2WD Low Range Modification? 1990 Ranger

Synchman · Jan 30, 2008

I have a 1990 Ranger with the 4.0L V6, automatic tranny, 4wd, electronic transfer case and automatic hubs.

I was plowing yesterday, and reminded again how nice it would be to have 2wd low range. With chains on all four tires, I need low range to push snow but 2wd so I don't bind up the transfer case as I turn sharply on my concrete parking pad clearing snow.

I like the convenience of automatic hubs, so putting in manual hubs is not a desirable fix.

Possibly this sketch show how to do it...
http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/GIJoeCam/697551.jpg

Anyone know for sure how to do this mod?

Jspafford · Jan 30, 2008

I don't quite know what the drawing is for... This is not possible. The front driveshaft spinning is what locks in your automatic hubs, so whenever you get the t-case into 4 Hi or Lo, as soon as the shaft starts turning, the hubs will lock.

Easiest way to do it is swap on a set of manual hubs and go from there. Lock them when you need true 4wd, leave them unlocked and use 2-lo.

Donnie strickland · Jan 30, 2008

Congrats on your truck: that's a nice looking rig!

But Jspafford is right. The only way to get what you're after is to go to manual hubs. The hubs themselves are not controlled by any electronics, so I'm not certain what the drawing is for. BTDT -- my truck used to have auto hubs; now it's got manuals. You are right about the convenience of 2wd low, though. It's very handy to have (although I don't use mine for plowing snow; I use it to pull my boat out of the water).

4x4junkie · Jan 30, 2008

It might be possible to get a 2-LO position if you modified the internal shifter components in the t-case, although this would be an intricate thing requiring some creative machine work.

Another option that might work is a driveshaft disconnect of some sort on the front shaft (I've seen these for use on the rear shaft for flat-towing a vehicle.).

Otherwise its manual hubs (or just put up with the tires scuffing)

Edit:
Maybe a 4405 fulltime case from an Explorer could be used... I don't know what is needed to put one in a Ranger though.

Synchman · Jan 30, 2008

Appreciate the replies, guys. The sketch led me to beleive you could "fool" the transfer case into thinking it was in 2WD and putting the system into low range. Because of the two seperate buttons in the cab, I thought they were independent systems. After this discussion I looked up a picture of the transfer case with the electronic shifter removed. You can see there are three positions on the shaft, 2HI, 4HI and 4LO, so clearly when you go to low range the front driveshaft is engaged with no option.

It sounds like the best way to get the convenence of auto-hubs and the ability to go 2-Low would be a front driveshaft disconnect. I found some for tow vehicles, but this a rather expensive solution.

Synchman · Jan 30, 2008

Donnie strickland said:
Congrats on your truck: that's a nice looking rig!

/QUOTE]

Thanks! I purchased it used around 93. It has been a really good rig for me, daily driver, hauling me to the mountains for skiing and hiking, hauling wood and lawn equipment.

MAKG · Jan 31, 2008

A front driveshaft disconnect is MORE convenient than manual locking hubs? Huh?

Jspafford · Jan 31, 2008

MAKG said:
A front driveshaft disconnect is MORE convenient than manual locking hubs? Huh?

I was thinking this too, hell if it's that big a deal, and you have an open front diff all you have to do is unlock ONE hub, the driver side would be closest, jump out, turn the knob and voila, 4WD.

Synchman · Jan 31, 2008

MAKG said:
A front driveshaft disconnect is MORE convenient than manual locking hubs? Huh?

Auto-Locking hubs + front driveshaft disconnect is more convenient than manual hubs. The front driveshaft disconnect would be for the more rare conditions of needing 2-LO, and the auto-hubs would provide the convenience of 2HI-4HI for highway driving in variable conditions.

Jspafford · Jan 31, 2008

You can still shift into 4WD while on the highway with manual hubs. Just have to make sure the hubs are locked. I drive around all winter with mine locked, gets nasty, jerk the lever back. Clears up, push it back up to 2WD and continue until the next storm.

MAKG · Jan 31, 2008

Well, whatever.

I'm in the same boat more or less.

I don't find it a big deal to pull over and lock the hubs when needed. You can leave them locked all the time if you THINK you might need 4WD.

And I suspect you'll change your mind the first time you break those POS auto hubs or fry a wheel bearings because the auto hubs have a much sloppier adjustment (so you have to choose between loose steering and a fried wheel bearing).

Synchman · Jan 31, 2008

MAKG said:
Well, whatever.

You can leave them locked all the time if you THINK you might need 4WD.

And I suspect you'll change your mind the first time you break those POS auto hubs or fry a wheel bearings because the auto hubs have a much sloppier adjustment (so you have to choose between loose steering and a fried wheel bearing).

You are right. I'm replacing my auto hubs with manuals at the next opportunity.

2WD Low Range Modification? 1990 Ranger

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