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Disconnect 4WD?

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Old Jan 23, 2006 | 12:02 PM
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gh1051
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Disconnect 4WD?
Is it possable to remove the front axle shafts and drive shaft and safely drive as 2WD? I have a 98 explorer 4WD with 180,000 miles that I use for a daily commute of 100+ miles. I havent used 4WD in years and I dont want to sink more money into this car for CV/Diff work.
 
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Old Jan 23, 2006 | 11:33 PM
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Sure. As long as it's not constant all wheel drive. The only thing you would gain is a little less weight to move around. Kind of a strange question. What are you looking for?
 
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Old Jan 24, 2006 | 12:00 PM
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Ching,Ching,Ching
About a year ago I noticed a noise in the front end at low speeds. After many trips to my mechanic the noise is still there. I've replaced so far: Rear bearings, 4 rotors & pads, parking brake shoes and this last weekend new front bearings/hubs. Next would be the cv's and front diff. I use this car for commuting back and forth to work and havent used 4WD in years. So basicly its a money thing. Thanks for your help!
 
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Old Jan 27, 2006 | 01:25 PM
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the front drive axles and diff are active full time, so removing the front driveshaft will only disable the 4x4 function that engages in the transfer case
 
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Old Jan 27, 2006 | 01:44 PM
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I guess basicly I'm wondering if I remove the front half-shafts, (C/V) and the front driveshaft, will the front hubs alone take the load safely. Thanks
 
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Old Jan 27, 2006 | 03:50 PM
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If you yank the front driveshaft and half shafts out, it will essentialy be a 2x4, keep in mind that the (if you have AWD or Controltrac) clutch in the transfer case will be constantly energized unless you cut the single brown wire going into the transfercase,
 
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Old Jan 27, 2006 | 04:59 PM
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I think I'm going to give it a try next week. I'll post the results, Thanks
 
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Old Mar 17, 2006 | 12:50 PM
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Don't do it, the spindle of the axle shaft retains the bearing/hub. My first turn caused the wheel to fall off!
 
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