4x4 in reverse

[James Morse]

The '97, when you turn on the dash 4x4 it activates the transfer case. It doesn't lock the hubs. You drive forward, that engages the hubs. As in "Automatic".
When you shut 4x4 off you drive backwards 10' straight, that dis-engages the hubs.
Here's my question: If 4x4 is on, and I drive backwards, I'm still in 4x4, right? Would have to be otherwise you'd have no 4x4 in reverse.
My manual says when you turn on 4x4 you will hear "clunk and ratcheting" noises (their words) from the drivetrain and that's normal, it's the differential coming up to speed. And I think if you have it in 4x4 and you reverse direction, the hubs have to disengage/re-engage for the direction change so you might hear that. Not sure if what I said there is true.
It was interesting because when I tried it before I bought it and heard noises I was like omg the thing is self destructing, but (hopefully) what I heard is what they are talking about. I was told if the lights come on the dash, the transfer case is working, and that's about as far as I went with it. Haven't yet actually used it.

Am I understanding this correctly?

 

[Curious Hound]

The hubs should stay engaged for forward and reverse. They do not “disengage, then re-engage” when backing up in 4wd.
With that said, the automatic hubs, whether mechanical or vacuum operated, are known to be somewhat less than reliable, especially as they get older. It is often recommended to upgrade to manual locking hubs if possible.

 

[fastpakr]

When did you hear the noises when you tested it before purchasing? If you were turning on dry pavement, that would certainly cause some noise.

 

[James Morse]

Yes that also I was on dry pavement so turning I got the expected wheel hop.
I have to say, I just haven't used it. I got to find at least some dirt it not good to drive on dry pavement that for sure. I drove straight just a bit in a parking lot and I could feel the front pulling. I turned and got expected wheel hop so I figured, it's engaged and working. Lights work on the dash hi/lo indicating it's engaged afaik. I have never had 4x4 so this is all new. I was reading the "Four wheeling with Ford" booklet that came with the owner manual they have lots of stuff in there.
Yeah probably I will put manual hubs. Looks not expensive and not hard then I understand don't pack them with grease just lubricate with oil.
I got some other stuff to do first, also, somebody told me I already have Warn hubs so they are good hubs relatively speaking for what they are.
So when I change them out what manual hub do you recommend? Warn?
It just makes sense because then if I go to dirt road I engage hubs but not 4x4 until I need it and I don't worry about, are my hubs working.
As to transfer case swap to manual that is a different decision and I'm tempted to not do it but not ruling it out.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hook it to a tree and see how many ruts you dig. Thats how i test 4wd

 

[fastpakr]

@4x4junkie used to swear by a particular model... Warn 37780 comes to mind, but I'm not sure they're still available.

 

[superj]

warn used to be the brand to go to for manual hubs. is it still the same? i think mile marker makes some that the jeep guys thought were ok, also

 

[Curious Hound]

Get Warn hubs, if you can. There are 2 grades. The normal ones are comparable to Milemarker. I’ve used and broke both brands. The heavier duty Warn hubs may be harder to find.

Your electric shift transfer case should be fine. The biggest problem with them is lack of use. So the sliding switch contacts in the actuator Motor get dirty and corroded. It is good to cycle it in and out of 4wd once a month or so.

 

[Curious Hound]

We have a tech library with a lot of good info. Bookmark the page I link to here. There are some articles outlining what we are telling you here. Go to the transmissions/transfer cases page and also to the axles/hubs page.

Ford Ranger Tech (1983-2011) - The Ranger Station

DISCLAIMER: Activities and vehicle modifications appearing or described at The Ranger Station and it’s pages may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for others or recommend it to any particular person – we simply describe … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[James Morse]

Warn 37780 Dana 35 “Jeep” Hubs – TRS Adventure & Off-Road Products (trsaorp.com)
these would be the hubs then
so far I'm finding them for Jeep, about $350 so I guess those fit my truck huh
37780 Hublock Wrangler 30t (offroadwarehouse.com) not sure if those are heavy duty or what
I'll review TRS info too
thanks

 

[fastpakr]

Those will work. But I think they're out of production going back many years.

 

[James Morse]

That link I just edited in says they have them. Maybe they're not the ones I want?
again 37780 Hublock Wrangler 30t (offroadwarehouse.com)

 

[fastpakr]

If you click check stock at that link, it will indicate that all stores are out of stock and it will drop ship from the manufacturer.

 

[James Morse]

Well that would be ok if they actually do it AND if it's the right part. So I might want to order and expect to wait a while.
So you're saying, if I can get it, that's the right hub to get?

 

[fastpakr]

Yes, if you can get them.

Warn Jeep Hubs for the Dana 35 - The Ranger Station

Many 1983-1996 Ford Ranger 4x4 owners have replaced the 29071 manual locking hubs on their Dana 35 TTB with the Warn 37780 Jeep hubs.

www.therangerstation.com

Might be worth reaching out to Warn to see if they're in production.