4wd Non-Functional on First Generation Explorer
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4wd Non-Functional on First Generation Explorer
Hey, I have a friend with a First Generation Explorer (can't remember what year) whose 4wd system does not work. Apparently he didn't use it for a while, and when he tried to engage it, it just wouldn't go. He took it to a shop and they quoted him something like $2500 to fix it, and when he declined they apparently 'just wired it up.'
I took a look underneath the truck, the front drive shaft is in place and normal, everything looks OK. I asked one of my friends and they said a likely cause might be the 4wd engagement motor that sits toward the back of the transfer case, but that's only a $100 part. Could that be it and they were just overcharging for labor? What do I need to know about replacing that motor if it is the problem?
Thanks!
I took a look underneath the truck, the front drive shaft is in place and normal, everything looks OK. I asked one of my friends and they said a likely cause might be the 4wd engagement motor that sits toward the back of the transfer case, but that's only a $100 part. Could that be it and they were just overcharging for labor? What do I need to know about replacing that motor if it is the problem?
Thanks!
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: UT
1st gen is '91-'94, just so we can be sure it is a 1st gen explorer.
Shift motor is indeed a common problem on these. It's common enough that there are a couple of different web-sites that describe how to remove, clean, and "rebuild" the shift motor.
The other thing that frequently fails on these is the auto hubs. You might double check to see if the problem is in the transfer case or the hubs, but almost all 4wd problems on the first gens are one of those two problems.
Shift motor is indeed a common problem on these. It's common enough that there are a couple of different web-sites that describe how to remove, clean, and "rebuild" the shift motor.
The other thing that frequently fails on these is the auto hubs. You might double check to see if the problem is in the transfer case or the hubs, but almost all 4wd problems on the first gens are one of those two problems.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: UT
First thing I'd look at is: is the 4x4 light coming on when you push the button? If yes, then the transfer case is probably shifting right. If no, then the transfer case probably isn't shifting.
Next check would be to pick up the front end, crawl under and rotate the front driveshaft with the t-case in 2H and after trying to shift into 4H. In 4H, the front drivetrain should not be able to move, but it should be free in 2H. The rotation of the axleshafts as you rotate the driveshaft should cause the hubs to engage, so you can get an indication of whether the hubs are working.
Next check would be to pick up the front end, crawl under and rotate the front driveshaft with the t-case in 2H and after trying to shift into 4H. In 4H, the front drivetrain should not be able to move, but it should be free in 2H. The rotation of the axleshafts as you rotate the driveshaft should cause the hubs to engage, so you can get an indication of whether the hubs are working.
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I looked at the truck today, the problem isn't the 4wd shift motor, it is in the hubs.
Basically what happens is they will engage, but while driving they'll pop out and then re-engage. Can this be solved by cleaning and re-lubricating them? Can anyone link me to a walk-through with pictures?
Basically what happens is they will engage, but while driving they'll pop out and then re-engage. Can this be solved by cleaning and re-lubricating them? Can anyone link me to a walk-through with pictures?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: BC Canada
I looked at the truck today, the problem isn't the 4wd shift motor, it is in the hubs.
Basically what happens is they will engage, but while driving they'll pop out and then re-engage. Can this be solved by cleaning and re-lubricating them? Can anyone link me to a walk-through with pictures?
Basically what happens is they will engage, but while driving they'll pop out and then re-engage. Can this be solved by cleaning and re-lubricating them? Can anyone link me to a walk-through with pictures?
The biggest issue with the auto hubs is too much and/or old hard grease.
The fix: remove the AUTO hub, wash out all old grease, lightly coat the splines with grease that will not harden in low temp, add 1oz of ATF, reinstall with new gasket or good Silicone seal, they should work flawlessly. We have used this method down to -52*.
The second option, install manual hubs.
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Alrighty, no problem!
By the way, you mention it being a ramping system.. the symptom he is describing is he'll be driving in 4wd, and then there will be a loud 'BAM' kind of sound and the truck will shake a little because of it. So I'm thinking the hubs are not engaging properly?
By the way, you mention it being a ramping system.. the symptom he is describing is he'll be driving in 4wd, and then there will be a loud 'BAM' kind of sound and the truck will shake a little because of it. So I'm thinking the hubs are not engaging properly?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: BC Canada
Alrighty, no problem!
By the way, you mention it being a ramping system.. the symptom he is describing is he'll be driving in 4wd, and then there will be a loud 'BAM' kind of sound and the truck will shake a little because of it. So I'm thinking the hubs are not engaging properly?
By the way, you mention it being a ramping system.. the symptom he is describing is he'll be driving in 4wd, and then there will be a loud 'BAM' kind of sound and the truck will shake a little because of it. So I'm thinking the hubs are not engaging properly?
if it is driven like this it just might eat the splines.....
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Carstairs Alberta
its possible if they have kicked out more than a couple times the hub mechanism can be toast. little plastic parts break. find a set at the wrecking yard, manual ones seem to go almost forever
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