1995 Ford Explorer Cost of rpair-Safe to Drive?

RUBEN PHILLIP ALVAREZ

MEMBER
1995 FORD EXPLORER

Transmission problem
1995 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 195.00 miles

95 Ford Explorer 4-wheel drive automatic trans 4.0 6 cylinder
As I was driving one day and shifted from 2wheel to 4wheel drive I heard a loud clunk as I moved forward, When I shifted back to 2 wheel drive it drove fine and has been for two months. Three weeks ago as I shifted to drive from park the transmission display suddenly shifted to the right neutral is now park reverse is now drive etc.
I have been driving the vehicle for all this time highway driving included and have not had any problems other than the display being out of whack.
Two days ago I was parked and as I was moving something from the car I hit the knob and unknowingly moved it to the 4 wheel drive mode as.
When I attempted to back the the vehicle out of the driveway and turned the wheel it produced a loud clunking noise as if something was binding the front wheel. When I shifted back into 2wheel drive I was able to back out of the driveway and drove around the block and the vehicle operated without a problem.
What might be wrong with the car?
How much might it cost to repair?
If I cant afford to spend any $$$ for repairs. Can I drive the car safely if I keep it in 2 wheel drive until I can afford to fix it.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

THe binding is the result of the 4wd being used on dry pavement. As far as the noise, it could be that you have a u-joint or CV joint going bad. Since you only did it for a brief amount of time, I feel somewhat confident that you didn't hurt anything. If the vehicle is working properly and you hear nothing when using it, chances are it is okay. Please understand that since I am not there to inspect it, I can't give you a guarantee. However, it sounds like everything is okay.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe