Welcome to TRS
You can use AWD power train in a 2WD but it won't Hold in Park on a hill, which can be an issue, lol
AWD is different that 4WD, AWD uses a fluid coupling in transfer case, without front driveshaft and wheels to hold it it can slip
4WD is direct drive, but shouldn't be used on dry pavement like AWD can
The 4R70W automatic transmission came in 2WD or 4WD/AWD versions, and on the 5.0l OHV engines
Not all V8 Explorers/Mountaineers were AWD/4WD, a lot were 2WD
So just trade, or sell and buy, a 2WD version
Your 4R70W with transfer case is worth something to some one
Plug and play for 5.0l Explorer computer, 2WD or 4WD is not part of engine computers software, its a separate control system
Bookmark this page:
https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/
Look in the engine section or Conversion section for V8 swap articles