Newbie to Explorers

[Bowser]

Whats up people!?!?

Well, my name is Justin. I live in Michigan and I just bought an Explorer. Ive been wheeling for a long time but Ive only had Jeeps. I dont know much about explorers except that the 8.8 rears kick A$$ (I put one in my 93 Cherokee) and the motors are pretty stout. I sold my list rig (Cherokee) in favor of a Mustang. In the past 8 months my Mustang has become more of a track car than a street car, so it was back to the dealer to buy another daily driver. I wasnt thinking about wheeling when I bought this so please keep that in mind.
My new toy is a 98 XLT 4 door, V8 with power everything. But its the AWD model. Thats the problem and thats my question..... Is the AWD version worth modding at all? It already has a torsion lift and 31" all terrains.

here is a pick of my late Cherokee (so you know Im not full of it )

 

[daniel cauchon]

were`s your pic ?

 

[Bowser]

did the pic show up for anyone? Im not sure if I know how to post the pic right

but heres a link if not http://www.2trackmindoffroadclub.rockcrawler.com/Flexin_5.gif

 

[taxx]

so you ONLY have Auto? No switch with Auto, High, and Low?

If so you can only run in 4 High. If you are serious then get an Atlas II transfer case, you can get a good deal from crlcustoms.com

Other than that it is just 4 High. Just depends on your style of wheelin.

 

[Bowser]

OK, well as I mentioned before I live in Michigan

and ther isnt much to wheel but mud and a hill or two. I take an ocasional trip to the sand dunes and to the UP for some rocks but only once or twice a year.

Does the AWD keep the front engaged at all times or does it sence when the rear is slipping and then engage the front? I think since Im buying this one as a daily driver its gonna stay fairly stock... I think so the atlas is out of the question.

I didnt evan answer your question LOL, Yes I only have auto. there is no switch for 4lo or 4hi

 

[daniel cauchon]

yes basicaly that`s waht it means.. so it`on all the time but engaging only if the back wheels are spinning.

 

[Jason_25]

Bowser, if you plan to do more than just dirt roads and very light offroading, you need to change the transfer case to one that can be "locked". The atlas is a good choice but $$$. A Dana 20 may fit if there is enough room. If not, AA makes a $400 adapter to allow you to run either the 1354, or 4405 transfer cases. These are all used in explorers and rangers.

 

[taxx]

Basically it is a mix of both worlds. Yes it is always engaged. it is always sending atleast 4% of the power to the front (I believe). Then when the rear slips it starts sending power to the front till it is all good! so if you are in the sand, essencially you have 4 High, just can't control it yourself.

 

[Xplodor]

Sounds like me. I bought my X as a daily driver, then I took it out a few times, and sold my CJ. In a year or two I'll need ANOTHER daily driver because this thing will be a beast.

Have fun! Where's the pict of your new baby (Explorer)?

 

[Jason_25]

Originally posted by taxxman2k
Basically it is a mix of both worlds. Yes it is always engaged. it is always sending atleast 4% of the power to the front (I believe). Then when the rear slips it starts sending power to the front till it is all good! so if you are in the sand, essencially you have 4 High, just can't control it yourself.

That is only for V6 explorers and rangers with the 4405 transfer case. That is not AWD. Its true 4WD. He has a totally different transfer case with the V8 that normally is a 35/65 split.

 

[taxx]

I see said the blind man....

 

[Bowser]

OK, thats what I wanted to know... thanks alot guys!

I dont plan on wheeling it hard, at least nothing like the pic of my Jeep at the Badlands. Just an ocasional 2 track or dune weakend. I really like the fact that it isnt always sending power to the front. I asked the sales guy if that was the case and he told me yes it was! After questioning him about it he stu.. stu.. studdered a bit and said he didnt know.

Anyway, thanks for the quick responses and lets see some pics of your rigs if ya dont mind. I see some nice looking avatars in here.

 

[Bowser]

so its 35/65 100% of the time or just until the rear wheels slip?

 

[twooverpar]

It is my understanding that it is a 35/65 split all of the time until the wheels slip, then it sends more power where needed.

Correct me if I am wrong someone (I know you will!)

 

[Jason_25]

Originally posted by Bowser
so its 35/65 100% of the time or just until the rear wheels slip?

Exactly. But there are 2 problems with this transfer case.
1.No Low range
2.If both front or both rears come off the ground, they get sent all the engine torque (i.e. your stuck)

 

[Bowser]

Yeah I can see that being a big problem! well Ill just have to make sure she can flex a little so that doesnt happen. That will be a couple payments away though.

 

[Jason_25]

Cool. Good luck with it. I do recommend though that you don't turn it into an all out wheeling machine. Keep it light duty and you will have no problems with her.

 

[ahhjaws]

Congrats on the buy and moving up in the world. Welcome to the world of REAL 4-wheeling.