4wd low and rear end questions

[peganit2]

I guess the 97 ranger I bought is a bad ass among stock Rangers. It has an "R6" axle, 3:73 L/S.

These L/S's are Torsens?

And, 4WD high works, 4WD low doesn't. Any thoughts?

This thing is gonna be a beast in the snow this winter! The tires are noisily aggressive, plus the L/S.

 

[RonD]

The L/S rear axle was fairly common with 4x4 option.

L/S = Limited Slip which is generic term, Ford called their L/S Traction-Lok, Chevy called theirs Positraction

Good read here on rebuilding Traction-lok: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/rebuild_tractionlock.shtml

L/S axles require an additive(friction modifier) to keep the clutch plates from chattering(gripping too much) when going around a corner.
You can use regular axle fluid and add this, or get axle fluid with it already added.

To shift into 4lo you need to be stopped(0mph) and in Neutral, clutch pedal in or automatic trans in N, and often your foot must be on the brake pedal(brake lights on)

Does the 4lo light come on?
The 4WD lights are turn on and off by contacts in the transfer case's electric shift motor housing, so no light means motor hasn't turned or hasn't turned far enough for the contacts inside to connect and turn on the light.
If you can hear the shift motor on the transfer case working when shifting to 4lo and the light comes on then have someone move the truck while you watch if front axle is turning.
I assume the front hubs are working if 4hi works.

 

[peganit2]

Does 4wd hi and lo use the same shift motor?

The 4hi light comes on when engaged and it seems to be working, i.e. it did not spin any of the tires in dirt like it spun both rears in 2wd, plus other indicators. The 4lo light does NOT come after following procedures, nor does it seem to be in any kind of lower gear ratio when the switch is flipped to low. That assumes low is a very noticable gear ratio change, like it was in my stock 96 full size Bronco. I would cringe going over about 30 mph in that beast in low.

For what I use trucks for, it isn't really important that 4lo works but if it could be an easy and inexpensive fix, I'll do it cause I like things to work. Or not repairing it could do damage.

So they aren't torsen...

As an aside, some PO must have converted it to manual hubs. How much trouble are the auto hubs for Rangers?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

To ad to RonDs response, I don't believe the Torsen style limited slip was out until the late 2000's. As Ron indicates, yours will be a plate type.

 

[RonD]

Ford Auto hubs worked fine.........for a few years from new, then they were a PITA.
Ford officially switched to full time locked front axles in 2001, but started converting some Ranger models as early as 1999, it was called "Live axle"

Yes, manual locking hubs are much more reliable, than the best Ford auto hub.


Yes, you would know if Low Ranger was engaged just like you did in your '96.

Good troubleshooting read here for Ranger 4x4: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/transfercasetroubleshooting.htm

Ford changed things in 4WD system in 1995 so look at '95 and newer links

The 4x4 module behind the radio(1997) was a common issue with 4lo not working even if 4hi does, and the 4lo light not coming on would point to the electric shift motor not getting the command to shift, that command would come from relay inside 4x4 module

 

[enjr44]

To ad to RonDs response, I don't believe the Torsen style limited slip was out until the late 2000's. As Ron indicates, yours will be a plate type.

According to what I can figure out, the Torsen diff was standard on all Level IIs and available as a special order on all FX4s beginning in 2002 at least until 2008. Everything else was the Ford L/S diff.

One thing I have always told my kids, we had 4 wheel brakes long before we had 4 wheel drive. So be careful out there, cause it won't stop any better.

 

[peganit2]

What the hell is the GEM??

 

[adsm08]

GEM is generic electronic module. It controls all the fancy stuff, radio, power door options, etc.

Your truck did not come with a Torsen unit, as noted those were only available in the FX4 packages in the 2000s.

For your 4x4 issue, are you doing it right? You have to have the trans in neutral, vehicle stopped, foot on the brake for it to complete the 4-low shift.

 

[peganit2]

For your 4x4 issue, are you doing it right? You have to have the trans in neutral, vehicle stopped, foot on the brake for it to complete the 4-low shift.

Yep.

 

[bobbywalter]

One thing I have always told my kids, we had 4 wheel brakes long before we had 4 wheel drive. So be careful out there, cause it won't stop any better.

this is not entirely true. awd and 4wd behave totally different in deceleration then a rwd....sometimes horrifically worse....usually much much better and in a higher degree of control.

 

[peganit2]

Silly question, are there any fuses that may cause this?

 

[RonD]

Yes there are a few fuses involved for 4WD and no that would not be your issue since 4hi is working.

And just FYI, there is a manual transfer case option since you already have manual hubs.

Google: Shiftster

It replaces the electric shift motor on transfer case, up side is that there is no "hoping" 4WD will work when you needed it.
Downside is that you have to get under the truck to shift it into and out of 4WD.
Many use the Shiftster and turn it to 4hi in winter but leave the hubs unlocked, then lock the hubs when 4WD is needed.
Then switch it back to 2WD in summer.

And if 4 wheeling then you can get under truck for 4lo

 

[peganit2]

Downside is that you have to get under the truck to shift it into and out of 4WD.
Many use the Shiftster and turn it to 4hi in winter but leave the hubs unlocked, then lock the hubs when 4WD is needed.Then switch it back to 2WD in summer.

More than likely I'm going use the 4wd only in the worst winter conditions, and, I can't stand the idea of all that stuff turning when not needed so...

Hell I don't even want to get out to turn the hub locks..

 

[peganit2]

What about the curcuit that you need to press the brake pedal, or maybe the neutral position on the column shifter?

You know what, the shifter seems a little off. hmmmm.

 

[RonD]

Your brake lights wouldn't work if that was the case for that switch.
And your starter motor wouldn't work if Trans Neutral switch(NSS) wasn't working.


But yes, the Ranger(and all Ford trucks) column shifter's have weak points that cause them to loosen up.

Google: Ford Ranger column shifter

The most common issue is a couple of screws that loosen up and even fall out causing shifter issues, this is an under the dash issue.

I had this '98 4WD shift control diagram, will be the same as '97:
EDIT, it won't let me post ir here because it is already posted in another thread.
Go here, post #4: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162915