4wd not working, got to be the hubs, a few ?'s..

[rkneeshaw]

So I picked up this 94 ranger 4x4 for $1000 and its got a few (lot) things that aren't working. First it was the transfer case motor, so I replaced that and now the dash lights show it goes into 4wd Hi and low just fine, and I can hear the extra noise of the front drive shafts spinning, but it doesnt seem like the wheels are pulling at all. So my conclusion is that its the hubs that need repair. I have auto hubs on this beast and through searching I'm getting a mass amount of people strongly recommending ditching auto hubs for manual.

What are the pros and cons of each? Can I just lock the manuals and leave them locked (because disabling 4wd at the transfer case should disengage the front drive shafts anyway right?) I'll need the 4wd the most htis winter in the snowy weather.... what is the drawback to just replacing the auto hubs with newer rebuilt auto units?

 

[94rangersplash]

No you cant lock them in and leave it like that no matter if the tran. case is locked in or not when the front tires turn all the 4wd system will be turning with the hubs locked in. The only good thing with auto hubs in my opinion is if your get stuck in the mud in 2wd your dont have to get muddy to put it in 4wd to get out. Manual hubs are stronger and more dependable. If you have auto hubs they disengage and then engage every time you switch from forward to reverse or vise versa. I'd for sure swap em out for some manuals but you do have to buy a kit to do the swap

 

[Jspafford]

No you cant lock them in and leave it like that no matter if the tran. case is locked in or not when the front tires turn all the 4wd system will be turning with the hubs locked in. The only good thing with auto hubs in my opinion is if your get stuck in the mud in 2wd your dont have to get muddy to put it in 4wd to get out. Manual hubs are stronger and more dependable. If you have auto hubs they disengage and then engage every time you switch from forward to reverse or vise versa. I'd for sure swap em out for some manuals but you do have to buy a kit to do the swap

You can lock the manual hubs and drive forever. I lock mine in Nov and unlock them in April. They are locked now, and I drive 40 miles a day round trip at 65.

When it gets nasty, hit the button and you have 4WD.

 

[rkneeshaw]

You can lock the manual hubs and drive forever. I lock mine in Nov and unlock them in April. They are locked now, and I drive 40 miles a day round trip at 65.

When it gets nasty, hit the button and you have 4WD.

I imagine there may be a hit to your mpg like that while your hubs are locked though right?

I'm just imagining that with the hubs locked your front axles will be rotating with the wheels, maybe even the drive shaft between front diff and transfer case too (although not engaged to the transmission unless 4wd is activated by the button on the dash)

No wonder everyone ditches the auto hubs for the manual lock...

 

[Jspafford]

I imagine there may be a hit to your mpg like that while your hubs are locked though right?

I'm just imagining that with the hubs locked your front axles will be rotating with the wheels, maybe even the drive shaft between front diff and transfer case too (although not engaged to the transmission unless 4wd is activated by the button on the dash)

No wonder everyone ditches the auto hubs for the manual lock...

With the hubs locked, all the front drive line spins. From the axle shafts, to the differential, to the front drive shaft as it enters the transfer case.

In the summer with mine unlocked I get around 21-24mpg... Depending on my driving style. In the winter it drops to 19-22mpg. I think most of the drop is due to winter fuel blends.

Some will tell you locking the hubs will result in a huge loss of mileage, I just don't see it.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yeah, it's about 0.5, maybe 1 MPG at the most you'd lose.

 

[bmonee5]

With manual hubs if your worried about having to get out and get your shoes and pants muddy then maybe you shouldn't have a 4 wheel drive. If you know you are going somewhere where you may need 4 wheel drive, turn your hubs in on the pavement so when you need 4 wheel drive you don't have to get out of your truck just shift into 4 wheel drive. Go with the manual thats just 1 less electrical problem you will deal with in the future.

 

[Jspafford]

With manual hubs if your worried about having to get out and get your shoes and pants muddy then maybe you shouldn't have a 4 wheel drive. If you know you are going somewhere where you may need 4 wheel drive, turn your hubs in on the pavement so when you need 4 wheel drive you don't have to get out of your truck just shift into 4 wheel drive. Go with the manual thats just 1 less electrical problem you will deal with in the future.

There is no such thing as an electric hub. The hubs on 1983-1997 Ranger Based Vehicles are mechanically locked. The front driveshaft turning locks them in. 1997-2000 they are vacuum operated. 2001-present, there are no locking hubs.

The only variable in this equation is 1995-up explorers.