questions on 2nd & 3rd gen awd mountaineers

[stackz]

I know I'm not new to the site but its been a while since I've been on here and I know questions get answered in this section lol.

anyway, in the past I've had a 91 4x4 explorer and a 2wd 98 mountaineer.

I sold the mountaineer after getting stuck at low tide on a boat ramp. I got an 06 f150 lariat 4x4. what a big mistake that was. had the issue with the two piece plugs, the burnt up clutches in the 9.75" rear, the TPS that would cut the engine off, etc, etc. I fixed them all myself and also realize my gas mileage is worse than my mountie, and I cannot see the stupid boat trailer even with fender poles when trying to load the boat up

so before getting into my questions...yes, I'm good mechanically in that I have no problem tearing into rearends and such.

I pretty much know all about the 2nd gen explorer/mounties and the 5.0 engine as I have 3 5.0 mustangs as well. I just dont know about the awd system? what are known issues with it? how to properly test drive it? do you just put it into 4lo and do s-turns listening for vibrations? are there selections for it or just always in awd?

Also, I'm not against getting a 3rd gen with the 4.6 but I know there are issues with some of the engines not having enough spark plug threads, plastic intake manifolds that crack, etc. what should I look for in one of these trucks as signs of forboding? what are the common issues? do they have ecu issues, abs issues, etc?

Also, I know I've seen 2nd gen mounties with class III hitches but seems all the 3rd gen ones I see have class II hitches so I'd have to buy another receiver vs using the one from my f150. This is just in pics I see online, havent actually gone to look at trucks in person yet as I'm still selling my truck right now.

thanks for any info guys!

and yeah, I do miss my mountie. every time I have one of these vehicles I always sell it thinking I'll need a truck bed for plywood, etc and I always miss my suv lol.

 

[geosnooker2000]

Bump cuz I'd like to know also.

 

[Glen4X4]

The AWD system is always engaged, its a 60/40 split, if the rear wheels spin too much, then the system reverses itself in providing more power to the front wheel to pull it from whatever situation you're in. Sometimes the viscous coupling doesn't always function properly as to not providing traction. You can always do a transfercase swap if you want traditional 4wd.

 

[IAmTodd]

The AWD transfer box is 1 speed only. There is no low range. There are no levers or electrical connections either, it's purely mechanical. As said above most of the time its RWD biased, when the rear output begins to spin fast than the front output the viscous fluid in the front output heats up and causes the front to engage. The coupling is very quick and very smooth to engage and disengage.

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the Explorer Forum.

Tony