Differences in 1999 and 2002 transfer case and trans.

[Rod]

I have a 1999 4X4 Supercab Ranger, it has manual transmission and a shift on the fly transfer case. I have been told that I can't tow this with my motorhome unless I pull the the driveshaft on get a driveshaft disconnect. My question is what is the difference between my truck and a 2002 Ranger equipped with the same drivetrain. The oldest Ford towing guide I can find on the net says 2002 4X4 Rangers with manual trans, can be towed at 55mph for unlimited distance.
Can someone clear this up. Also in your tech files on transfer cases it says that 1350 & 1354 cases have provisions to lubricate themselves when being towed.

[Jspafford]

Drivetrain wise the two trucks are identical except for one thing, the hubs.

Your 1999 had Pulse Vacuum hubs that lock/and unlock. The 2001 and up do not have locking hubs at all, they use a live axle, therefore the front drivetrain is always spinning at road speed.

Other than that the transfer case and even the manual transmission is the same.

I don't see why there would be a difference in the two.

[reginald fairfield]

I also have a '99 ranger 4x4 with the stupid vacuum hubs. I would say that the unlocking hubs would make it an even better canidate for a tow-along vehicle. Less strain and wear on the drivetrain. You can't pay much attention to what the factory says about stuff like this: Basically, they don't know s#@t!!!!