Im trying to find a front differential for my mountaineer...I dont know what axle/differential is in the front, like for instance, my mustang has an 8.8 rearend....whats the mountaineer?

 

from what I have found on-line, the diff is the same on all models equipped with AWD except for gear ratio. That's either 3.55 or 3.73. Hopefully someone else can verify this. I only have Google to help me with such things that I don't have direct experience with.

 

I found a front diff. out of a 97 explorer for 50 bucks. I think those early ones were 4WD though not AWD.....I dont know if it would work or not, but I do know mine has 3.55's and so does that one.

 

probably not. I've never seen an explorer AWD personally (don't know if they ever made any) and do know that most AWD systems are set up differently from 4WD systems. IE: you can't turn AWD to 2WD but you can turn 4WD to 2WD.

 

...Mercury Mountaineer? My front differential broke and I wanted to know if I drive it to the mechanics will that make it worst and how much should I pay to get it fixed? One mechanic told me only a ford dealer mechanic can fix it and it would cost about 3,000 dollars. Another mechanic told me he could fix it for 650 dollars. Thats a great difference in price and dont know how much I should actually pay. I dont want to get ripped off and I also dont want a crappy job done either. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

the $650 fix is probably a remove the old and replace with a rebuilt unit without any invasive, labor intensive rebuilding himself. I think the dealer quote is a bit off though. I'd be suprised if a dealer charged more than $1500 any more.

 

Wow, this post is all over the place. I have a 1996 Ford Explorer with Ford's very good electronically controlled "Control-Trac" 4WD system. When electronically controlled (v.s. locking hubs), the system runs normally in 2WD, can be switched on the dash into what is in effect an AWD system, and into true low speed 4WD. A true AWD system, such as by Subaru or Porche is 4 wheels all the time with power sent to the best gripping tires, which gives amazing handling, at the expense of economy, and sometimes, tire wear. Using the Ford style system, you can get the benefit of all drive combinations, and get decent mileage with the 2WD. On my Explorer, the rear differential is a Ford manufacture 8.8, while the front uses a Dana (35 if memory serves), and yes, the ratio both ends is 3.55. All in all, a very strong, reliable combination, and handy when it's really nasty outside. One turn of the dial, and you're locked and rolling. I love it!

 

Oh, by the way, Explorers do come in full time AWD, but as far as I'm aware, only Eddie Bauer models with the V8 option. On the repair front, I'm surprised you broke it at all, but if Ford still uses the Dana, then any good rear end shop should be able to help you fix it. I'm not so sure if it was the transfer case that broke, you may not have an option unless you can find a specialized rebuilder of all brands. Check out any big volume off road builder, at least for price comparison. Good Luck!