i have a 02 explorer and would like to know if i could disconnect the 4 wheel drive without any problems. and hook it up for winter driving.

 

Autolocking hubs, Your explorer has it, a dial indicator or a leaver you place into 2wd, 4Hi or 4low, or disconect your front drive shaft from the back front Dif and front of the transfer case, repeat install for the joy it.

 

The only thing you could really do is to remove the front driveshaft and all thats going to do is give you practice removing it. It won't do anything for your mileage. I'm assuming this is for mpg gains. The biggest hit you're taking is from the added height of the 4x4 vehicle and turning the equipment in the front axle (which you can't disconnect or remove). The single best thing you can do for your mileage is keep your foot out of it.

 

it has push button 4 auto 4 high 4 low

 

You can install a switch in-line with the wire that feeds the power to the clutch that engages the front driveshaft. It's not difficult to do. There's a good 26-page thread over at www.4x4central.com regarding the "brown wire mod". You will also have the ability to engage low range, then un-lock the transfer case, thereby giving you 2wd low range.... great for tight turns on twistie trails and doing burn-outs that last forever.

-Joe

 

is it possible to do that with my manual transfer case?

 

As long as the button is not depressed and indicates 4WD it is disconnected. The hubs won't engage and the front shafts will not turn.

Why do you want to get rid of 4WD??