1998 ranger 4x4 wont work....

[stuntprodigy]

Have a 1998 ranger 3.0 extended cab 5 speed with a turn knob 4wd. When put in 4hi the light turns on and stays on but front tires do nothing, when put in 4low the light comes on and stays on and the rear end goes into a lower gear but once again the front end does nothing.. I basically need someone to help me know where to start at to figure out why its not locking in up front as im lost on what to start checking and how to check things ect ect... I'm mechanically inclined just don't know a whole lot about 4x4 and im tired of getting stuck everywhere lol... thanks in advance!

 

[Doofy]

My '98 had the same problem. The lights would light and I could hear relays clicking but no front engagement. The problem was a blown fuse # 27 in the inside fuse panel. I think it also provided power to the back-up lights.

 

[stuntprodigy]

checked the fuses and it wasnt that so i put the truck on jackstands and started crawling underneath.. the vacuum lines on both sides arent long enough to reach the hubs owner before me lifted it 6 inches... Also my driver side cv axle boot is ripped open and full of dirt.. so hopefully after switching to Manuel locking hubs and replacing that cv axle i should have 4wd.. anyone have any other ideas on what to check?

 

[Doofy]

Glad you found something...I spent a lot of time searching when mine acted up, too. I bought a vacuum tool and spent about an hour under the truck applying vacuum to the hubs trying to get them to lock in. Hahaha Guess that is what "Troubleshooting" is all about. Good Luck.