AWD to 2 wheel drive - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

jkmath70 · 11-23-2011, 08:32

i have a 2002 awd mercury mountaineer and was wondering if you could change it to a two wheel vehicle by eliminating the rear axle to avoid having to replace the transfer case. or would you take out the front axle. I will not be doing the work i just would like to know if it could be done

**360ci** · 12-29-2011, 04:47

You can't make an AWD vehicle into an effective 2wd unit. You'll need a part time transfer case that allows you to select rear wheel drive (2WD) only and then you can disconnect the front axle.

If this is to improve fuel economy, you're wasting your time. A part time system still turns both axles although only one is engaged. AWD is the better option to have as it's a set and forget system and you get full time traction from all wheels. AWD also has a center differential that allows tight turns on pavement and other hard surfaces without worry of binding the axles.

flamingx · 02-19-2012, 07:22

The other option would be to replace your current tranny/T-case combo with a tranny from a 2WD to make strickly rear wheel drive.

**360ci** · 02-19-2012, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by flamingx

The other option would be to replace your current tranny/T-case combo with a tranny from a 2WD to make strickly rear wheel drive.

Going this route will also require a 2wd driveshaft, as the 4wd one will be a bit short. To save on weight you can also get away with removing the front half shafts. Removing the transfer case on electronically controlled models will make the 4WD service light remain on all the time. You'll have to get the computer reprogrammed professionally or you can face electronic bugs; this can also make the 4WD light on the dash go away. Between cost and time, you'd be better off looking around for a new/used 2wd model. These vehicles are RWD biased, and with the inline engine you cannot make it an effective FWD only vehicle.

flamingx · 02-25-2012, 09:24

And if you really want a FWD Explorer, go buy a new one. The 2WD versions are Front Wheel Drive. Not to mention the only North Americian Models availible with the new 4cyl. EcoBoost (that I know of anyway)

**360ci** · 02-25-2012, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by flamingx

And if you really want a FWD Explorer, go buy a new one. The 2WD versions are Front Wheel Drive. Not to mention the only North Americian Models availible with the new 4cyl. EcoBoost (that I know of anyway)

It's too bad Ford wants $1000 for a smaller engine. If it was a no charge option and was in the market for a 2wd SUV, I'd take it over the V6 but I'll be damned if I'm going to pay extra for less performance and similar real world mileage.

**Bert** · 02-25-2012, 11:26

The smaller engine is supposed to ahve more torque from what I've understood. Did you see the video on the F150 that they did the torture test. Watch these videos. Ford - Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Ford Vehicles | The Official Site of Ford Vehicles | Ford.com

**360ci** · 02-25-2012, 11:33

I wonder how the EB20 can pull it's weight plus a 2K trailer...if it's decent it might be worth the price over the 3.5L with the greater torque but 2K in a midsize SUV isn't anything to write home about when the 3.5LV6 can tow 5K with 40lb ft less torque and at higher rpm using the same transmission. Odd.