Joe2209

Hi,

I have a 99 Ford Explorer XLT, and I recently purchased snow tires for the front. I didn't buy all four snow tires because snow tires are very expensive, especially if you're buying them for a truck.

The Explorer has automatic 4x4, which means if it senses I'm sliding, the 4x4 will automatically kick in. The tire place I purchased them from told me not to drive it, especially seeing as the 4x4 is automatic, because apparently it will damage my transmission. I made a few phone calls to a couple different places - some say it will damage the transmission and some say that it won't.

The tricky thing is, all four tires are the exact same size. The only difference is that the front tires (the snow ones) are a different brand, and of course, they're snow tires, while the back ones aren't.

I drove it all day today (and we just so happened to get a really bad snow storm too). The 4x4 has been kicking in and out all day, and I don't notice any problems - it shifts normally and everything. The only problem I've noticed (not sure if this is a problem, but I know nothing about vehicles) is that when the 4x4 is activated, I can hear a noise. I can't explain the noise - it's really weird - almost as if the emergency brake was applied when it's activated, only making the noise when I apply the gas or brakes.

Will driving my Ford Explorer ruin my transmission? Could these sounds I'm hearing relate, in any way, to the difference in the tires, or is this probably just a problem within the 4x4 itself?

If possible, I need quick answers. I'm going to need to know if I'll be able to take the truck to work tomorrow or not. If not, I'll have to call some people ahead of time to make arrangements.

Thanks for the help.

- Joe