jinx44
Member
- Joined
- December 16, 2008
- Messages
- 21
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Southeast Missouri
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1999 Eddie Bauer 5.0
I have a '99 Eddie Bauer Explorer. 5.0, AWD, 151,000 miles that I have had for about 5 years. Due to the current SUV market, miles on it, and some damage on the rear door, I was only carrying liability insurance. It was recently stolen, and was trashed.
The right rear tire was really low (probably picked up a thorn while on the farm), so I left it parked overnight at my business in a small town and drove my truck home. Someone stole it, and drove about 10 miles on the low tire until it blew, then started coming apart. The flinging tire ripped off the molding on the quarter and did a little damage to the quarter. They continued on the bare rim, wearing it down until the brake rotor was almost touching the pavement. All that was left of the wheel was the center with the spokes. The entire outer part of the wheel was gone.
Obviously the load of having one rear tire being half the diameter of the other took its toll on the drivetrain. I put the spare tire on, and drove it home. The engine was knocking badly, and the trans locks up when it shifts into 3rd. I am sure the clutches in the differential are toast, but the rearend isn't making noise so I am hoping the spiders are still good. I have no idea on the transfer case.
So now here is my dilemma. Part it out, rebuild it as stock, or go nuts. Going nuts will be one of 2 options. Either turbo and shoot for a 400-450HP street thrasher, or lift and tires for a trail rig.
A 5.0 would be a simple rebuild, and may just drop the crank out for new bearings and not even bother pulling the heads. Also, I have built several 4R70s, including one in my turbo mustang that was holding over 700RWHP and some for friends making 500+. So trans and engine rebuild will be cheap and easy. The limited slip won't be a problem either.
Before deciding what to do, I have a couple questions.
#1. How does the transfer case in these AWD work? Is it electronic or is it just all time? It doesn't feel like it engages/disengages like my wife's Aviator does. I am trying to figure out if it would have been damaged as well.
#2. About 2 years ago. My wife left the sunroof open and it rained about 5" that night. The next day when I opened the rear door, water came pouring out. Everything was soaked. About a week after that, the heated seats and cruise control stopped working. I am thinking a couple other things did as well, but I can't remember what they are. All the fuses look good. Could it be the GEM module, or???
The right rear tire was really low (probably picked up a thorn while on the farm), so I left it parked overnight at my business in a small town and drove my truck home. Someone stole it, and drove about 10 miles on the low tire until it blew, then started coming apart. The flinging tire ripped off the molding on the quarter and did a little damage to the quarter. They continued on the bare rim, wearing it down until the brake rotor was almost touching the pavement. All that was left of the wheel was the center with the spokes. The entire outer part of the wheel was gone.
Obviously the load of having one rear tire being half the diameter of the other took its toll on the drivetrain. I put the spare tire on, and drove it home. The engine was knocking badly, and the trans locks up when it shifts into 3rd. I am sure the clutches in the differential are toast, but the rearend isn't making noise so I am hoping the spiders are still good. I have no idea on the transfer case.
So now here is my dilemma. Part it out, rebuild it as stock, or go nuts. Going nuts will be one of 2 options. Either turbo and shoot for a 400-450HP street thrasher, or lift and tires for a trail rig.
A 5.0 would be a simple rebuild, and may just drop the crank out for new bearings and not even bother pulling the heads. Also, I have built several 4R70s, including one in my turbo mustang that was holding over 700RWHP and some for friends making 500+. So trans and engine rebuild will be cheap and easy. The limited slip won't be a problem either.
Before deciding what to do, I have a couple questions.
#1. How does the transfer case in these AWD work? Is it electronic or is it just all time? It doesn't feel like it engages/disengages like my wife's Aviator does. I am trying to figure out if it would have been damaged as well.
#2. About 2 years ago. My wife left the sunroof open and it rained about 5" that night. The next day when I opened the rear door, water came pouring out. Everything was soaked. About a week after that, the heated seats and cruise control stopped working. I am thinking a couple other things did as well, but I can't remember what they are. All the fuses look good. Could it be the GEM module, or???
