Ok I took another look underneath and yes the transfer case is behind the transmission and connects the axles. Got it! So i guess this means my manual 4x4 shifter is a hard connection down to the transfer case. I did some test driving a couple days ago and once in a while got some grinding using the 4x4 shifter when in Park, and also some resistance. Sometimes was able to put it in D and shift 4x4 successfully and do some short driving with it (just around the block), but then after driving and stopping still had a couple grinds going on when doing more testing the 4x4 shifting at stand still. Only very briefly since i'd pull it back out of whatever was grinding once i hear it. I need to get the Owners Manual for this truck so that i am making sure i'm following the procedure and not damaging something. I did the front wheel hubs properly of course but am wondering what the correct shifter method is, in correlation with the Automatic shift lever on steering wheel.
I'll also move the auto shifter to D and see if the DIY wired linkage moves. I have a video scope somewhere in my boxes, that displays live video to the smartphone. Would be handy to watch what it's doing. I'm having trouble locating the replacement part since i just don't know what to call it. Some parts come up as auto transmission shift linkage bushing, but don't appear visually to make sense with the way this linkage looks.
I was poking around for more info about my truck in regards to the previous owner's modifications such as tire size in relation to the gear ratio, wondering about what i can expect in terms of overall performance and found this writeup ..
https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/1983-2011-ford-ranger-off-road-builders-guide/
and this gear ratio guide chart...
Usage: The Ford 7.5-Inch axle came in a few different vehicles including the: Ford Aerostar (1985-1997) Ford Bronco II (1984-1990) Ford Mustang (1979-2011) Ford Ranger (1983-2011) For the purpose of this article, we’re only going to discuss the Ford Ranger … Continued
www.therangerstation.com
If i'm interpreting this correctly, F7 on my tag means i have a 7.5 inch axle with a 4.10 gear ratio. My aftermarket tires are 31", which means that the previous owner had the same opinion as the founder of TRS here, that 31 inches is a good overall balance with 7.5" 4.10 axle. That's nice!
I swear i found some reference/article to the other smaller sticker, with the calibration code on it. Is it shift adjustment info?
I'd love to know what feature "version" of the ranger this is. I think there were "Sport" versions out there that were a bit beefier in some ways. Would also be nice just to know what i have everywhere, like a list of tech specs. Anyone know of a good informative VIN lookup that lists stuff like this, not just vehicle history?