How to tell - AWD or Not?

[rtbrjason]

I just got a 98 EB Explorer 4 door with the 5.0 V8. The dealer advertised it as having a tow package as well as being AWD. I can't find anything else that indicates that and haven't been able to crawl under it yet. When looking through the owners manual, there are all kinds of features that it refers to as "if equipped". My main question is , is there an easy was to tell if you have AWD or not? Maybe via the VIN? If it is AWD, is it a full time all 4 wheels turning all the time system, or is this one of those from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip deals? Also what does the tow pacakge consist of? Sorry for the noob questions. Thanks, for any help.

 

[badgett]

It is most likely AWD. Not sure but I think all v8's are. Look behind the front wheels. You shoud see the axle and CV joints to drive the front wheels. AWD is not like 4WD. AWD will switch power to each wheel as it needs it. 4WD is 50% front and 50% back. AWD is great but not as off road capable as 4WD.

 

[Joey P]

You got AWD full time, all the time, non switchable and all mechanicle. Sends 35% up front and 65% to the back, all the time. I belive that at any given time it can send as little as 5% to the front and as much as 60-70% to the front as it calls for it. The AWD transfer case does have a clutch pack in it, similar to a limited slip differential and that is how it does it. All mechanical. AWD in the explorer is like running around in 4HI ALL THE TIME. It is a pretty capable system off road and on road though and way easier to turn in a parking lot with the wheels locked left or right than 4wd. All 5.0's in the explorer came with AWD only. Unless it was a 2WD vehicle.

 

[chriswells78]

There is a thread somewhere around here that explains VIN numbers, I think there is something in your VIN # that signifies AWD.

Edit: Here is the thread, it's post 5

 

[410Fortune]

hahahaha All V8's were either AWD or 2wd.
You can simply look at the back of the transmission and see if there is a transfer case with a driveshaft going to the front axle.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

...do a brake stand if the rears burn and not the frnt you are 2wd if it revs alot and no squeal you are probably AWD......that is the easy way...otherwise what 410 said^^

 

[IAmTodd]

turn your front wheel to full lock and see if there is a half shaft going to the center of the wheel.

 

[IAmTodd]

Very crude picture, but you can see the shaft behind the sway bar link.