need help quick with 4x4

[goodie85]

can someone explain to me how the factory hubs on a 99 ford ranger work? i seem to be having issues with the hubs engaging, they seem to not lock, just need someone to explain exactly how the magnetic hubs work? hubs dont seem to lock and ive cleaned like told and they seem to not work i know for a fact its the hubs because the driveshaft spins and can hear the transfer case switch....also ive been told these are magnetic? and ive been told they are vacuum? If anyone has lot of experience with these explain to me everything about them....thank you

 

[goodie85]

anyone?

 

[Destroyer000]

they are vacuum operated... check for vacuum leaks bad line... or you can do the hub lock mod so they stay locked all the time.. i just picked up a 99 4x4 and have had issues with the hubs.. i ordered a set of the avms and they have been great... but here is the write up on the permanent locking of the hub.. just pull the silver center clip and your good to go.
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm

 

[goodie85]

ill try that then if that works for this winter ill grab some avm's thanks for the help

 

[ozziemo27]

ill try that then if that works for this winter ill grab some avm's thanks for the help

You could also convert your existing vacuum hubs to manual instead? free mod and will save you 130+ bucks for the avms, I had the AVMs but then I blew them up, they were nice while they lasted. The failure was not the AVMs fault. I'll find the write-up if you are interested or explain it.

 

[goodie85]

im interested it saving money anytime haha if you could find it, it'd be nice

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

im interested it saving money anytime haha if you could find it, it'd be nice

Provided you have a couple screw drivers this costs nothing but time.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm

 

[goodie85]

by doing that does that mean when i click the switch to 2wd it will stay in 4x4?

 

[Robert_1967]

by doing that does that mean when i click the switch to 2wd it will stay in 4x4?

no, it just means the front hubs stay locked, your still in 2wd, but the axle gears are turning all the time now.


Robert

 

[ozziemo27]

Provided you have a couple screw drivers this costs nothing but time.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm

That is another option....that mod permanently locks them.

here is the link to the mod I'm refering to that turns them into manual locking:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/9/277/article/Adding_Manual_Control_to_your_19982000_Ford_Ranger_Pulse_Vacuum_Hubs.html

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, i've done it a few times, works great.

 

[adsm08]

If you decide to permanently lock the hubs remember to back up a few feet after shifting back to 2wd. Driveline windup can keep the case engaged and you could blow up the whole front drive system.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

That is another option....that mod permanently locks them.

here is the link to the mod I'm refering to that turns them into manual locking:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/9/277/article/Adding_Manual_Control_to_your_19982000_Ford_Ranger_Pulse_Vacuum_Hubs.html

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, i've done it a few times, works great.

I would think that it would gum up with road grime.

 

[ozziemo27]

I would think that it would gum up with road grime.

You might think so but it has a gasket that blocks stuff out. I wheel mine and I have been through enough mud and water and never had any problems with any gumming up.