1998 Ranger 4x4 Questions

[cdnturboz]

I have a 1998 Ranger 4x4 and had a few quick questions:

The front diff pinion seal is leaking and I want to replace the seal, I need to know which front diff it has? and what fluid it takes?

My next question is that the front hubs do not engauge anymore. (The transfer case motor operates properly just can't get the hubs to engauge)

Reading in the tech section it states I can permanently engauge the front hubs by removing that metal clip.
Has anyone tried it before? any issues by doing it? Will it affect fuel mileage?

Any help would be great
Thanks

 

[cdnturboz]

BUMP

Are there any other options to still have shift on the fly 4wd? (other than buying a new ford hub ie: any after market companies that sell a better quality piece?)

 

[triumphrider-1]

I have a 1998 Ranger 4x4 and had a few quick questions:

The front diff pinion seal is leaking and I want to replace the seal, I need to know which front diff it has? and what fluid it takes?

My next question is that the front hubs do not engauge anymore. (The transfer case motor operates properly just can't get the hubs to engauge)

Reading in the tech section it states I can permanently engauge the front hubs by removing that metal clip.
Has anyone tried it before? any issues by doing it? Will it affect fuel mileage?

Any help would be great
Thanks

The front diff is a Dana 35, the only one available for the 98+ Rangers. I put 75-90W in my diffs. I believe the manual says 80-90W.

I would not permantly lock the hubs. Instead I would do/did this:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_19982000_Ford_Ranger_Pulse_Vacuum_Hubs.html

Permantly locked hubs will affect the mileage, it varies, but most say 1-3 mpg loss.

BUMP

Are there any other options to still have shift on the fly 4wd? (other than buying a new ford hub ie: any after market companies that sell a better quality piece?)

If you want to have it all engage/disengage from hitting the 4x selector switch; you'll either, fix vacuum hubs, lock said hubs, or convert the front end to a live axle like the mid 00 on up models have.

I prefer doing whats in the link though. This way you still maintain fuel economoy, and if you want 2wd low range you can use it.