T-Case/Hub Problem!!!

[clevjake]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this site, but an avid do-it-yourselfer like most of you. I've had my Ranger for about six years now and here recently (last winter and this winter) I've noticed some problems with my 4WD:

1) The auto-locking hubs never unlock permanently. They disengage for awhile and then lock back in randomly when I turn. I ordered manual hubs to replace them and plan to do so as soon as they arrive. Any particular advice other than the obvious instructions?

2) This winter I've noticed that the transfer case is awfully noisy. When I'm in 4hi, it whines very loudly when the truck is in motion. What can I do to investigate or solve this?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[feellnfroggy]

First thing you need to do is start checking bearings and checking diff fluids. The whine most likely is your front ring and pinion needing some new fluid. the unlocking of the hubs could be any random thing, the way they work is when the axles are torqued they engage the hubs to turn the wheel, so if you diff fluid is burnt and the front gears are stiff in movement then possibly turning (which causes one axle to speed up) is trcking the hubs into mechanically engaging. Im not saying 100% but a possiblity. Also when removing the hubs to check your bearing, check hub lubrication, it should be very mildly grease. Not dry.

[clevjake]

Thanks for the reply. I picked up some Mercon ATF today and my new manual hubs should be here any time. So, I'll swap those out and make a fluid change all at once. Anyone done this before that might have some advice on any headaches to watch out for?