 4x4 GEM module. Regards,