Teach me about my new 01 Explorer

[Niks97cobra]

I just picked up an 01 Explorer Sport 4x4 4.0L Auto today. It has 83k miles on it. I have always had mustangs. I know nothing about this truck. I have never driven a 4WD before. I have so many questions I really don't know where to start. I need to know when I should and shouldn't use 4wd? What mods can I do? What gears, hp rating, etc?

Really, I just want to be taught a little about this so I at least have a start. I've picked up on a lot of things so far just browsing through.

Nik

 

[Gus Gorilla]

For your 4x4, don't turn it on while on dry pavement. Really not even wet pavement. Because of different tire speeds when turning, using 4x4 will cause axle wind-up. Which is just as it sounds. Inner wheels moving slower, outer is faster, tries to wind-up the axle. When on slick surfaces such as dirt, grass, mud, sand, snow, etc. the driving surface allows slip to make up for the potential wind-up. As for the rest of that, begin your search through the Volumes of info on the site.

 

[Steeda90GT]

Welcome to the site. I'm a Mustang guy too:

89 Notchback 5.0
94 Vortech GT
94 GT Vert stock

I agree with the above, only use 4x4 when it snows, sand, mud, etc

As for your model, keep an eye (or ear) out for timing chain rattle, balljoints, alternators.

 

[Niks97cobra]

What is the difference between high and low 4x4?

Steed90GT:
I just sold my 97 Cobra and I have also had a 90 coupe, 93 GT and 93 hatch. This is the first time in 9 years I haven't owned a mustang. I've had the Explorer for a day and love it, but I wish I could have kept the Cobra and had the Explorer. I might have to buy and old fox body just to toy around with.

 

[Steeda90GT]

Yeah man, def go for it! My Explorer is just my beater truck...take it to work and back, and wherever else..usually to run small errands.

My stangs rarely get driven now, maybe 1,000 miles a yr if that. On the weekend, nice weather, etc