Explorer 5.0 AWD in the Dunes?

[PrerunnerManiac]

I'm looking at getting a 5.0 Explorer and wondered if anyone has had one in the dunes? I'm wondering how the AWD handles the sand?

 

[SoNic67]

It handles it very well. If you are ready to deal with sand in your engine, in your CV booths... etc.
Remember, sand is a powerful abrasive, sandpaper is made of it. I have a colleague at work that find out that the hard way after several trips on Nags Heads sand dunes.

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

It handles it very well. If you are ready to deal with sand in your engine, in your CV booths... etc.
Remember, sand is a powerful abrasive, sandpaper is made of it. I have a colleague at work that find out that the hard way after several trips on Nags Heads sand dunes.

Ya I'm not worried about that part I more concerned with does the AWD act like 4wd or does it just slip.

 

[Dono]

AWD uses a viscous coupling transfer case. So, no, the front and back dif's are not locked together. I dont think its 50/50 split on power, more something like 35/65.

I found my AWD performed really well in snow, but Im sure sand is a completely different game.

You could always swap in a 4406 transfer case out of a F-150. That would give you true 4wd

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

AWD uses a viscous coupling transfer case. So, no, the front and back dif's are not locked together. I dont think its 50/50 split on power, more something like 35/65.

I found my AWD performed really well in snow, but Im sure sand is a completely different game.

You could always swap in a 4406 transfer case out of a F-150. That would give you true 4wd

Yes it is a 35/55 split and I've read on here about the 4406 swap. I'm looking for someone that has any real world experience. I plan on doing the 4406 swap but I was wondering how well the AWD does in the dirt.

 

[Dono]

vroomzoomboom and I just did the 4406 swap on my truck. He has already done his.
Neither of us will have any off road info for you, but I'm sure other members do.

I've read quotes something like:
'With the v8 and low range, these things are unstoppable.'

I'd think you would want to look in to some kind of a front locking dif for the sand also. The rear is probably already limited slip. Not a locker, but better than an open.

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

Sorry you're missing the point of my question...I know if I did the 4406 swap it will perform well in just about any environment. I want to know in the meantime before I did the swap how will the AWD system handle in the dirt.

It will be built into a prerunner and will be used when I shoot offroad races. When I cover races I am often out in the middle of the desert by myself so I like the idea of 4wd. I've been doing this with my 4wd Ranger prerunner for years but the cab is just too small. Having to collapse my tripod every time I get back in the trucks sucks!!!

The desert around Las Vegas often has huge silt beds that unless you are on the gas you won't make it out if you only have 2wd.

Does this make more sense?

 

[Dono]

Ah, I thought you were asking build questions.

The AWD seems to be pretty good. I have seen some AWD vans that get stuck easily. My Explorer AWD was not like that at all.

It was great in the snow, and areas I would have surely have been stuck in any type of 2wd, or van style AWD.

I remember sand dunes in my dirt biking days, and do remember it took a lot of power in the sand.

Problem is, I have not heard anyone in the sand dunes with Explorer AWD. I would guess it would have a lot to do with tire selection. I don't think you would end up stuck with just the rear wheels spinning. You would probably end up with 3 wheels spinning.

 

[SoNic67]

^ If you have 3 wheels spinning (2 front and 1 rear) you still can move with an EB or Limited, having LS on rear.

Also, a 4x4 Low is useless on sand. You don't need humongous torque like when you do rock crawling - on sand (and mud) the surface breaks down very easy, you need tire surface. For sure the AWD with LS will do better than a 4x4 with open diffs.

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

Ok that's what I needed to hear. There is a race I cover called King of the Hammers and it is a blend of desert racing and rock crawling and it has some unique terrain. I want to make sure I am not stuck out in the middle of no where...

 

[pbnj22]

Ok that's what I needed to hear. There is a race I cover called King of the Hammers and it is a blend of desert racing and rock crawling and it has some unique terrain. I want to make sure I am not stuck out in the middle of no where...

just youtubed that race.. looks pretty bad ass.. the only real thing i have is that tire selection is gonna be the big factor.. and i recall you want low tire pressure for traction so you might want to go beedlocked and get a wide tire to help you stay on top of the sand which is key to not getting stuck kinda like snow shoeing in snow.. and also i believe you want a softer compound tire that wont "dig" in the sand too much.. if you get stuck and are spinning tires do not keep doing that and try to be a hero.. get out and move some sand quick before you dig yourself even deeper..
as far as the AWD i have only used mine in steep hills with heavy snow rain and ice. works amazing for all three so i dont see why sand would be any different!