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  #1  
Old 02-19-2012, 12:22 AM
Shredder Shredder is offline
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Default 4x4 tries to engage but there's a loud grinding noise

Hi all,
Brand new to the forum and the reason I joined is because my truck is gettin pretty beat up in the past couple years, I need a resource.
My problem is this:
First off, I have a 94 4.0L 4x4 ranger.
Ok, when I push my 4x4 button, I hear a slight click, then I hear a grinding noise that gets louder as I speed up. While it's making this noise, 4x4 isn't actually engaged. I can press the button and the noise will stop. It's as if its trying to engage while making the god awful sound.
At first I thought it was the shift motor, it still could be, but I honestly do not know anymore. Would the hubs have anything to do with this?
No idea if it helps but I have 97.5k miles on it.

I appreciate any help!

ps. i looked up other posts on 4x4 problems but none had this grinding noise that i saw.
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  #2  
Old 03-09-2012, 09:42 AM
lostpilot28 lostpilot28 is offline
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Default Re: 4x4 tries to engage but there's a loud grinding noise

Did you ever find out what this was? I have a '99 XLT with a 3.0L engine, 5 speed manual tranny. The owners manual says I can swith from 2WD to 4x4 High at highway speeds, but I get the "grinding noise" you describe (I actually describe mine as a loud buzzing).

The interesting thing is that when I slow down (maybe less than 10 mph), I hear a solid *thunk* and it engages the front wheels. I've been chalking it up to a weak electric motor (whatever that thing is called that everyone needs to rebuild).

Is that what you experts think it is? Could it be anything else? 4x4 works great when it's engaged...just can't engage it over 10 mph or so.
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Old 03-12-2012, 07:32 PM
Shredder Shredder is offline
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Default Re: 4x4 tries to engage but there's a loud grinding noise

Well I don't think it is the shift motor. I bought another shift motor, changed it, and experienced the same problem. I believe it's the automatic locking hubs. Something is preventing my front left wheel from engaging 4x4 and I'm almost positive it's the hubs. I just received new manual hubs the other day and will get those things on pretty soon. I'll keep you posted
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  #4  
Old 03-12-2012, 07:33 PM
Eagle Eagle is offline
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Default Re: 4x4 tries to engage but there's a loud grinding noise

it does that if your on pavement
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  #5  
Old 04-03-2014, 03:57 PM
16rangerdanger 16rangerdanger is offline
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Default Re: 4x4 tries to engage but there's a loud grinding noise

did you ever figure out what it was? I have the same issue
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2000 ranger stepside 3.0 supercab. ion alloy 171 rims 15x8 with -27mm offset, 33x12.5x15 wrangler duratracs, after market grill insert, tuff running bars, 3in body lift, leveling kit, add a leaf spring, cold air intake, SCT livewire Tuner, uws lp toolbox, and Rancho 5000 shocks for 2.5 inch lift
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Old 04-04-2014, 08:30 AM
Shredder Shredder is offline
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Default Re: 4x4 tries to engage but there's a loud grinding noise

Sadly I can never be sure what it was because I sold the truck last year and never put the warn manual hubs on the truck. I don't want to mislead you and say that's what it was, because I never figured it out. Either way, the hubs aren't too expensive so it may be worth troubleshooting.

Best of luck.
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  #7  
Old 04-04-2014, 07:06 PM
16rangerdanger 16rangerdanger is offline
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Default Re: 4x4 tries to engage but there's a loud grinding noise

oooh thanks for letting me know
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2000 ranger stepside 3.0 supercab. ion alloy 171 rims 15x8 with -27mm offset, 33x12.5x15 wrangler duratracs, after market grill insert, tuff running bars, 3in body lift, leveling kit, add a leaf spring, cold air intake, SCT livewire Tuner, uws lp toolbox, and Rancho 5000 shocks for 2.5 inch lift
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