Electronic 4x4 issues (go figure)

[khardrunner14]

It's been a while since I've been around here, but it's good to see things still running well!

Anyway, the 4wd in my 96 Exploder Sport refuses to work properly. 1st, the vaccum line was missing completely...fixed that and it worked the few times I needed it over the summer just fine. BUT I went to use it in the snow yesterday and no joy. I've read through the FAQ's and a bunch of other postings, but I still have questions.

Here are the details:
- 96 explorer sport with the "sport track" electronic never working 4x4
- Auto Tranny

- Flip the switch to 4x4 high and NOTHING
- Put it in N and flip to 4x4 low and a slight click (switching rear gear ratio?) but no joy!
- lights occasionally blink when I try to engauge the 4wd, though there is no rythm or rhyme as to why. It's not the 6 times every 2 min thing. Most of the time they don't blink at all (especially in 4x4 high).

What are my options?
- Do I bite the bullet and get the manual hubs?
- If so can I just get the kit from an online 4x4 store?
- Do I need any other mods? How do I know which kit to get (ie spline count ect.)?

I know it's a bunch of questions, but you all have been here. Help me! Thanks!

 

[exbass94]

The problem isn't with the hubs, it's with the electric motor that shifts the transfer case into 4x4 hi and low, and 2wd. The hubs you have on the Explorer aren't really hubs at all, the axle shaft is basically bolted directly to the spindle. In other words, the hubs are always engaged, even when you're in 2wd. You need to either clean/replace your shift motor on the transfer case, or swap out the transfer case for one with a mechanical shifter on the floor, instead of using a switch on the dash.
EDIT: Oh yea, and the problem may not actually be with the shift motor itself, it could also be wiring, the swtich on the dash, or some other electrical problem. This is why most guys prefer the manual-shift t-cases.

 

[khardrunner14]

Great! I love chasing electrical gremlins! Maybe it's time to convince the wife that she really needs a manual case.

Anyone with a cost estimate with that? I'd like to go used if possible. Of course all the work would be done at home if possible.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

Explorers never came equipped with the vacuum hub system. The axles are retained by an outer 32mm nut to the hub assemblies. As such, there is no manual locking hub kit for your Explorer.

Sounds like the tcase shift motor went bad. Check out the tech section for a good write up on cleaning and servicing the shift motor. It may solve your issue.

 

[khardrunner14]

Yep thanks. Is it worth just buying a new motor so I don't have to do the "service" ever year?

 

[77'cj7]

Cost was roughly 450 for my swap, for the t-case, linkage, and rebuilt and extended front driveshaft from donor truck.
However, your current front driveshaft should bolt right up, so that will take some of the cost off.

 

[khardrunner14]

I had my mechanic look at it (it was in the shop anyway for an idle problem) and the darn thing worked fine for him. It's worked fine for me ever since. oh well.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

Cleaning the shift motor will give you many years of service. It's not a yearly service.