4 Wheel Drive Not Working/Engaging

[Stevo0687]

Hey all!

I have a 1994 Ranger Supercab XLT 4X4. It has automatic locking hubs. When I push the dash button the light comes on, I can hear the "computer" click, and the transfer case engages. When I push the low button it goes into low I can't go over 15mph in second gear. Everything seems to be fine as far as the transfer case engaging goes.

The problem appears to be in the hubs. They are not locking in. We took them off today and everything looks fine. Nothing looks broken. We cleaned every thing up very good and reinstalled them and it didn't help. They still won't lock. When we had the hubs off, we were able to push the "spring" in on the hubs with screwdrivers and see that they will lock when pushed out into the hub. I guess they just aren't being pushed in to engage. Like I said everything looks good and we cleaned it up. Any ideas as to what and where the problem could be. Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.

[Wicked_Sludge]

your hubs may not be functioning properly, but they will not limit your speed to 15MPH.

try this: jack the front end up so both wheels are off the ground. with the transfer case in 2wd, grab the front drive shaft and rotate it by hand. the hubs should both click in and the front tires should start spinning. if so, start spinning the drive shaft the opposite direction. the hubs should unlock, then re-lock in the opposite direction.

if this works, then your hubs are functioning properly.

[Stevo0687]

About the 15 mph think, I'm just saying it seems that putting the truck in 4X4 Low changes the gears for the back like is should and that the transfer case seems to engage fine, but the hubs don't lock.

As far as seeing if the hubs function properly, we've had the truck up on jack stands and know that they are not locking in. That is the problem. But we don't know why they aren't locking in.

Does anyone have any ideas?

[Wicked_Sludge]

if the hubs are known to be junk, then replace them. you cant buy parts to repair them and they arent worth your time anyway.

if your interested, converting to manual hubs is a huge upgrade in strength and reliability.

[Stevo0687]

How do I know which hubs will work for my Ranger. Its a 1994 XLT Supercab. I see for Dana 60, Dana 75, etc...any ideas or how I can find out...

I'm looking at warn or superwinch manual locking hubs...

I see the link above about getting the conversion kit very cheap but it sounds like it may be a little out of date with old part numbers. Does anyone know the cheapest place to get the conversion kit...is there still a way around buying the "kit" or just getting the parts separately? How about the cheapest place for hubs?

Any advice would be great. Thanks!

[metalmacguyver]

standard warn manual hubs for a dana 35 are what you need.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/PPT4618.aspx

look around though, you can probably find them cheaper.

[Stevo0687]

Thanks. It will help knowing that I want for the Dana 35.

Is there still a way around the conversion kit?? Or do I just have to search for the cheapest place for the kit?

[Wicked_Sludge]

get it from the junkyard.

[Stevo0687]

Well, I replace the hubs tonight. Everything works great again. I got Superwinch manual hubs with the spindle nut kit for $222.82 shipped.

I took 45 minutes to drive home in the snow yesterday (first good snow of the season here) in 2 wheel drive. I could've really used the 4 wheel drive. I got home to see my parts had arrived. lol

[Wicked_Sludge]

better late than never

glad all is well now