Hmm.  A more common question is how one might *add* 4WD to a 2WD
version (rather a more expensive and difficult proposition).   Hmm.

I would suggest that although what you want to do is possible -- maybe
even semi-easy if you will settle for a partial conversion (and
depending on what year and options you've got) -- you'd be giving up a
valuable capability, and ending up with a pallet of greasy heavy
machinery in the yard, in order to gain very little.  It'd still be a
heavy, largish vehicle.   A quick glance around fueleconomy.gov makes
me think 4WD costs you about 1 (one) MPG both city and highway in this
vehicle, given similar engine and tranny choices.

BTW, you didn't say what you mean to tow, but 4WD -- especially with
"low range" for those really special occasions -- can be useful for,
say, getting up a slimy boat ramp.

If you want an Explorer and concomitant towing capacity but really
would feel silly tooling around with 4WD that you never used, look for
a good example that was born 2WD, is my suggestion.   And if you want
this particular vehicle, don't fret too much about its having 4WD.

Cheers,
--Joe

To replicate the weight and complexity of a 2WD vehicle you would have
to remove everything from the transmission forward to the front axle.
The front axle and suspension would have to be replaced.  Replacing the
front axle may mean the rear configuration would have to be tweaked
too.  Come to think of it, if you really want to replicate the 2WD
setup you would have to replace the transmission too.

Since it is electronically engaged, you might check into whether
removal of the transfer case would cause a conflict with the computer.
Sounds far fetched, but look into it.  Also check into whether systems
(if any) such as ABS and STS would be impacted.

My suggestion...just leave the 4WD in place, or better yet buy a truck
with 2WD.