4x4 question

[jeff_b_c]

I have a 1998 3.0 4x4 manual transmission ranger with an electronic shift transfer case. Is the 4x4 light on the dash a reliable indicator that the transfer case has enagaged or disengaged, or is it just a light that will correspond with the switch on the dash. I'm not 100% certain that my transfer case is disengaged when in the 2wd position. Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

[4x4junkie]

On the earlier systems ('94& down) it was a good indicator (at least in that the light being lit steady meant it was in gear), I don't see why that would change on the newer setup, but I couldn't say for sure (the newer setup (controller) is FAR more complicated than the old one, much more so than really needed ).

The quick & easy way to find out for sure on your '98 is to just get under there and try to turn the front driveshaft by hand. It should rotate freely.

If it won't turn, then the chance of your front hubs being stuck in the locked position is probably greater than the t-case itself not disengaging. You'll need to jack up a front wheel and rotate it to see if the axle is actually disengaged at the hub.
If the hubs are the issue, best fix for it is to swap on a set of manual locking hubs (eliminating the unreliable PVH setup).


Hope that helps