98 Ford Ranger Hops!

[AColeman]

I have a 98 ranger that I just installed manual locking hubs (vac hubs were junk)
Now eveything works and engages but when I drive the truck in 4wd the truck drives very rough! Ive owned 4wd trucks my whole life so I know the normal 4wd "scuff" feel. This truck feels like all four tires point in when its in 4wd. It leaves marks on a drit driveway like someone spun the tires. Its hops very bad on dry pavement to the point you can go over 5-10mph. On the road with a little bit of snow its better off driving in 2wd because the truck want to "crab walk" so bad. Where should I start?
Thanks!!!

 

[adsm08]

Does it do the same thing in 2 hi with the front hubs locked?

 

[Earl43P]

If this is a new to you truck, suspect that the rear axle was replaced with a different gear ratio than the front axle. Check the door tag and read this: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

 

[AColeman]

Drives great in 2 wheel Hi with hubs locked, Not sure about the axles I just bought the truck

 

[AColeman]

What do I do if I have the stock axle? What do I do if I have diff. axle?

 

[heptofite]

put the truck on jack stands, the two left tires in the air, keep the two right tires on the ground, lock in the front hubs and put it in neutral, put it in 4-high, and see if when you turn the back tire by hand the front tire turns at the same rate.

 

[AColeman]

put the truck on jack stands, the two left tires in the air, keep the two right tires on the ground, lock in the front hubs and put it in neutral, put it in 4-high, and see if when you turn the back tire by hand the front tire turns at the same rate.

OK if they dont spin at the same rate what does that mean?

 

[adsm08]

Someone put the wrong axle on one end of the truck.
If you find that we will worry about figuring out which one is wrong and which one to keep then.

 

[AColeman]

Ok jacked up the truck today and spun wheels. they have about 1" to 1 1/2" of play befor the other wheel starts to spin. But when I do one complete spin the other wheel does a complete spin.

 

[AColeman]

front axle pic

 

[AColeman]

Front 2 and rear

 

[AColeman]

Any ideas?

 

[snake]

What about the tires? Are they all the same size?