Basically what l am asking is if there is a center differential on the 4wd ford explorer (newer body style), or if there is just a front and rear differential like a typical 4 wheel drive vehicle.The only options are 4wd auto, 4 low, and 4 high.There is no 2wd option.l just wondered because l read that 4wd vehicles should be put in 4wd at least 10 miles a month, but all wheel drive vehicles do not need to.l had an AWD Pacifica that did not have any option as to what type of driving you wanted to do.Perhaps someone with a background knowledge of the newer explorers could help me out.Thanks.

it has a center differential.

4 lo and 4 hi lock out the center differential, and should not be used on paved surfaces.

l also have a newer explorer (2004 explorer eddie bauer edition) mine also has 4wd auto, 4wd high, or 4wd low. Like nigel said it has a center diff. But as for your question about putting it into 4wd you dont have to.its always in 4wd no matter what.even if its in auto. Thats why we get pretty bad gas mileage lol