I have a 1986 4wd with manual lockhubs. Call me lazy, but I would like to be able to engage 4wd without having to get out of the truck. Is it possible to swap the manual lockhubs for an automatic system? Pros/Cons?

You can never trust auto hubs imo, but I'm pretty sure it can be done my dad's 89 bronco ii has stock auto hubs that would probably fit your ranger, so just look in junkwards for som

__________________
1995 ford ranger slash super cab 4x4

You can't just throw them on. It won't be worth the hastle

How often to you need 4WD that getting out is that bad?

Serious 4x4 guys get rid of auto hubs and replace them with manual. With a manual hub, you know 4x4 is engaged. With the vacuum or elec operated ones, you don't know theres a problem until you're stuck in the mud.

I'm sure it's possible to put auto hubs on, but it can't be worth the money and hassle.

Auto hubs are junk in my opinion, I've had 2 trucks with them and one of the trucks I had noting but issues with them, the other truck, one side was starting to take awhile to lock and unlock.. Stick with manual hubs you'll be regretting switching to auto

__________________
1996 f150 4x4 ext cab, Eddie Bauer edition, 5.8l auto, 3.55 gears and 31/10.5/15
My babe/DD-1995 2.3l 5speed 4x4, long bed, 4.10 open dif, "red rocket" 31/10.5/15s good years