Tranny slips only when it snows?

[tcmercil]

The strangest thing - - if the weather is fine - no snow - everything is good with the Explorer - once we get a little snowfall here in Minnesota - doesn't matter if it's 1" or 10" - I drive and every once in a while no matter which gear you're in the transmission cluncks.... almost like it's getting out of gear - - today within a 30 mile round trip to the airport it probably did it 15 times in 30 miles??

Any idea? I know it sounds odd? But not sure if it's a tranny problem or diferentialissue ?? Or something??

Any one EVER heard of something so random before??

4x4 - or 2x4 - same result


4 speed w/overdrive

 

[SplashMan]

Are you sure it isn't the rear L/S kicking in? I know my L/S does it once in a while in traffic when it is snowing and it kind of feels like the tranny is slipping or jumping out of gear.

 

[CodePoet]

Wow, I think i might have just figured out what i've been feeling splashman. Sometimes when trying to take off..fast, like in traffic I put it down and I get the weirdest feeling like my clutch is slipping (manual). I just had to get a new tranny, and when I did I asked the guy to check the clutch...it's still new but he said there were no signs of wear, something about it being heat seated?? Never heard that term. And I do have LS in the rear. Is there anyway to help those clutches in the diff grab better? didnt' mean to hijack the thread...just excited to have an idea of what was happening.

Later
CP

p.s. after three weeks...tonight...I get my explorer back!!!!!

 

[SplashMan]

The clutch packs can be replaced if they are worn out. Mine does it very rarely, usually only if I get on it when it is slick. I know mine are a little worn, but not bad enough to need replaced. Some shops can "tighten" the L/S buy putting more clutch plates in too.

 

[tcmercil]

LS??

God - I feel like an idiot - but I've even asked some co-workers here - - - replacing or tightening the LS? for the complete Novice here - - I'm stumped on that?

 

[SplashMan]

Limited Slip. Also called Posi units in some places. don't sweat it, I would rather have you ask what it meant than have you pretend that you know and not be able to help...

 

[Jason_25]

First off, a 98 explorer doesn't have a 2 wheel drive option at all. You are in 4wd all the time. It could be that when there's snow/ice on the road and the transfer case senses slipping, it more aggressively pulses the 4x4, thus the perceived "clunking".

 

[tcmercil]

yes - 2wd

well there is a switch on the dash to switch from 2wd - to 4 wd - - so I'm not the brightest person I'll be honest there - - but yes there is a 2wd to 4wd on 98 Explorer sports....

the Limited Slip?? That makes COMPLETE sence - but how or what do I do with it? Tighten it - or replace?

 

[SplashMan]

If you have one. Try doing a fluid change first. You will add a friction modifier that is for the LS axles. That may sole your problem. If it continues, take it to a shop and see what it would cost to have them replaced.