New guy with worries...

[Prospect62]

Hello all. First off, great forum. Lots of great information here that I couldn't find anywhere else. OK, I am looking at a 1999 Explorer Sport. I have never owned a Ford before, or a vehicle with All wheel drive, full time 4wd, etc. The only thing I am worried about before buying this truck is the reliabilty and trouble spots associated with an all wheel drive system. Is this a reliable system? Does Ford use a viscous coupler like Jeep? What signs can I look for that would indicate a problem with the AWD system? I hate having a switch for my 4x4, and I hate AWD even more. But I like the truck, so I want to at least give Ford a fair shot. Any tips or experience would be a huge help in making my decsion to buy this truck. Thank you all.

 

[sk1er17]

just to clarify:

AWD and Auto-4x4 are two different things. That sport does not have AWD, it has auto-4x4. That means that you have 2wd until the tires start to slip then the 4x4 kicks in. However, i have a guage and i found that the the harder you hit the gas, the more power goes to the front axel until you're moving then it cuts off the power and you're back at 2wd.

I love the 4x4 system, there's only 1 downfall and that seems to be the shift motors tend to go bad or need cleaning. And/Or the rear speed sensor goes bad and sends an error code.

it'll get you through some sick stuff though. And you should check, that 99Sport may have 4.10 gears stock

 

[EBInterceptor]

The worst part of the auto-4x4 is that it's a little harder to spin the tires and have fun in the winter time. I end up throughing it in 4 high and get all 4 spinning in the snow.

 

[sk1er17]

no man no...

for $4 at radio shack get yourself a switch and a few feet of wire. Splice into the thick brown wire next to the drivers side seat.

when you have the switch off, you have 100% 2wd (and you can put your truck in 4LO and flip the switch for 2wd LO!!)

And do what i did, get a nice lighted switch, thats my "gauge". When the switch is on its lit up, when you hit the gas or the 4x4 kicks in the light gets really bright

 

[Prospect62]

Thanks

Wow, thanks for the responses and clarification. The Auto-4x4 system sounds quite complex, but judging by your responses I take it's a reliable system as well. And 4.10's stock ? That would be a first for me. Thanks again! Keep the input coming. Oh and another thing, whats all this about the SOHC engine vs. the other one. God I must sound like a total newb to you guys, sorry for that. I'm a Jeeper at heart...