I just bought a 2000 Ford Ranger 4x4 and I have ran into a problem. This is my first 4wd truck I've had.

It was raining today so I put it into 4wd low because I thought I would have better handling. At first it worked great with no problems but then I put it in reverse and it was very jerky. Kind of like if you were driving a stick and didn't give it enough gas. At first I thought i had a flat tire but then realized it was my 4wd.

I went on the freeway and it would barely go up to 50mph and it seemed like the gears were stuck and it wouldn't shift. It would stay at about 35000 rpms and it had sort of a screeching sound. It's an automatic so I'm not too sure what I should do.

Too low of a gear. If it is raining and you feel you need 4wd, put it in 4 high not low. You could have and may have done some damage to the T case, and the engine. Even 4 high Ford recomends that you don't exceed 55 mph. 2wd on free way.

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01 EDGE 4.0 5 SPEED 4X4 FLOWMASTER LEVELING KIT SITTING ON 31s

Like mentioned 4x4 low is strictly like it sounds, it is only for low speed driving and when you need lower gearing; such as when your offroading and wanting to go up a steep incline.

4x4 high is when needing 4x4, either offroad or in snowy conditions but for higher speeds such as if you were driving home on the highway in the snow.

With 4x4 systems, they have to have slippage in the driveline when in use or the system will bind; which is what you experienced today. NEVER EVER put your truck in 4x4 while on dry pavement. If you need to for whatever reason or just to test the system like on a test drive when buying a vehicle or something, only drive in a straight line without turning.

You need to be offroad either in grass, loose gravel, mud, or snow and ice on the roadway to be in 4wd and have enough slip for the system to function properly without binding and risking damage either to the front driveline parts or transfer case.

I doubt you did any major damage and probably got lucky if you haven't noticed anything major in 2wd since then (I hope atleast). BUT you really need to make sure you know about these things before you just do them. Im not trying to come off as a dick but you really could have ended up doing alot of damage and thousands of dollars worth of damage. If you don't know the difference between what 4x4low and 4x4 high is for, as well as putting it in just because its raining; than I worry big time.

I realize its your first 4x4 and again im sorry if I am coming off as a dick, but I just want you to realize how serious that kind of thing can be and you need to research and learn more about your vehicle before just doing these things.

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask as many as you have, there are no dumb questions. Id also recommend reading through your entire owners manual asap especially the 4x4 section as well, to gain some knowledge on your vehicle.

Goodluck

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2006 Ford Ranger Supercab 4x4 XL. 4.0 5spd. To much to list-SOLD!

Ill be back

As has been said already, you shouldnt have been in 4x4 on the freeway. If you feel you needed 4x4 for rain, you might want to look at getting some better tires or improving your skills in less than ideal conditions.

Just to put it in perspective, the only time Ive used 4x4 in my truck is when I was stuck. Ive been through snow drifts over my hood and mud up to my bumper in 2wd. 4x4 should only be used if you're stuck, IMO.

perhaps you should read the manual.....

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2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

*insert "aint nobody got time fo dat" meme here*

lol! i was needing my morning lol pretty bad haha

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

you should only use 4lo when you need some serious torque to get out of a situation and you you shouldn't 4 wheel at all in the rain

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Truck: 2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 4x4 ext cab
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Thank you guys for the replies. I fixed it and I'm never gonna use 4x4 again... I learned my lesson.

You can use 4x4, but use it sparingly. My philosophy is don't touch the button unless you're stuck. And don't touch 4lo unless your buried up to your frame in a snow drift.

Get in with 2wd get out with 4h

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Truck: 2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 4x4 ext cab
My Build Thread
Mod Ideas
Don't Forget to:
Create a Signature
Show your system

Mods: Brush guard|Front Hitch|Expo Roof Rack|Train Horn|Door/Dash/step/Hood Leds|2" lift|Rear Tow Points|On-Board Air System| 22" & 40" LED bar|and More!

Was this an April Fool's joke? Got me!

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2011 Supercab Sport 4x4, 4.0L, Auto, 3.73LS.

DAMN you drove in 4low at 50 mph! im surprised your transfer case didnt blow up

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95 Ranger XLT 4x2 2.3 I4 5 speed 206,000 *dead*
96 Ranger XLT 4x4 4.0 V6 5 speed 173,000 *alive*
D35 front, 8.8 rear, 3.73 gears, limited slip rear diff

Has to be a joke...this is as good as the water thru the engine thread lmao

Come on guys, take it easy, everyone is new to something at some time in their life. OP, now you know how the 4x4 system works, dont be afraid to use it when you need it, thats what its there for. Now you know how to use it properly.

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