My girlfriend has a 2003 Explorer she got from her daughter,when she lived in KY.. Now that she lives in Arizona she does drive in bad weather and doesn't need the gas burning all-wheel drive. Is there an aftermarket kit to redo it so she can switch off the front drive that doesn't cost an arm and a leg???

 

as far as i know there is no "kit. I have read posts about cutting wires under the drivers door / floor area to disable... but wouldnot say that is a good idea.
You realize you will not disengage the front axle, just disconnect the drive shaft at the transfer case. Your still moving the drive shaft and alxe with tire rotation. The benifit of computer controlled all wheel drive i think is worth keeping intact.

 

When I get out there in May I'll see how she drives. I might add a Vac. Gauge and teach her how to drive using it. That should help her get better mileage.

 

IF your really serious, you need to remove the front drive shaft and both axld 1/2 shafts. Remomber the axle holds the two bearings on the wheel hub together so you would need to put a 3/4 inch bolt and selastic nut or somthing like that thru the two bearings and torque to 200 ft pounds. You might end up getting some type of error code, im not sure, but thats the only way to cut the axle and drive shaft drag.