4x4 not locking

[jstltreat]

Hi, Here we go. Transfer case locks in and so does the drive shaft. The axle shafts at this point are NOT locked in. I have vacuum but no 4x4 still. I think the axle shafts should be locked whether the wheel hubs are or not. Also when you turn one axle shaft the other one also turns with it which seems normal. What to look at next is beyond me. Thanks for any help on what to do next. Steve

 

[triumphrider-1]

I would say its something to do with the hubs. Seals are bad, or the internal part(s) are not moving correctly.

When I last had mine apart there was a build up of rust on the metal bits, preventing engagement.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Could be somthing to do with the vacuum engagement if both aren't engaging?

 

[jstltreat]

The axle-shafts dont seem to engage to the driveshaft. This dont seem normal to me. I would think one or both of the axle-shafts should at least be locked in when the driveshaft is locked. Am I missing something here? Also I cant go into low lock either. It just shows HIGH. By the way this a 98 truck electric transfer case which I have read is prone to failure. Ordering the manual hubs. Just cant get over why the axle shafts arent locking when the driveshaft does. Hope this helps more. Steve

 

[triumphrider-1]

If the opposite axle shaft spins when you spin the other, then they should both rotate when your drive shaft does. Do you hear the transfer case clicking/clunking when you engage 4x4?

Edit:
Instead of purchasing manual hubs I would just modify your current hubs, its free and mine have worked problem free for over a year now.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_19982000_Ford_Ranger_Pulse_Vacuum_Hubs.html

 

[jstltreat]

Transfer case is definitely locked in but the axle shafts dont seem to be locked in when drive shaft is locked along with the transfer case. When I take it out of 4x4 you can spin the drive shaft freely. You lock the transfer case in and the drive shaft is locked and the axle shafts are not.

 

[AllanD]

If the driveshaft IS locked to the T-case and you try to turn the axle shafts
without the hubs being locked in the shafts WILL turn because they are free to rotate through the spider gears in the open differential.

AD

 

[jstltreat]

So its looking like the problem is definitely in my hubs. I will look into getting the hubs locked in and let ya know what happens. Thanks for all the replies. Steve