Hi, I'm a new member and have some questions...

[b0ne]

...about my 1991 Ford Explorer XLT. First of all, hello and thanks for the forums! Here are my questions:

1. What is an "XLT"?

2. What type of axles do these Explorers use?

3. Is the 4.0L engine known for ticking valve lifters? What to do about them?

4. My particular Explorer has two buttons on the dash for the 4x4. The top button says "4x4", and the bottom button says "Low Range". I figured out how to engage the low range, by stopping and shifting into neutral. But I'm not sure if the 4x4 can be engaged while moving, i.e. "on the fly". How does this system work? And is this one of those systems where you have to back up 10-15 feet to disengage the automatic hubs?

5. Finally, thanks for the help! This is my first Explorer, as well as my first 4x4 (at least, the first one that actually runs...)

 

[snoborder42]

1) XLT is just a model name, I believe that this was the best one for 91. Mean it was fully loaded back in 91.
2) Dana 35 front, Ford 8.8 Rear
3) Don't know how common it is but mine do. I just deal with them now. I tried things but nothing really fixed it. But the high mileage oil did help a bit.
4) Yes you can engage 4x4 while moving, just not at speeds over 55.
-Yes you do need to drive in the opposite direction to to unlock the hubs.
5) Its good to see another first gen still running and a proud new owner.

 

[b0ne]

Thanks for the info, that helps a lot. I didn't consider the thicker/high mileage oil for the lifters. Since I'm changing the oil soon (just bought it) I'll try that! I was also thinking of using one of those K&N filters too, just to help de-clutter under the hood.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Yep what boarder said.

For the ticking, when I changed the modulator in the tranny my ticking has almost vanished.

 

[Lt.Jim]

I had the ticking valves on mine. I did the Seafoam treatment twice in the past six months and the ticking has stopped. Do a search for Seafoam there is plenty of info on this board. Good luck with your explorer.

 

[ma96782]

To shift from 2WD to 4x4:

To shift into 4x4, push the 4x4 button located on the instrument panel. This shift can be done at a stop or at speeds up to 55 MPH (88 km/h).

To shift from 4x4 to 2WD:

Push the 4x4 button; the 4x4 lamp on the instrument cluster will go out indicating the vehicle is in 2WD. This can be done at any speed. To disengage the automatic locking hubs, operate the vehicle in 2WD in the opposite direction for approx. 10 feet (3 meters) in a straight line.

To shift from 4x4 to 4x4 LOW RANGE:

Stop the vehicle and place the automatic transmission in NEUTRAL or depress the clutch on vehicles with a manual transmission. Push the LOW RANGE button on the instrument panel to shift the transfer case from 4x4 to 4x4 LOW RANGE. Both the 4x4 and LOW RANGE lights are now lit.

NOTE: The vehicle must already be in 4x4 before pushing the Low Range button.

To shift from 4x4 LOW RANGE to 4x4:

Stop the vehicle and place the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the clutch on vehicles with a manual transmission. Push the LOW RANGE button on the instrument panel to shift the transfer case from 4x4 LOW RANGE to 4x4.

From the 1994 Owner's Manual.

Aloha, Mark

 

[glfredrick]

When Fords stop clicking and clattering, it is time for a new engine!

Making noise lets you know they are still alive.

(92 with 230,000 HARD miles -- hardly wheeled at all!)