Front differential problems?

[Blk4x4explorer]

I need Help quick!!!!


My girlfriend's 97 explorer has problems with the front differential(Stuck at the dealership). Smoke, grinding and an increasing winding sound. The ford dealership wants $700 to open and reassemble the front differential(not including parts).

Can you run the car without the front differential effectively making it a 2WD? I ask because it probably has 2 years left of use and I don't want her racking up a high bill.

thanks for the advice!

 

[CougarX]

You can, but the dealer isn't going to do it for you.

You have to disconnect the front driveshaft, from the transfer case to the diff, as well as take out both CVs going from the diff to the wheels. DO NOT LEAVE OUT THE CVs COMPLETELY. Disassemble the CVs so the only the outer stub is left and insert it back into the wheel bearing/hub assembly and torque the nut back to specs. This will keep your wheel bearing from grenading and your wheel from falling off. This effectivly turns your truck into a 2wd and keeps the front diff from ever spining.

 

[Blk4x4explorer]

One thing I did forget mention is that it is an all-time 4wd. Will that make a difference since I can't automatically switch it into 2wd or will it just give me the same affect as 2wd?

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed, if it's a V-8 with All Wheel Drive, then no you cannot do it. If it's a V-6 with the selectable automatic 4 wheel drive, then, yes, you can do as mentioned above.

-Joe

 

[CougarX]

If its AWD you can do it, but make sure to set your parking brake when you park because it will roll without the front driveshaft connected!