1996 Ford Explorer Sudden stop when backing up

1996 FORD EXPLORER
103,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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EXPLORER1
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My Explorer drives fine when going forward, but when I put it in reverse, it will drive a couple yards and then come to a jerking stop, as if I had pulled the parking brake (without me having done anything). If I hit the gas, it won't move. If I go forward first, I'm then able to go in reverse for a yard or so again before it comes to a jerking halt again.

Any ideas what this could be and how much a repair might cost?
Mar 7, 2009 at 3:52 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Any associated noises? Clanking or grinding?
Mar 7, 2009 at 6:56 PM
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EXPLORER1
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Not really - it just comes to a dead halt, as if I had slammed on the breaks. This started after a mountain trip, and the first time it happened is when I quickly switched into reverse while driving into and then backing up from a dirt-filled, inclined driveway.

I read about a forum user with a similar issue, but going forwards. Maybe something with the spider gears coming lose in the differential?

Come to think of it, when I drive forwards there's a slight cyclical sound (swish swish) but I think that's been there for a while and is unrelated.
Mar 8, 2009 at 9:52 AM
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MERLIN2021
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Only one way to tell for sure, pull the cover and see if any metal parts come out!
Mar 8, 2009 at 3:32 PM
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EXPLORER1
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Turns out a brake caliper had popped out. Minor repair - phew! Glad it wasn't something worse.
Mar 9, 2009 at 8:49 AM
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MERLIN2021
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Pist came out of the bore?
Mar 9, 2009 at 10:59 AM