4x4 issue

[drngd]

i have a '94 Ranger. and it always seems like the front diff is engaged. can feel it on the drivers side. 4x4 works fine(i converted to manual locking hubs) but i disengage the 4x4, and still seems like its locked. what could this be? any help would be amazing. thanks in advance.

 

[4x4junkie]

Have you checked whether the hubs are infact locked or not (jacked up the wheels and verified the axle shafts do not turn when you turn the wheels)?

Does the front driveshaft turn freely by hand when everything is in 2WD?

 

[drngd]

i can check first thing in the morning. so just jack the truck up and turn the front wheels? do i need to have both front wheels off the ground at the same time? or can it be done separately? sorry i know nothing about 4x4's.

 

[4x4junkie]

You can jack one side up at a time if need be. You just want to check that the axle shaft (u-joint behind the wheel) does not rotate along with the wheel.
If both sides are not locked, and you are able to rotate the driveshaft by hand, the truck is not in 4WD, and whatever you're experiencing is probably another issue (alignment, wheel bearings, or who knows what... Feeling like it's in 4WD can describe a lot of things).


Welcome to TRS by the way

 

[drngd]

thanks for your quick response. i will check it out tomorrow and report back.

and thanks, i think i was a member here years ago under a different name.

 

[bilzy7]

You think lol?

 

[drngd]

You think lol?

yes, used to be big into the forums.

 

[drngd]

so its not engaged, could it be wheel bearing?