NEWBIE - Need some Advice on Problem

[SHOCKED]

We just bought a used 98 Explorer AWD Limited, has 79,000 Miles on it. Anyways, after driving it home today noticed a vibration/shudder coming from under the drivers seat area - probably the AWD system. Got worse the longer I drove it, and does make a tad metallic sound like grinding a bit. It only does this when you are accelerating, it does not make the noise while coasting or stopping.

I knew it had a problem upon test driving it, but bought it anyways as my buddy runs the dealership and bought it way cheap.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, if I can repair it myself would be great as I wrench on my 03 Lightning all of the time and am mechanically inclined.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[rblais]

Drive Shafts?, Universals?

 

[SHOCKED]

After searching the forums it looks like it could be a number of things and it seems these AWD's are notorious for noises.

Universal Joints, Drive Shafts ( Possible Loose Bolts ), Transfer Case, etc.

I am going to take it to the local Ford dealer this morning and see what they say as well.

 

[SHOCKED]

Got a call from the dealer, so far it is a transmission mount. Once they get that done, they are going to drive it again to see what else is wrong. Hopefully that is all it is.

 

[97BlackX5.0]

check the heat shields on the cats... one corner of mine was broke off and was making a clanging sound especially while going through a drive-thru.... other than that it could be u joints or a multitude of other things... mine makes plenty of noises that ive just learned are normal....

 

[SHOCKED]

How does the AWD perform compared to a traditional 4x4? I am new to the whole off-road world.

 

[97BlackX5.0]

The AWD system works really well in my opinion... Its great in the snow because its not a full lock system and great in rain and slippery conditions. Where a true 4wd cannot be run in just a rain covered road the AWD is always on giving you piece of mind. 4wd has some advantages over AWD though in deep mud and sand you have the option of low range which double your overall gearing. 4wd can also be turned off for increased gas mileage and for "fun time" in the summer. While i would like the ability to turn off the AWD there has been only once or twice that i needed low range. Im sure once you spend some time reading about some of the mods that you can do to your truck you'll be a regular here... so let me be the first to say welcome to the forum.

 

[SHOCKED]

Thanks for taking the time to write up the difference between the two systems. I bought the Explorer because we just moved to a home that is on a dirt road, when it rains the road gets real muddy and our 2wd trucks and car does not stand a chance getting down the road. I plan on being a regular here, and thanks for the welcome!!

 

[SHOCKED]

Mods, I dont want to get started as it is a disease. I have a 2003 Lightning, the mod bug on these trucks are an addiction - I have tons of $$$ tied up, but it is alot of fun at the track - it's running low 12's - high 11's in the 1/4 mile.

I was thinking of a cat-back for the Explorer though, dammit here I go again.

 

[97BlackX5.0]

my cat back is in the mail... im a college student so my funds are a little more reserved for stuff like that.... i usually surf ebay and the for sale forum here looking for good deals... The three things i can suggest for quick bolt on cheaper power and mpg for your explorer tend to be MAC cold air intake, CAT back exhaust, and a SCT chip by one of the resident guru's on this site. I'm still waiting for a good deal to come along on the chip and MAC but i hooked onto a stainless borla cat back for 299 on ebay..... which is really good considering they cost almost 750 from borla. If you plan on keeping the truck till its days are done i also recommend synthetic oil in the motor at the very least. how many miles do you have on your ex. i would also change the AWD transfer case fluid if you just got it as most people dont and its usually pretty cruddy when it gets older... i had a crunching sound and i changed my fluid. ran it a few days and changed it again and it went right away. havnt had any problems since and it only takes about 2 quarts of mercon. The 302 and the 4r70w trans are some of the sturdiest in an explorer and will last a long long time with proper maintenance. What kind of mods do you have on your lightning... i think you may be the first one with one of those trucks on this forum... (that i know of anyways). whenever i think of lightnings i think AWD or 4x4 conversion... now that would kick ass..

 

[SHOCKED]

My Lightning has a ton of mods:

Kenne Bell Twin Screw Supercharger Running 16 Lbs Boost
60 Lb Injectors
255 LPH Walbro Fuel Pumps
4 Lb Lower Pulley
3" Upper Blower Pulley
Diablo Revolution Chip
Magnaflow Catback
NGK TR6 Plugs
Lakewood Traction Bars
Transmission Valve Body
Hughes Deep Trans Pan
Twin Intercooler Fans
Hoosier Slicks
Driveshaft Loop

I am probably forgetting some stuff, as mentioned Mod Bug get's expensive and I do not want to add up the receipts.

 

[97BlackX5.0]

sounds like a kick ass truck.... what kind of mileage does all that get if and when your easy on it or highway miles... i know they dont get very good mileage to begin with ... was just wondering if all those mods would get you better mileage if you kept your foot off the floor