1998 Ranger XLT 4x4

[MountainMike]

Tommorow morning I'm going to pull off the transfer case connector again and clean up all the points. The pain part is that sometimes it tries to shift into 4x4 before it gives me the code. If I can figure out why it is doing this it will just go into the shop for a trans, t-case & diff top up instead of 4x4 service. I hate bringing my vehicles to shops but somethings are just easier left to them, especially electrical BS.

 

[Toms01PSD]

Tom, did you read the post above yours? I stated right in it that I checked the fuse in the power distrubution box and it was good. Of course I tried everything I could before I phoned the dealer.

Oops my bad! Must be my selective reading.

 

[little guy]

I have a '98 4x4 also. I had to replace one of the motors in the t-case back in the spring. It would go into four wheel drive, although it would go into two wheel low range.

[/IMG]

 

[little guy]

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc299/skendog/TripleAxleTrailer003.jpg

 

[MountainMike]

That's quite the big trailer for that truck. So I've talked one of the small shops in town where I know the owner and the Ranger is going in to get the fluids changed pn Tuesday. Hoping maybe a level is off or something and it just took that bump to notice it. If not I still have the appointment at Ford.

I'm also going to get the small shop to check out a leak on the passengers side A-arm. It appears to be power steering fluid. I've noticed many other Rangers of this generation (both 2WD and 4WD) with the passenger's side A-arm wet. Anybody else have this problem or know what it might be? You can see it in these two pics.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Toms01PSD]

Where's it wet? Get a picture actually on the passenger side.

 

[MountainMike]

I'll grab a much better pic of the front end tommorrow but if you look on the passenger side A-arm it is darker than sub-frame. The driver's side A-arm is dry and light like the diff support crossmember but the passenger's side is all wet and darker. THe hole thing is covered in what appears to be power steering fluid coming out of the tie rod boot. ???.

So far on maybe 80% of 98-00 Ranger I've seen have been like that so I was wondering if it is a known problem point.

http://www.fordforums.com/f279/2000-ranger-power-steering-leak-58903/

Mine isn't that bad but it is the same issue. I'll grab a picture as soon as I can.

 

[Toms01PSD]

Hows your power steering fluid? Have you checked it to see if it's low at all? I have crap on my a-arms that look like fluids but it's just from working on it using pb blaster and wd-40 and crap like that and not wiping it off. I've never used dye in power steering before but i'm sure they make some. That's probably one of the best ways to see if you have a leak or not. I'd take off the passenger side wheel and take a closer look.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

nice truck!! glad to see u making your own work, thats the best part of owning a ride, by the way those rims look awesome

 

[MountainMike]

My power steering fluid is good, doesn't seem to drop but I'm going to tighten the hose and try some of that dye if it is PS safe.

And Ranger sport honduras, thanks. I really like those rims. They are great for offroad and have that look to them.

 

[Toms01PSD]

Make sure you buy dye that is PS safe. Not all dyes are made for everything.

 

[MountainMike]

So I found a little packet of PS safe dye for 10 bucks. I though alright that sounds OK. I look at it and it says it reacts to UV light. I look over at the shelf next to it and the detection kit was $50. No thanks, I'm going to check the local NAPA to see if they have any that reacts to LED light instead. worst case scenarion I think I will get the $10 stuff and just try to use and LED flashlight and see what happens.

 

[Toms01PSD]

I have one of these:http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-66118-Stylus-Flashlight-Holster/dp/B0015UC17E?tag=959media-20
Every tech should have one! They are awesome. It will detect the UV dye but you'll have to look really good. Try doing it in a low light area so it will be more visible with a flashlight. There are also glasses you can buy that will detect the dye. We have some at the shop that are yellow, but I think they came with the detection kit.

A blacklight should work too.

 

[MountainMike]

That looks like a handy little light Tom, here is basically the kit I am looking at it is way overpriced at Canadian Tire so I will check elsewhere tomorrow.

http://www.uview.com/ProductDetail.php?PartNumber=413010

If I did this more often I would just get it but I am kind of hesitant that I might just use it once and then never again.

Here are some pics of the front end.

And here is the truck about 5 minutes before it freaked out at me.

 

[MountainMike]

So the Ranger is down at the shop getting the trans, t-case and diff fluids changed. The 4x4 light didn't freak out at me this time. How I loathe intermitent electrical issues.