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Manually Disable Auto-Locking Hubs


banduccm

New Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2015
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Chicago, IL
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0L OHV
Transmission
Manual
Hi, all!

I recently picked up a well-loved (read: beat up) 1993 Ranger (4.0L, 4x4, manual). The truck has recently started to do some strange things when driving: At speed, sometimes I will get a strange shudder, like something is trying to engage but can't. It goes away after a few seconds, and the truck drives normally otherwise. Also, the 4x4 button in the cab no longer works - if I have the windows down, I can hear a clicking noise. I read up on the transfer case and auto-lockers, and it seems that the electric motor on the T-case is known to fail. I'd like to eventually swap for manual lockers and a manual T-case, but that's not going to be able to happen for a while.

With that background, my actual question is: Can I manually disable the auto-locking hubs? I don't need 4wd for anything for a while, but I'd like to have some peace of mind that I'm not destroying the front drivetrain or that the hubs are going to engage and cause me to lose control.

I'm happy to answer any questions I can - I'm pretty new to this truck and to auto repair as a whole.

Thank you!
 


cvar

Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
588
Reaction score
19
Points
18
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Mazda
Engine Size
4.0L V6
Transmission
Automatic
That clicking/grinding is most likely non-centered axle shafts. That usually means worn wheel bearings or spindle bearing, not bad hubs.

To disable the auto-hubs, you can simply remove the cam:
 

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