92 Ranger 4wd problems

[irishrp02]

when i put my truck in 4wd adn start driving to will statr making a really bad clunking noise. any one have any ideas on what that is and how to fix it thanks

 

[Nhaz]

There are many things that could be wrong.

Do you have auto or manual hubs? Auto hubs can clank and bang rather loudly even when working properly. And when they aren't working properly they can make even more noise =>

How are the universal joints in the front? Badly worn joints can sound rather terrible and cause vibration.

You could have missing teeth in the front differential ring or pinion gears.

Are the front and rear gear ratio's the same? Different ratio's will cause the truck to shudder rather badly on pavement or on gravel.

That is all I have for now. Check the hubs first. If they are auto hubs they usually say so right on the outside of the hub. Manual hubs have a switch you rotate.

 

[irishrp02]

I have the automatic locking hubs, is there a way to check it to see if there are good and working properly?

 

[Nhaz]

If the hubs are working properly they should only clunk loudly once when engaging 4x4. If they are continuing to make noise they are probably worn out. Have a friend walk beside the truck listening to see where exactly the noises are coming from.

One way to find out is to raise the truck off the ground on to jack stands making sure all 4 wheels are off the ground. Engage the 4x4. If the noise goes away with no weight on the wheels chances are the hubs are done. They have a internal cam like device that simply wears out. I believe it is possible to add metal back to the cam with a welder and then some filing afterward (I haven't tried this) but this is just going to delay the replacement.

Auto hubs are horrible btw. First chance you get you should change them out for manual hubs. There is lots of info in the tech library on them.

Be sure that the hubs are actually the problem before you start throwing money at it => You can get manual hubs at junk yards, or buy new ones. Make sure you get all the parts. or whats called a conversion kit.