How good are 5.0 AWDs off road? No BS

[Precision]

I have a bone stock 2000 5.0 AWD and was considering some mods but need a no BS should I even bother assessment on how good these things are or can be off road. What do you think?

 

[BackBone]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=15264

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370401&highlight=ifs

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=323113

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296336&highlight=road+worthy

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=387067&highlight=stock+road

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=319739&highlight=stock+road

Look for the stockers:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395623&highlight=stocker

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2156884&highlight=stocker#post2156884


Tons more to be found with the search function!

 

[Turdle]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=15264

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370401&highlight=ifs

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=323113

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296336&highlight=road+worthy

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=387067&highlight=stock+road

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=319739&highlight=stock+road

Look for the stockers:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395623&highlight=stocker

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2156884&highlight=stocker#post2156884


Tons more to be found with the search function!

That did not answer his question about the v8 full time awd. You pointed out trucks with 4x4 and low range.



IMO after having 2 of them, if you do want to drive off road you will want to do this. Having no low range will overheat the transmission quickly.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166726&highlight=4406+expedition

 

[BackBone]

Good point Turdle! I guess I didnt read as well as I should have.

I still think there is good info in the links I posted to be considered. Also, these links have a similar discussions:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180382&highlight=awd+road

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281290

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135404&highlight=AWD

Hope it helps!

 

[Dono]

So, I guess if the first mod you do is a 4406 xfer case, your well on your way to a competent off roader.

 

[Precision]

So, I guess if the first mod you do is a 4406 xfer case, your well on your way to a competent off roader.

How much would that set me back? Is the only concern the transfer case?

 

[Dono]

Your going to have to use the search button on this one. There`s a sticky on it. The hard part is finding the parts you need cheap. Just search `4406`

I cant comment on price because I have a really great guy that lives not too far from me (Vroomzoomboom on the forum) that all but gave me everything to make it happen on my truck, including his labour.

 

[blueka]

I bought a whole non running F150 for my 4406, sold off everything I didn't need, which left me with more money than I started with, plus the parts I needed..


Si

 

[Dave 1955]

I bought a whole non running F150 for my 4406, sold off everything I didn't need, which left me with more money than I started with, plus the parts I needed..


Si

Now you have me wondering if you can put the tc from the exploder into the truck to resale if i bought a cheap truck...lol.

 

[blueka]

you probably could, but the shafts would be wrong.. I bought one with a knackered engine, sold the rear end for more than paid for the whole truck, everything else was parts money after that

Si

 

[Precision]

So can someone help me out with what something like this would cost in parts, labor and how difficult of a job it would be?

Also. This wouldn't be used for serious off roading. I just want to make it competent off road. It's a daily driver that I want to make good enough that I won't have to worry about going anywhere with the exception of ridiculous terrain

 

[Turdle]

Ballpark-

300 -500 for the transfer case
100-shifter
250 drive shafts
125 new u joints for above just because
20 for a new transmission mount
30 or so for new t case fluid
5 for some RTV

Not including u joint replacement which can be done beforehand, about 6-7 hours labor

However, many have spent less, and some have spent more. Doing it yourself, and even pulling your own parts will save a lot of money.

If you read through the swap thread you will see it is pretty much a bolt in swap, aside from bending the gas tank bracket and cutting the shift lever hole. I have a bad spine so could not do this myself, however, your abilities might get this done in 6 hours on your own. 6 hours would be trucking right along though.

 

[Precision]

Honestly it sounds like more trouble than it's worth in my case, is the 5.0 AWD that bad off road?!

 

[Turdle]

Honestly it sounds like more trouble than it's worth in my case, is the 5.0 AWD that bad off road?!

Please complete your profile with location.

 

[colintrax]

Honestly it sounds like more trouble than it's worth in my case, is the 5.0 AWD that bad off road?!

Depends on what you consider offroad. If you don't understand the benefit of low range then you probably don't need it. The AWD is fine for mild wheeling

 

[Turdle]

Depends on what you consider offroad. If you don't understand the benefit of low range then you probably don't need it. The AWD is fine for mild wheeling

If he is going to go over high elevation mountain roads, I have my doubts.

 

[colintrax]

If he is going to go over high elevation mountain roads, I have my doubts.

I don't, my 2WD does just fine. No low range, and a V6 trying to push the truck.
I've "overheated" the transmission a few times, but a good cooler or a lighter foot would help.

 

[Turdle]

Yeah, if the OP is on the east coast the elevation is not high enough to worry about.

 

[Precision]

Yeah, if the OP is on the east coast the elevation is not high enough to worry about.

I'm in New England. I may climb stuff. Challenge it a bit and hope it works out but not a dedicated off road toy. I was going to get some 31 ATs and some other off road goodies but I'm not going through the amazon.

 

[allxlts]

my 98 4.0 AWD pulled my Cummins out of my backyard, bone stock... does that count?