4wd problems,and AVM hub question

[gargoyle223]

I own a 1998 ranger with 4wd, and it seems I,ve been having the same problems as a lot of other people with these vacuum hubs. The light on my dash says I'm in 4 high and the driveshafts all move. At first the hubs would never engage, so I had them replaced about 6 months ago. Now The hubs work sometimes, but sometimes not. It seems for the most part that if I turn the knob you can feel the front lock in without any crazy noises or clunks. The real problem is shortly after that, the hubs will disengage for some reason. Again there is no noticeable clunk or noise or anything. I just step on the gas to try to go from a light or stop and only the rear wheels are spinning again. If I turn the knob back to 2wd for a few seconds and then back to 4 high it works again, only to come back out at some point. I read a lot of posts and went ahead and ordered the AVM hubs everone else claims to have solved their problems. But I hope I haven't jumped the gun because right after I placed my order with baseline 4x4, I came across another thread of people complaining about the hubs coming apart and the site that I ordered them from not honoring the warranty! I hope I'm not screwed. I was hoping that someone could give me some advice, as to (1)whether or not you think the hubs are the problem, and (2) Whether or not these new hub locks will just fly off on the road somewhere.

 

[BeaterMan]

yes that sounds like a vacuum hub issue, mine did the same as yours for a while- would work then not and finally they grenaded-whoops. I got the avm hubs and i do not think they are crap at all, and i dont drive my vehicles easily and they have held up for close to two years now. after i put them in, i plugged the vacuum port on the back of the knuckle and the vacuum lines them selves to prevent a vacuum leak from them. totally worth it in my mind, you'll be happy - and there real easy to install.

 

[srteach]

Whatever the problem is, the AVM hubs are tough, and worth it. I've used them hard (including torque shock) and not had a problem. The gearing inside is actually metal, not nylon like the stock PVH hubs.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

This spunds exactly like what mine are doing, But have narrowed it down to a vacuum leak seeing as all the lines looked crack to pieces.

 

[kshack11]

ok im not saying the avm hubs are bad, i've never had them so i wouldnt know but i've heard stories about them blowing out on the highways while not engaged. and i have or rather had the same problem as you until i made my auto hubs manual. i think you should check it out before spending any money.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_19982000_Ford_Ranger_Pulse_Vacuum_Hubs.html
i did what it said and it works just like the avm but free and easy.