4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 1998 Ford Explorer 4x4, ford explorer 4x4, linkage problem

Question
my 1998 ford explorer 4x4 doesn't drive in reverse. It will drive forward but in 2wd, 4hi, or 4low. but it wont go in reverse in any one of the settings. I was wondering if you know what the problem might be? tranny, transfer box, or is the rear end?

Answer
Christopher,

You need to take it to a reputable transmission shop.  The transmission is the only component that controls forward and reverse.  The transfer case only changes the gear ratios from high to low and back, and the differentials (rear end) simply drive the axles that are connected to the wheels.

You may have a faulty shift component in the transmission, or linkage problem.  The transmission itself, may have a bad or faulty reverse.  If it is a standard transmission, it could be a broken shift fork, or broken reverse gear.

Carl