New here, few simple question

[ssjrsw]

Hi all
I am living in Nicaragua and I am a long time Ford owner. I recently bought a 98 XLT 4x4 4 door. Like many cars here it was not well maintained so I am doing a lot of work to it.

First I have never had a 98 so is this truck "all time" 4WD. The switch says auto-high-low. I had a 92 and several expeditions and F-150's and none were all time 4WD.

Also the books say do not replace the rear axle fluid but it has 120,000 on it and I would like to. I bought some friction modifier in FL but so far have not found 75-140 synthetic oil here. Should I do this? What adout the oil in the transfer case, does this need to be changed?

On the keys, I only have one good working key and bought two more which are ct. So far I have been unable to program them, I thought I could trick the car by using the same key twice but that did not work. Is there a special trick I can do, pulling a fuse maybe?

Thanks
Scott

 

[dogfriend]

If you are going to change the transfer case fluid, be aware that it uses Mercon ATF, not gear oil. Gear oil may damage it.

Some Explorers have the rear axle filled with synthetic gear oil; that is why they don't recommend changing it unless it becomes contaminated. If you do change it, you should try to use the same type of fluid if possible.

 

[exploded99]

The internet is a wonderful place. Go to motorcraft.com, click on technical resources near the top of the page. On that page, you will see "owners guides" on the left side. Click on that, select your vehicle. You can download the owners manual and the maintenance guide.

If it has not been well maintained, you need to flush brake fluid, flush power steering fluid, change transfer case and differential fluids (I am thinking they say to do it at 100,000). Specs for all fluids will be in the manual.

Consider changing your transmission fluid and filter. Some people say do not do that on a high mileage vehicle if its never been done. You can read up on that in various posts on this site and decide if you want to or not.

You have control trac four wheel drive which is a form of full time - it is explained in the owners manual.

That should get you goin'.

 

[ssjrsw]

Thanks for the replys

I know by the AWD question it does not sound like I know what I am doing but I do The problem here is it is hard to find parts and many cars brought down here are not the best to begin with. The only problem it has is a loud noise for a second or two when starting cold (4.0 SOHC build 3/98) this only happens after sitting for more than 24 hours or so. After that it runs very well.

I have been on that site and downloaded the books also got a set off ebay. I replaced the plugs, wires, air filter, belt, pcv, gas filter. I will be doing the brakes and fluid soon. The reason I ask is that Ford says the axle is lubed for life unless contaminated, but how do I know if it was I just got it. They say the same for the fuel filter but I wanted to change it. Gas here do not have the same standards as the US.

I replaced the trans filter but found out after it was here that it was for a 4x2. The 4x4 has a plastic tube sticking out the bottom. I put the 4x2 in since it was all I had and need to get another. I did not want to put the old 4x4 back in because it was very dirty. Will the 4x2 filter cause a problem?

I can not get mercon V here so I had to use dextron III / mercon will that also be a problem?

 

[dogfriend]

I know by the AWD question it does not sound like I know what I am doing but I do The problem here is it is hard to find parts and many cars brought down here are not the best to begin with. The only problem it has is a loud noise for a second or two when starting cold (4.0 SOHC build 3/98) this only happens after sitting for more than 24 hours or so. After that it runs very well.

The noise could be from a problem with the timing chain tensioners. It is a known problem on the 4.0 SOHC engine. See if this sounds like the same problem:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19801&page=1&pp=20&highlight=manifold+rings

I have been on that site and downloaded the books also got a set off ebay. I replaced the plugs, wires, air filter, belt, pcv, gas filter. I will be doing the brakes and fluid soon. The reason I ask is that Ford says the axle is lubed for life unless contaminated, but how do I know if it was I just got it. They say the same for the fuel filter but I wanted to change it. Gas here do not have the same standards as the US.

My recollection is that some Explorers use synthetic lube in the rear differential, that is why they say it is lubed for life. You can change it, but you should try to get the same type of lube if possible. If you can't then you may need to change it on a regular basis (i.e. every 60K or so)

I replaced the trans filter but found out after it was here that it was for a 4x2. The 4x4 has a plastic tube sticking out the bottom. I put the 4x2 in since it was all I had and need to get another. I did not want to put the old 4x4 back in because it was very dirty. Will the 4x2 filter cause a problem?

The filter for the 4x4 is different because the pan is deeper for the 4x4. I would be careful here; you don't want to starve the trans for fluid on inclines, etc.

I can not get mercon V here so I had to use dextron III / mercon will that also be a problem?

Yes, Mercon V has a different formula for friction modifiers and is supposed to minimize chatter and vibration. You should try to get some if at all possible. They specifically warn in the owners manual to use Mercon V in the 5R55E transmission.

 

[gijoecam]

To answer the 4wd questions, the Control Trac system is essentially rear wheel drive until the rear wheels slip. It momentarily engages the 4wd, checks the wheel speeds again, then disengages/reengages as necessary. 4 high locks the transfer case at 100% duty cycle, just like any 4x4. It's not at all the same thing as a full time 4wd or all wheel drive. It's simply an automatic 4wd system that engages when wheel slippage is detected and disengages when everything is turning at the same speed again.

Hope that helps!

As for the rear end, I'd replace it myself..... it can't hurt. Same thing for the front, although it's a little bit more involved. You won't need the friction modifier for the rear unless it's a limited slip. Use the Gear Lube that's recommended on the axle tag.

Good Luck!

-Joe

 

[exploded99]

I would not feel good about using Mercon III, I would make it a priority to get some Mercon V in the tranny as soon as possible, and go ahead and go to the correct filter.

Sounds like you are doing fine - just that annoying problem of finding correct parts!

 

[ssjrsw]

Thanks all

Thanks for all the great info. I was able to locate some 75/140 synthetic gear oil for the rear and have a friction modifier I got in the states. Now I am just waiting on the gasket to get here with a friend. It is a 3.73 limited slip rear. I still debating on doing the front also. I am a Ford nut and pay the price here but it is better than driving a Toyota.

gijoecam: that for the reply I understand it is a 4 wheel on demand I just did not state my question well.

dogfriend: I figured the timing chain tensioner was the source of the noise. It is only a second or two at cold start so I am hoping it will last a while. One thing harder then finding parts here is a good mechanic. The old saying "if you want something done right, do it yourself" really applies here!

I spoke with a trans guy here in Costa Rica and there is no mercon V in this country also but he said he may be able to get some in a month or so. Problem is I can not bring that on an airplane.

I figured that the trans pan was different on a 4x4. I will have to wait for a proper filter. Someone tell me a story about going to the local parts store and getting what you need right there, then I can go to bed and dream about that.

Two more "stupid" questions. I need to find a door latch for the front pass. door, are they the same for 95-01? If not from what year to what year. Also need a drivers kick panel, what years will fit? The 91-94 look similar.

 

[exploded99]

Or, if you can find it, a full synthetic ATF like Mobil1 meets the mercon V specs.

I think the latch assembly is the same on the same body style - 4 door to 4 door.

As for kick panels, I'm not sure, but I think you will need a second gen panel to fit properly. You can probably find one by looking in the parts section on this website, Quite a few people are parting out vehicles at any given time.