1997 4WD usage on pavement
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New User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1
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1997 4WD usage on pavement
I am purchasing a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport from a Ford dealership. We test drove the vehicle tonight and when tested in 4WD on the dry pavement when making a sharp turn there was a loud banging noise. The dealer has indicated this is normal on the paved surface. Is this correct?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 831
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From: Utica, NY
1997 4WD usage on pavement
Yes, he is correct. 4x4 High is not meant for dry pavement but rather snow or slush covered roads at the very least. 4x4 Low is meant more for off-roading. The main setting you'll leave it on is 4x4 Auto. This works in all conditions and transmits power between the front and rear wheels if slipage occurs. I leave mine in 4x4 Auto unless I'm driving in deep snow on the road or in my driveway. The auto functions works pretty well and I'm glad it's there to complement the other modes, which my 92 X did not have (it didn't have the auto mode, just 4x4 high and low).
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Kelseyville, CA
1997 4WD usage on pavement
To further what was said, prolonged running in 4x4 High or Low on the pavement will result in expensive damage. The Sales Man probably didn't do any damage this time, but be sure that there is no damage to the drivetrain before you buy this one (especially if the Sales Man makes it a regular habit of switching it into 4x4 on customer test drives).
