Turning 4x4 Auto into 4x4 high?

[jwild4x4]

Does anyone know of a way to make the traction computer in a 95' Sport 2dr 4x4 engage full 4x4 even without wheel slipage? I think that this would make travel on sand much easier, and would allow speeds that 4x4 low doesn't. I was thinking maybe a replacement chip that would engage the 4x4 full time, when set in the 4x4 Auto position....

Any ideas?

Jason

 

[GJarrett]

Why?

Just use 4hi.

 

[jwrezz]

4High?

G Jarret, tell me your '99 has a 4High setting! I know the first expeditions had 2wd, 4auto, 4high, and 4low, but got rid of the 4high/4auto combo for only a 4auto. Do you really have a 4auto, AND 4high setting? Any one else know about this? Lemme know how I can get it!!

 

[Robert]

Re: 4High?

Originally posted by jwrezz
G Jarret, tell me your '99 has a 4High setting! I know the first expeditions had 2wd, 4auto, 4high, and 4low, but got rid of the 4high/4auto combo for only a 4auto. Do you really have a 4auto, AND 4high setting? Any one else know about this? Lemme know how I can get it!!

Yes, all Control-Trac equipped Explorers built from '97 on up have 4x4 Auto, 4x4 High, and 4x4 Low. Ford dropped the 2WD setting in favor of a 4x4 High. After enough testing they decided that it didn't cause any appreciable wear and loss in fuel mileage to drive in 4x4 Auto on the road. I don't think what you are asking is as simple as a chip swap since I believe the 4x4 system is controlled by the GEM which as far as I know doesn't have a chip that can be swapped. Maybe you could swap the GEM from a '97 on up Explorer but I seriously doubt it. If you get lucky and find that it is controlled by the main Computer, maybe you could get a chip maker to custom make one for you that will cause it to lock when in the Auto setting. Maybe you could even convince them that there would be a market for it.

Robert

 

[Robert]

Re: Why?

Originally posted by GJarrett
Just use 4hi.

Because before 1997 the Control-Trac equipped Explorer didn't have a 4WD High setting. It only came with 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Low. Beginning in 1997 Ford dropped the 2WD mode in favor of a 4WD High mode.

Robert

 

[felsmann]

Exactly, that is what I have on my '97 I don't think I would have bought it if it only had 4WD auto.

 

[Jim F]

From info I have gathered, the 2WD portion was incorporated into the 4Auto programming. Once the vehicle exceeds 35MPH the system switches to 2WD. I guess if traction control is needed above 35MPH you would already have it locked into 4High or the ABS system would come into play to stop the vehicle. I am just guess though and yes my 98 as 4Auto, 4Hi, and 4Lo selectable on the dash.

 

[mikefox]

need 4hi as well....

This is something that I have been wondering myself since my '95 has the 2wd, 4auto and 4low. 4auto sucks for 4wheeling, let me tell you. I wish it was as easy as changing out the transfer case shifter motor or even the switch on the dash, but I know it couldn't be that easy. If anybody knows anymore info on this please let us all know.

 

[jwild4x4]

Well, the reason I don't use 4 high, is because there is no 4 high on '95 Sport. I really wish there was! This is why I was wondering if anyone knew how to make 4x4 Auto--> 4x4 High..

Sill, any ideas?

 

[Tom Wilk]

Well, there's got to be a way. I know that the computer controls the 4wd, but there's got to be some wires leading from it to the transfer case. The problem is finding what wires do what. A shop manual may have the necessary wiring diagrams. I would think that it would be as simple as wiring in a switch between a source of power and the correct wire (whichever one that it) so that when you flip it on, power is supplied to the clutch motor.

 

[rmaybach]

4 wheel high

My understanding is that Explorers with the 2wd, 4auto, and 4lo switch have electronically locking hubs. In 4auto, power is being sent to the front diff, but the hubs are disconnected. when the computer detects slipage, it locks the hubs. If this is correct, the addition of manual locking hubs would allow a true 4 wheel high. Of course, I may be wrong on all accounts.

 

[MyExploder]

4 Auto to 2WD

Ok...so what would happen if you wanted 2wd instead of 4Auto? There has to be a way to disconnect or modify how it engages the front end. Is it just the switch on the dash or is there more to it. My guess is that there is more to it.I also have a 98 with 4Auto, 4hi, and 4low.

 

[rmaybach]

We could just switch

How about this, You and I could just switch drivetrain components. I've got the 2wd,4auto,4lo setup, 3.73 Ls rear end. How bout it?


ps
just kidding, although it would be interesting...

 

[jwild4x4]

Same hubs as 98+

If the newer models have the same locking hubs, then the only difference would be the traction control computer. Does anyone know where the traction control computer is? I would love to swap mine with a 98 model which has the three settings: 4 Auto, 4 high, and 4 low.

Any Ideas???? Please help!

Jason

 

[NoBoundaries]

95+ Explorers do not have locking and unlocking hubs, the front is always locked in, there simply are no hubs. I have thought about upgrading my T-case for well over a year now, Tom probably has the best understanding of how the Control-Trac system works. I have thought about upgrading to a Ranger t-case )2wd, 4wd High, and 4wd Low) or the 97+ Explorer T-case (4wd Auto, 4wd High, and 4wd Low), I am not sure if a simple swap would work or if there is more to it. From what I understand, the 4wd Auto setting is pretty much controlled by the ABS Sensors. The system is very complex and well thought out, I would love to find out what needs to be done to get regular 4wd High on a 95-96 Explorer, whether it is rewiring, new computer, or just simply a new T-case.

Anyone have a way to contact one of the engineers?

Gerald, I hate to pick on you, but you seem to be the one that FoMoCo knows best, do you know of anyone that could be contacted to find some info out on what something like this would need?

 

[jwild4x4]

Please help...

If my 95 has full time 4 low, and the auto 4, when engaged is the same as 4 high???, then is the transfer case any different? Or is it just a difference in the traction control computer? Does anybody know??

 

[drew22]

interesting

I always missed having 4wd high. If there is some relatively easy way to drop 4w auto and get 4wd high, that would be great. If you really want to have true 4wd high, with 4wd low, and 2wd, you could drop in the Atlas II transfer case. It would be bigger and stronger than the stock and you would have 4wd high back, plus lower 4wd low. 4.3:1 instead of the stock 2.48:1. Oh well, good luck.

Later on,

Drew

 

[MyExploder]

Thanks for all the replies...
But is it possible to put the Atlas in a 98 Sport? Would it still use the electronic switch to switch it or would it have to be a manual style shifter?
Another ? to anyone reading this.....Has a Ford service advisor ever told anyone you know who has taken a vehicle in for warranty work that a K&N DROP IN style filter would void possible warranty claims? Thanks again!

 

[drew22]

Don't quote me on this, but I am rather sure that if you were to drop in the Atlas II transfer case you would have to change to a manual style shifter, which personally I would like, don't really have to worry about it sticking 4wd low. I looked in to getting an Atlas II but it looked like you needed to have an 1" body lift to fit it in. If you had this done it would most likely fit in your 98' sport. They talk about the Atlas II some where on this website, product review I think.

Oh yeah, about that K&N airfilter affecting your warrrenty. It is possible, that is if the airfilter has not appoved by Ford. Basically don't tell your dealer about the airfilter and if anything happens to your sport, just take it out before you take it to the shop.

Later on,

Drew

 

[MyExploder]

Check out my post under General for what happened wiyh my warranty and the K&N....thanks again!