V8 Down

[CDW6212R]

Yeah, I'm on the fence about the A4WD versus AWD. I haven't driven my 4WD V6 truck in a few years, but I recall how it was less smooth than the AWD. It does engage the front wheels on demand, but there is an odd feeling sometimes when it grabs the front wheels. The V8 version I kind of expect to be the same, that is the automatic 4WD unit. You're planning to install the manual version right, which will rarely be used and you choose when it is?

 

[RandomNerd2000]

Probably, I doubt I'd go through with an electric 4WD swap.

 

[koda2000]

In my experience with 4WD's you never want to engage 4WD unless your in snow or fairly loose dirt/mud/gravel. If you do everything just gets bound up and it's hard to steer. IMO the AWD is a better option as it's always engaged waiting for an issue should it be needed (no faulty human thinking required), but for where I live now and how/when I drive I don't want 4WD or AWD as it's just not necessary for me. The 4WD and AWD just add mechanical complexity and weight to the vehicle and maintaining even tire wear becomes a big added expense.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

I've found in owning Explorers that a 2WD is semi capable, unless you get the open differential. My old 01 XLT on wet pavement wouldn't move at all, just spun, had a 3.55 open diff, but my LS 3.73 V8 2WD does great, clutches still work at 267K too.

 

[CDW6212R]

I've found in owning Explorers that a 2WD is semi capable, unless you get the open differential. My old 01 XLT on wet pavement wouldn't move at all, just spun, had a 3.55 open diff, but my LS 3.73 V8 2WD does great, clutches still work at 267K too.

That's great, I recall my Mercury without the front drive shaft was iffy in the rain(at stop light etc). But the clutches were not that good. I replaced the differential with a Torsen just before finding another drive shaft, and it helped quite a bit.

There's no tire spin with AWD, but in 2WD you do need a great rear diff. I think you would be pleased if you rebuilt the rear clutches. It's about a 30 minute job once you get the axles out, doing them the first time.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

Yeah, an open diff Explorer is just asking for it. I might would've kept that truck instead since it had a newer engine and new trans, but the open diff 2WD killed it for me. I've debated fixing this truck up really well, I'mma start on the doors next, they're typical well worn high mile Explorer doors, screwed actuators and such.

 

[dabrackmaster82]

If you go 2WD, just snatch the DS out, and if you feel it necessary, remove the cv axles. Let everything else be, it all works properly with or without. My 98 xlt X has not given one issue from the front end in 140k miles with the D'S and cv axles out. Just let that diffy hang and roll out!

 

[koda2000]

If you go 2WD, just snatch the DS out, and if you feel it necessary, remove the cv axles. Let everything else be, it all works properly with or without. My 98 xlt X has not given one issue from the front end in 140k miles with the D'S and cv axles out. Just let that diffy hang and roll out!

DO NOT REMOVE THE CV AXLES! The axle and axle nut hold the hub assembly together. Why do you suppose the axle nut torque is nearly 200 foot pounds? If you remove the complete CV axle the hub bearing will come apart and your wheel will come off.

You can either take the CV axle apart and keep the end that goes through the hub, or pick up a pair of 2WD steering knuckles at the salvage yard.

 

[96eb96]

Yeah, an open diff Explorer is just asking for it. I might would've kept that truck instead since it had a newer engine and new trans, but the open diff 2WD killed it for me. I've debated fixing this truck up really well, I'mma start on the doors next, they're typical well worn high mile Explorer doors, screwed actuators and such.

You have access to all those junkyards, just pull a limited slip carrier and throw in the carbon clutch kit. Probably under $100 for the whole swap. The old shims should match up perfectly. No need to pull the pinon if it don't leak.

The LS makes a big difference offroad and in snow, even with 4x4. My truck couldn't move in 4x2 in the snow without it.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

Yeah, in hindsight with a really low mile 4.0 and rebuilt trans my old 01 XLT was probably the better truck out the two, mechanically, BUT the 2000 was AWD though, and a V8, and the goal was the Eddie Bauer ultimately out the three, the Eddie Bauer is really the one out of all of them I've loved most of all, I'm genuinely proud of it. On another note, 1200 miles in, I'm super happy with the 2WD, I've got AT tires on the back of this truck and it'll flat out carry itself, probably better than it did with the AWD and highway tires it came with.