My First Post...Need Help w/ Loud Clunk on Icy Roads!!!

[rpr]

I didn't notice any indicator lights on the dash. I think I woulkd have noticed if the 4x4 lights did flash (unless it was only for a split second) because this really startled me and I recall checking the dash to try to figure out what was going on.

This is an interesting point though. Are they supposed to flash on when the control trac kicks in???

 

[01EB5.0]

No a flash means a fault. If you lock it in 4X4 or 4X4 LOW a indicator light should illuminate. If the lights weren;t flashing and if it does this jolting often in auto setting when your driving over 35MPH I would take a trip to the dealer to ahve them see whats up.

 

[gijoecam]

Sounds like everything is working as it should to me. There is no self-disabling of the control-trac system at any speed. Think about it... when would it be most useful? on the freeway at 50 mph accelerating when the rear end breaks free? definately.

You are correct when you said that it "slams" the front end into engagement... that's exactly what it does. The Transfer case engages until all four wheels are turning the same speed, then disengages and checks wheel speeds again. If the rears are slipping on the next check, it re-engages, etc, etc, etc... it does this until all 4 wheels are turning again. That's the repeated clunking you're hearing. These full-power engagements will not hurt it. I remember reading that the transfer case was tested at it's maximum load rating for a million cycles before Ford bought off on it, and it passed with flying colors.

In terms of handling, I agree with you... it can actually upset the vehicle if you're not careful... click it over into 4 hi (when it's slippery out) and it eliminates that problem.

-Joe-

 

[rpr]

gijoecam and 95XLT:

Thanks for the replies. Glad to hear it sounds like everything is normal with the control trac on my Explorer.

Now I can focus on thinking about whether any of the mods mentioned on this site make sense for me...but that's another story/thread. Tx.

 

[Isaac]

ugot5.0ed,,,,,

this is to ugot5.0ed,
you own a 92 correct?
if so,, you have a different problem then the one discussed here,,,,
the 97' Explorer have IFS (Indipendent front suspensoin with a - arms and torsoin bars)
your 92 does not,, you have whats called TTB or ( twin tractoin beams)
the cause with your rig is most likely the Raduis arm bushings
for info on changing these run a search theres tons and tons of info,, pretty much two choses,, pulling the froont end,, or grinding off rivets and then bolting parts back on,,, i got lucky with my 92',, the prevous owner had already done all the grinding and hard work for me lol.
sorry if im repeating this and if someone already has posted on this i didint read all the posts just yours and then replyed.
hope this helps!
Isaac:exp: