when the truck was stuck in 4x mode no lights were on the dash?
just had a light bulb come on in my head about my troubles.....
drives fine and some times hard to turn wheel for turns, wonder if hers is stuck in 4x mode also........

 

When it's hard to turn the steering wheel does the Explorer seem to "push" the front wheels? Does it make unpleasant sounds at the time? Is the Explorer definitely 4WD versus AWD? Any other details related to the issue you can share?

-Rod

 

'02 limited
does not feel like front axle is locked in and doesn't "clunk" when making tight turns.

feels like there are dead spots in the rack. drives fine straight, go to make a turn and wheel resists being turned then frees up- feels more like the ps rack is giving up.....

I unplugged both connectors to the 4x module and let her drive it- I saw that the 4x lights flashed a couple times and I will check and see if she notices any change but I think it is a long shot

 

Based on your description, I'd agree that is sounds more related to the power steering.

Have you sampled the PS fluid to see if it is discolored and maybe even a bit metallic looking? Is the fluid level to the correct height? You might also get the front supported on jackstands, unlock the steering wheel, and steer the front wheels by hand with the engine off to see if they turn smoothly that way and that there doesn't seem to be something mechanical binding.

-Rod

 

so------
I checked fluid- brown and stinky, so I did my best to replace most of it.....
jacked truck up and turned key to acc , wheels turn but do have odd resistance at lock position then release and turn free.........
found a sway bar link broken on passenger side so replaced. still has odd binding then release.....
ran out of time and put it back down and realized this am I didn't even check ball joint play
will go thru the motions again tonight or soon.......

 

I need help figuring out what's wrong with my 4 wheel drive. The 4th low light is in but is not enfaged. This went out around the same time as my rss went out. I tried to engage the 4th but it will not engahe. I have been told the transfer case or a module. All fuses are good those have been checked. Any suggestions? ??