Locking hubs questions

[Krishap]

97 explorer sport 4x4 manual with mechanical transfer case swap

I'm having a problem with the flange and u joint on my front driveshaft and I figured I could unlock the hubs until I fixed the problem. The problem with that is it looks like it's got auto locking hubs and I've read that the stock transfer case had the electronics to control the hubs but as I have the mechanical one swapped in I don't believe I have those controls and the hubs just stay locked. If I were to find the parts (solenoid, motor, etc) would I be able to wire it to a switch to lock and unlock the hubs? Or is it there an easier way to unlock them. I've already tried rolling back with 4wd off and it didn't unlock

 

[Mbrooks420]

Your hubs should be solid. There’s nothing to unlock. The factory transfer case regulated power to the front axle via the electronic clutch. The front axle is always live.

The 1995-1996 explorers had a vacuum disconnect front axle.

Can’t you just leave the front driveshaft out, altogether?

 

[Krishap]

Your hubs should be solid. There’s nothing to unlock. The factory transfer case regulated power to the front axle via the electronic clutch. The front axle is always live.

The 1995-1996 explorers had a vacuum disconnect front axle.

Can’t you just leave the front driveshaft out, altogether?

So basically the hubs never unlocked, even with the factory transfer case? All it did was cut power to the front driveshaft? Good to know, and yeah I'm planning on taking the driveshaft out soon until I can fix the flange and u joint

 

[Mbrooks420]

Yes.

 

[410Fortune]

No hubs on 95-01 explorers