1999 Explorer questions...

[EljayK004]

First off, has it really been 3+ years since I've been here... Wow!

I've been out of the Ranger-based vehicle world for about 6-7 years now, but I'm having the itch to come back home!

One of my neighbors has a 1999 Explorer XLT V8 for sale and I have a few questions, since I've long since forgotten most of my knowledge of the great Rangers.

1) Are all the V8 Explorers AWD in 1999? I seem to be finding conflicting info on this. Some sites claim if you got the V8 it was AWD, others claim there is a 2wd option. Is there any way to tell by looking at it (ie. dash board knob, tow hooks, etc.?)

2) What transfer case did the AWD versions use? Again, conflicting info, some places say they have a low range, others say they don't.

3) What are the major problem areas for these? Are they similar to the earlier Rangers (ie. rotors warping, weak auto hubs, etc.?)

 

[superds]

I happen to own a 99 Explorer V8. It started life as an AWD unit but I have put a two speed transfer case in. Awesome upgrade, feels more powerful and gives you low range!

1. V8 Explorers from 96-01 came in either 2wd or AWD. There was no two speed transfer case option that I have ever seen. If it exists it is either an ultra rare factory option (doubt it) or someone put a two speed transfer case in as I have done. There is no interior difference between the two as there is no selection for the AWD tcase, it does its own thing. You can tell the difference most easily by looking for the CV axles immediately inboard the front wheels, you'll need to get on your hands and knees to see them.

2. The AWD case is a BW4404. You can convert to a 4x4 tcase by following the directions in this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166726

3. There are no auto hubs to go bad. It's a full time engaged front axle. The problem areas I've had with mine are mostly a few electrical gremlins that you'll get with any newer vehicle with higher miles. And rust, but that's more an issue with all the road salt they use up here in the winter. The bodies have a tendancy to flex a little more than I'm used to since I normally drive pickups and you don't notice the bed flexing as much as you do the rear of the Explorer flexing while you're driving over bumps and uneven surfaces. The AWD tcase is a problem...remedied by swapping to a two speed case.