manimal
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- June 27, 2006
- Messages
- 147
- Reaction score
- 15
- City, State
- Gig Harbor WA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 96 XLT
96 OHV 4.0 /w about 230k miles. Drives without any issue on road, but I do have a shuddering issue when in 4-Low.
The Explorer sees a lot of off road use but nothing abusive - mainly trails and some light hill climbs. What happens in 4-Low is that when going up any minor incline, you can feel a slight occasional shudder or jolt - It feels almost as if something in the driveline is slipping - but there is no perceived feeling of binding such as would be felt while turning when in low range.
The slipping feeling is very brief which is why I describe it as a shudder. The vehicle does not roll backwards or lose any forward motion, just a quick jolt of slippage feeling perhaps every few seconds.
In fact, the typical situation where this slipping is felt is when going straight up a hill, with the front wheels pointing perfectly forward. The steeper the hill, the more pronounced the slipping feeling will be.
It does not occur in 4x4 auto or 2wd, on or off road, regardless of road conditions or incline. Only low range.
The transfer case does have the typical rear seal weep and some minor play in the output flange. I keep an eye on ATF levels and the TC has never been run dry.
My theory is that the TC is not fully engaging the electromechanical clutch when in low range, or the clutches are worn. Since the Selectrac TC doesn't have a true mechanical connection to the front axle, it makes sense that if it was going to experience slippage, it would be under the highest torque conditions while in low range.
The Explorer sees a lot of off road use but nothing abusive - mainly trails and some light hill climbs. What happens in 4-Low is that when going up any minor incline, you can feel a slight occasional shudder or jolt - It feels almost as if something in the driveline is slipping - but there is no perceived feeling of binding such as would be felt while turning when in low range.
The slipping feeling is very brief which is why I describe it as a shudder. The vehicle does not roll backwards or lose any forward motion, just a quick jolt of slippage feeling perhaps every few seconds.
In fact, the typical situation where this slipping is felt is when going straight up a hill, with the front wheels pointing perfectly forward. The steeper the hill, the more pronounced the slipping feeling will be.
It does not occur in 4x4 auto or 2wd, on or off road, regardless of road conditions or incline. Only low range.
The transfer case does have the typical rear seal weep and some minor play in the output flange. I keep an eye on ATF levels and the TC has never been run dry.
My theory is that the TC is not fully engaging the electromechanical clutch when in low range, or the clutches are worn. Since the Selectrac TC doesn't have a true mechanical connection to the front axle, it makes sense that if it was going to experience slippage, it would be under the highest torque conditions while in low range.
