Ford explorer 1998

Table of contents

Introduction Notice to 4X2 utility vehicle owners 4WD and AWD systems 4WD Or AWD operation on the road Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD Trailer towing Tires, replacement requirements Maintenance and modifications Hauling cargo and vehicle handling Index

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Introduction
INTRODUCTION Welcome to Ford Motor Company’s world of four-wheel driving!Your new 4WD or AWD vehicle opens up a completely different and challenging world of travel unlike what you have ever experienced with a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle. Now, you’ll be able to travel places where roads don’t. You’ll be able to travel when weather conditions have made roads impassible for two-wheel drive vehicles. Most importantly, you’ll be able to travel with the safety,comfort and dependability of a Ford-built vehicle. The steering and handling characteristics of vehicles may vary and you must learn and understand the capabilities and limitations of your 4WD or AWD through experience. Take it slow and easy until you get to know and understand your vehicle and have confidence in your ability to drive it. Your 4WD or AWD vehicle, particularly when loaded, may handledifferently than an ordinary passenger car. This is because your vehicle has special design and equipment feature for off-road operation. Familiarize yourself with this vehicle’s operating characteristics. Study the “Owner’s Guide” and this supplement for specific information and instructions for safe driving under various conditions. 2

Notice to 4x2 utility vehicle owners
All occupantsshould always wear the safety belts provided and children/infants should use appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection. Driving at speeds safe for road conditions and the use of safety belts are the best means of avoiding the possibility of accident and serious injury. Ford Motor Company reserves the right at any time to change information provided herein, includingspecifications, design or testing procedures without incurring obligation. NOTICE TO 4X2 UTILITY VEHICLE OWNERS Although this supplement is primarily directed to 4WD or AWD vehicle operators, these principles of safe driving also apply to operators of two-wheel drive utility vehicles. Even though you did not select a 4WD or AWD option for your vehicle, many of its operating characteristics are similar tothose of 4WD or AWD vehicles. For this reason, Ford urges you to read and understand the contents of this supplement. 4WD AND AWD SYSTEMS Your AWD or 4WD (when you select the 4WD mode), uses all four wheels to power itself. This increases traction, enabling you to

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4WD and AWD systems
drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle can’t. Power is suppliedto all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD vehicles the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary. Information on transfer case operation, shifting procedures and maintenance can be found in your “Owner’s Guide.” You should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle. Normal characteristics • On some 4WD models, the initial shift fromtwo-wheel drive to 4x4 while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern. • On some 4WD models, if the vehicle is stopped while in 4WD and the vehicle direction is reversed from the previous direction, the automatic locking hubs will momentarily disengageand re-engage. The automatic locking hubs may click as they automatically engage in the new direction.

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4WD and AWD systems
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles 4WD and AWD vehicles can differ from some other vehicles in a few noticeable ways. Your 4WD or AWD may be: • Higher — to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components, and...