4x4 question

[Newb]

thanks for your help guys

[Sunk]

Sounds like something within the front hubs. The automatic hubs on these Rangers are notorious for failing. Sounds like your transfer case is OK if it shifted into low-range. Check the Tech Library for the write up on how to install manual hubs.

[Wicked_Sludge]

or if you already have manual hubs, did you lock them in?

[Newb]

t

[baddis]

i have manual hubs and a push button. look at the center of the front wheel,if it's flat you have the dreaded auto hubs. if there is a knob you can turn you have manual hubs.

[Newb]

t

[baddis]

did you hear a clicking noise from up front? here is the link (http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/howto_hubswap.htm) on how to swap to manual hubs

[Newb]

t

[PARKINGLOT]

because the low range would have engaged. I vote manual t-case and manual hub swap....

[baddis]

any reliable parts store as for cost i am not sure i got mine from a previous vehicle that was getting scraped. you might go to a self service yard and find the parts to do the swap but remember that you need the spindle nuts from whatever vehicle you get your hubs from. also make sure you get hubs for a d35 not a d28 .

[Newb]

t

[baddis]

correct. the auto hubs are shot or just in case make sure there is a front driveshaft installed. i used to work in a shop and a guy brought in a fs bronco wanting a new transfer case cause his 4wd wouldn't work and cralled under to see what tc he had and there was no front drive shaft

[Newb]

t

[Jspafford]

The transfer case shift motor is working. Otherwise you would not have gotten into the "lower" gearing you described. The low range is a second set of gears in the transfer case. The transfer case can still be in low range and if the hubs or anything in the front driveline is broken you will not have 4WD.

It is possible that your auto hubs are broken, as it is a very common problem. However, I would not jump the gun and replace them without checking everything else out first. When taken care of the auto hubs usually work well.

I would put the truck in 2WD and spin the front driveshaft with your hand. You can reach it from between the driverside front tire and fender. If it turns freely listen for clicking. If it turns a little and then stops it would appear the hubs still work....some... and they need taken apart and cleaned.

While you can easily go out and buy a manual transfer case and hubs, until you verify the problem your just throwing money at it.

[mitch4x4]

Yeah sounds like the auto hubs are at fault here. The previous owner of my truck had auto hubs but put Warn manuals in.

[jrmustranger97]

If you do need manual hubs I got a set of Warn hubs at NAPA for about $180. Also, don't forget that you need the spindle nut conversion kit. I think that ran around $30 or so. Good Luck!