'87 Ranger 4x4 woes

[cal74]

My good old hunting/fishing truck isn't being so good anymore.

Last last winter I'd notice a slight clunk in the front end while in four-wheel drive.

Don't ever do anything heavy while in 4x4, just generally on icy back roads or getting out of a slick ditch etc.

Anyways, Sunday I'm out. Little bit of snow and going accross a field and my front end started to make this awfull grinding/ratcheting noise and while I could feel my front end grabbing just a tiny bit it essentially wasn't working.

Tried 4 low and that helped just enough to get outta the mess I was in.

Now I'm guessing it's the hub(s), pulled them last night and visually neither looked like anything was messed up?

While holding the hub in place I was spinning the front drive shaft and it wasn't locking up (don't know if was supposed to)?


I know it's hard to diagnose this, but what would be the general opinin(s)? No noise in 4x2 by the way prior to this. And if there's no load on the 4x4 it will still work (barely).

I know the manual hub swap would be the way to go ideally, but I was hoping to pick up some used auto's to at least get me by. Economy and X-Mas I don't want to be putting alot into the thing.


Thanks...

[4x4junkie]

Manual hubs for a '87 are fairly easy to come by in the junkyards (unlike the '90-'97s), I'd forget about the autos and just go with a set of manuals. It shouldn't cost anything more than new (used) auto hubs, and will be far more reliable.

[mongoose289]

i have a set of manual hubs and what ever little parts you need off my d28 you can have for the price of shipping

[cal74]

Mongoose, I never saw your post.. :(

I ordered the parts I thought I needed and this isn't going so well.

I think the hubs themselves look correct, but twice now I've gotten the wrong size spindle nut.

Mine I think is the 23 spline and for future reference no one order from www.autopartswarehouse.com TERRIBLE service

Had our local Ford Dealership order the nuts again yeterday and they're still to big. Went home today and pulled the axle tag

The no.'s I'm reading are ?? 77A B on top ??0298-7 bottom

Carquest is taking a shot at the kit, we'll see what they come up with tomorrow.


If none of this works out, I'd like to take you up on your offer.

Thanks