My explorer = Special Order?

[Iceman83]

I just bought a '96 Explorer Thursday. It's an Eddie Bauer, 4X4, 4.0. I need a new rear end in it. So I check the axel code in the door jam, and it says "42". The weird thing is, I was told it is a 4.10 rear end. That axel code is not even listed in the owner's manual, or in any parts store's computers as an option. I have the orignal window sticker from when it was new, and where the price should be it says, " Vehicle Not For Sale." What's the deal?

 

[techieman33]

The chart here on the forum shows 42 as being 4.10 with an open carrier. As far as not being for sale, it could have been used as a demo vehicle, fleet vehicle, maybe a lease vehicle who knows. A carfax report might tell you who the original owners were, and might help answer the not for sale question.

 

[Iceman83]

I bought it from the orignal owner, but he is out of town right now. I am the 2nd owner.

 

[gijoecam]

Are you sure that the VIN on the door sticker matches the VIN on the dash? Is it possible one was replaced? Does the metal tag on the axle confirm what's indicated on the door sticker? Are you sure it's not a 97 model? Again, the 10th position of the VIN should be a T for 96, V for 97, and W for 98.

It's odd that that the owner's manual makes no mention of the 4.10 for '96 (I looked it up myself just out of curiosity). Assuming it's all original, it makes me wonder if you might have either a really late-model 96, or maybe a real early-model '97? IIRC, the 4.10 came out with the 97 models...

-Joe

 

[Iceman83]

I called the dealership where it was originaly bought. It was a special order truck. He told me that they werent supposed to come with that rear end w/ a 4.0. I gave him the VIN, and he knew everything about it. He said I have a very rare Explorer.

 

[ThePhoenix]

well let me be the first to says "congrats, you lucky son of a ...."

 

[techieman33]

The 4.0's were the only ones to get 4.10 gears, none of the v8s got them. And the eddies were the most common to get 4.10s.

 

[Iceman83]

The guy running the service center said the '96's most had 3.73's until the '97 model year.

 

[96XEB]

well I have a 96 Explorer and eddie bauer also with the 4.0HV, and have the 4.10 rear

oh and to add I even have the factory window sticker also that says it