1996 Ford Ranger 4x4 wont engage

[NYTOSC]

I just purchased a 96 ranger, and am having trouble getting the 4wd to engage. Here is the deal- put it into 4hi, and the dash light goes on- front wheels do not spin though. Put it into 4lo, and the dash light goes on, and I can feel the gearing reduction, but without front wheels turning.
Truck specs are as follows 1996 ranger supercab, 4.0, 4x4 electric engagement, automatic hubs
So with that being said I can think of 2 possible problems-
1) Automatic hubs are not engaging
2) 4x4 shift motor not working
Could it be anything else? How do I test these? Thanks!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Well if it is shifting into low range, then i'm betting you've got a bad set of auto hubs.

Best thing you can do is swap over to a set of manual locking hubs.

 

[NYTOSC]

Alright I went ahead and pulled the hubs- Driver side was dirty but looked good- I sprayed some brake kleen in there, followed by a few flushes with oil

Passenger side appears to have the outside gear part? shattered:

So either A) new passenger automatic locking hub, or B) convert to WARN manuals

the truck is quite cheap, and I dont know how much longer I plan on keeping it- I also rarely if ever take it off road- im thinking ill do the passenger locking hub

 

[railman]

personally i would put a set of manual hubs on it, good used ones can be had relatively cheap in the parts for sale forum...just make sure you get the correct axle retaining nuts

but if ya wanna go with another auto hub....your choice....

l8r, John