4x4 Grinding, manual Hubs 97 Ranger

[landonslures]

Hi guys,

I just bought a 97 Ford Ranger with 124k mi, Man. trans, 4.0, matching topper, ext. cab.

I picked it up for $2200 which I thought was a good deal. It came with aftermarket rims, and the originals with good tires still on. I could tell the old tires had bad wearing, so I got an alignment and found a ball joint was in need of replacing.. so $260 later.

But my main concern when purchasing was the 4x4 grinding.

I lock the hubs, and switch the dial in the cab. it is engaging, but I can hear a rythmic like grinding at lows speeds. It seems to be even louder in 4Lo. Really grabby grinding in reverse. I noticed there is oil under what appears to be the T-case, and a couple drops are evident when parked. The previous owner said they had not engaged the 4x4 for a long time, and it worked last winter.

I'm wondering if it needs a whole new t-case, and what cost I would expect on that repair/labor, or if there are any other ideas on what may be the problem. I'm not very mechanically inclined, however, some diagnosis is well appreciated.

I plan on going to a 4wd service shop, I just want to be armed with a bit of knowledge prior to going in.

 

[4x4junkie]

Have you checked the fluid in the t-case? (should be a bright reddish color, or maybe a dark reddish-brownish if it hasn't been changed in awhile). Any silvery color (metallic particles) would indicate for sure if there's an issue going on inside there.

Welcome to TRS.