4x4 issues...

[xXUndertowXx]

Hi,
Just have a few questions about the 4wd on my Ranger.

1991 Ranger STX 2.9l V6
1 owner 275,000 miles
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj117/xUndertowx/timbertruck1.jpg

I recently needed to use my 4x4 since it is winter now. This would have been only the second time using it since i purchased it about 1 year ago. First use was a breeze and worked perfectly.

This time, I started the truck and let it idol for about 10min before leaving since it was only about -10 degrees outside. Pressed the 4x4 (YES...it is the crap push button)...the light came on but no 4x4. So I stopped and disengaged it - after engaging it again it locked in and i was off.

Now I was headed down the road (snow covered) and the back of the truck would suddenly kick to the passenger side. Only happened once at first, now it seems to be happening more frequently as time goes on. (only been 2 days).

Today I noticed that when it kicks to the one side, it seems to make a weird kinda humming/rubbing noise from the front end. And yes the 4x4 is still having issues locking in at first. During the initial locking I can hear a kind of clicking sound from behind me. I can only assume that there is some relay that engages it.

Now I am not a Mechanic, but I get around and know enough to understand whatever it is you tell me...I think lol.

Anyways, my question's are,
Is my transfer case causing it to lose 4x4 for just an instance?
Is the electric motor on the Transfer case the problem with it not engaging easily?
Since when the 4x4 is working properly it feels great, so it should not have anything to do with the front diff right?

And! How does the Auto locking hubs workCould that be the problem.

Sorry if I have bombarded anyone with my mindless babble, and I hope this went to the right area.

 

[4x4junkie]

If it doesn't seem to be in 4x4, see if the front driveshaft will turn by hand. If it doesn't, chances are the case is locked in 4x4, but the auto hubs have failed to engage.

Auto hubs are not all that reliable on these things. If it turns out that this is what's at fault, the best thing you could do is swap to a set of good ol' manual hubs.

 

[Hahnsb2]

If it suddenly pulls to one side it sounds like the auto hubs doing their typical shenanigans.

 

[xXUndertowXx]

thanks guys, Got some time to work on it today. The passenger side hub was not staying engaged. After taking it off and looking close, the little points were worn almost completely off. there was only tiny little triangles left.

So, I swapped out the hub from a 91 exploder and all is well...now if only i can get rid of this rubbing sound
Im afraid that might be a bearing in the diff for the pinion gear possibly.