Hello All,
I have reading a lot of thread and I have 3 questions:
1) Does it seem like the explorers have a number of tranny type problems around 100K?

2) Does anyone know if it possible to disconnect the auto 4x4 from the transfer case and have an explorer drive in 2 wd only

3) Does anyone know of a 97 Explorer Sport for sell [only need to have good body, engine not important]

My explorer makes a loud grinding sound (like a sports bike just drove past) when I take my foot of the accelerator. I took it to the dealer and they mention that it might be a bad gear and the shift fork needs to be replaced ($2000.00) The shade tree mechanics I talk with seem to think the a transfer case is too big of a job for them. I really don't want to spend 2k, but I don't know a lot about transfer cases. Any pointers from anyone?

Thanks.

 

Yes, you can unplug the transfercase from under the drivers door. there is a connection about 1ft of wire from the transfercase. I have unplugged mine untill I can get it fixed. It was binding up when ever it tried to use 4X4. I have a 97 Explorer with Control Trac. By the way does anyone know what actually may cause this with in the transfer case, and is it repairable by myself.

As an added note, once I do get it fixed, I plan to put a switch in the cab that will alow me to disengage the transfer case. I've noticed an increase in gas milage. Not much but alittle

 

Thanks for the feed back.

I also got some insight from a post n the Transmission, Differential, Axle and Transfer Case forum(same title).

I will go out and try as you stated. From my talks with people, it seem that this problem comes from a combination of:

a) lack of schedule tranny maintains

and/or

b) wear in the shift fork or shift motor(?) in the case.

I am prepared to change out my transfer case(don't know where to start but to save $1200 +parts from the dealership, I can read and learn) The part should cost about $ 800 or less aftermarket. It seem like an easier job than trying to get inside and fix forks and gears.

Please keep me posted on your progress, as I will do the same.
Ray

 

I have a similar problem with my '97 Ford Explorer.....the gear grinding noise when coasting. It began suddenly and got worse fast. When I took it to my transmission mechanic, he said that his parts supplier told him it was due to a design fault which causes the fork's shift rail to egg-shape the holding boss in the rear case cover. The parts supplier claims this is an integral fault that can only be truly fixed by buying their rebuilt transmission for $1,200. They claim it's a common problem. Has anyone else heard of such a thing?

 

After 5 opinions between transmission shops, shade tree mechanics, the ford dealer and a 4x4 specialist. I determined that I need a new transfer case. I had it installed and the problem has gone away. When they took the case apart, they explained the worn parts( caused by the for not engaging properly) and I felt that for $900 plus labor, I got my a good value.

Good luck to you and anyone else with a similar problem.

 

Thanks for the info...I'm planning to just replace the transfer case, not the transmission.
By the way, how long ago did you do this? The parts supplier says replacing the worn parts won't fix the problem permanently, you need their redesigned system.

 

I purchased my rebuilt transfer case and had it installed by Fort Collins 4x4 center. This was done around March of this year. They provided a good warranty and as I said, took apart my T case and compared the worn part to the new part. They explained that I could have just replaced the part, but price wise the charge would have been about the same. Thus, I decide to have a rebuilt case installed. Also, there was nothing wrong with my clutch, but since I had the T case out and I have over 100K on my truck, I got that replaced also.

Where ever you go, to have your work done, you should have your clutch and transmission checked. You could save on labor if you need to have something done. After everything was done, I realized that if I had either a auto shop or about 4 strong friends, I could have done the work myself, but since I don't the priceof labor and warranty was worth the repair.

Good luck to you.

 

Thanks!

 

Same problem with my truck, loud noise 95 expl. 4x4. when a take off my foot from the acelerator. can i unpluge the transfer and put a switch in the cab?

 

I'm not much of an expert, but I would think not...rebuilding or replacing the transfer case or the transmission seems to be the only solutions that I hear...but at least one technician says that the only permanent fix is to buy his rebuilt tranny which was designed to avoid the issue which causes the transfer case parts to become worn. I didn't buy it, though. We are just replacing the transfer case. I'll post when it's done, and if it still holds after a few months!

 

I just rebuilt my 97 4.0 AWD T-case, 3hrs re/re, parts, clutch pack, coil, all seals gears and chain... 900.00 also rebuilt shift motor at same time, $0 .5 hrs.. fairly straight forward job.... all works well now....

 

I have a 98 Mountaineer just had to rebuild the BW4404 AWD transfer case. Parts for the rebuild (all seals, bearings and chain) cost about $300. If you have time, tools and patients you can do it yourself. Get a good manual though.

DaveW

 

Had to have mine rebuilt June of 2002...it's back at the dealership right this moment getting it done again!!!! Weird thump sound when I let off the accelerator, and yesterday started the load screaming sound when put in reverse. They just called me an hour ago and said it's the transfer case, going to tear it apart and see which parts went bad this time...cost me $726 the first time...will find out soon what it's going to cost this time. Mine has 104,600 miles on it.

 

Just got the word...problem parts are a hub and I forgot what the other one is. Labor $450, parts$350, tax and all that jazz. He said my clutch is fine, basically everything else looked OK. This is going to get old real fast, it's been 15 months since the last time this happened.

 

Hey folks,

Sorry my first real post is so long but here it goes. I have a 97 explorer V6 with contoltrac trans. Just the other week we noticed at very low speeds while turning on even wide radii, that the truck makes a kinda clunking sound and lurches slighty. When going straight it doesnt happen, and it doesnt happen all the time.

I tried to test the CV joints by turning tight tight radius turns left and right, and it doesnt make it any worse or better. It almost sounds like the 4WD is partially engaged at times when at low speed and turning. We tried putting it in 4WD and drove it around for a bit and then putting it back into auto, but that didnt change anything either.

I read some of the posts here and none of them sound exactly like what I am experiencing. There is no grinding or high pitched sound when driving normally. We only notice it mostly while navigating parking lots.

The truck just turned 110K, and we were thinking about trading it in on a 2005, but I'm afraid we may have waited too long as we could be looking at a major repair. I have rebuilt engines before, but never a tranny or transfer case. I feel confident that I would be able to do it, however I would like to know if this is what you folks think it is before I jack-er-up and get busy!!

Thanks in advance for your replies!!!

Nick Lucci (Click Here to find out why email addresses are removed from posts.)