4x4 97 ranger question

Nowaynoah · #1 12-19-2009, 04:26 PM

So while i was changing my fuel filler hose today, i thought it might be good to check and see if my 4x4 really works in my new truck. I jacked the thing up (all 4 tires off the ground) put it into 4x4 hi and lo, and only the back 2 tires spun. So i let it down, drove it around the block to see if that helped, jacked it back up, and still... only back 2 tires spin. I got out to look at the front 2 tires, and the passenger side one was making a clicking noise, and if i pushed it, it felt like it wanted to spin. The driver side tires i got nothing...

So do i just need to try my truck in some mud and see if my front tires spin or???

auto hubs, push button 4x4.

Also this truck has 200k miles on it, and i dont know if the 4x4 has ever really been used or not...

Jay FX4 · #2 12-19-2009, 05:07 PM

I wouldn't recommend getting yourself stuck in a mud pit to confirm what you already know - your 4wd isn't working.

Based on the info you gave, it sounds like your hubs are shot. The fact thaat your front wheels aren't turning does not necessarily indicate that your have a problem with your shift motor or transfer case. The hubs must be locked in for the wheels to get power.

Do your 4-high and 4-low lights on the dash function properly?

Nowaynoah · #3 12-19-2009, 05:09 PM

Lights come on when they are supposed to, i here it click as it engages. The front drive line spins, but no tire spinning.

* if i want to replace them with either auto or manual hubs, what are the years and vehicles that will work for me? Im thinkng i might go manual hubs, might as well if im gonna be replacing them, so can i get them off of any 4x4 ranger bronco explorer b-series? I think i read 83-97 are the same, but i dont want to make a mistake and buy the wrong thing. *

Jay FX4 · #4 12-19-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nowaynoah

Lights come on when they are supposed to, i here it click as it engages. The front drive line spins, but no tire spinning.

Yup, bad hubs.

As far as what you should replace them with, I'll leave the recommendations to others.

Jay FX4 · #5 12-19-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nowaynoah

* if i want to replace them with either auto or manual hubs, what are the years and vehicles that will work for me? Im thinkng i might go manual hubs, might as well if im gonna be replacing them, so can i get them off of any 4x4 ranger bronco explorer b-series? I think i read 83-97 are the same, but i dont want to make a mistake and buy the wrong thing. *

I have little personal experience dealing with hubs, but if you don't mind getting out to lock them in, I believe manual hubs are more reliable.

Nowaynoah · #6 12-19-2009, 05:20 PM

alright, thanks for the help!