Auto hubs unlocked?

[Natedog]

I have auto hubs in my 87 Ranger at the moment....front driveshaft is removed due to different gear ratios in axles (still looking for a complete front pumpkin with 4.11s). How do I ensure that my auto hubs are unlocked so that my whole front axle is not spinning?

 

[baddis]

first thing would be raise the front end up and spin the tires while holding the pinion still . if you can't the hubs are locked. 2nd would be install manual hubs.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

why did you remove your front driveline? having different gear ratios wont hurt anything with the transfer case in 2wd.

 

[Natedog]

first thing would be raise the front end up and spin the tires while holding the pinion still . if you can't the hubs are locked. 2nd would be install manual hubs.

Yeah, I know...lol...got the manual hubs on another front axle assy, just need time do do the converrsion. Guess I shoulda phrased the question differently, it was late and I was tired. What I did was grab the front pinion and rotate it by hand in reverse so as to hopefully ensure that the hubs stay unlocked. They were unlocked and in 2wd when I pulled the front driveshaft. Does this do the trick?

Pulled the driveshaft to make access to fuel lines, pump, wiring harness etc easier because I installed the dual tanks from another parts truck. Haven't put it back in because I still need to get a good five speed and manual tcase to swap in, so it's coming out again anyways.

EDIT: Oh yeah also removed the electric tcase wiring when I swapped everything around, so even though tcase was in 2wd when I unhooked it all, I can't shift it at the moment.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

turning the front pinion will lock the hubs in place...turning the wheels unlocks them. drive in reverse in a straight line for 10 feet and if your hubs are working properly, they'll be unlocked.

FYI, you can shift an e-case with a pair of pliers or vice grips if the motor is off (you probably noticed the case has markings under the motor for 2hi, 4hi, and 4lo). i it was in 2wd when you removed everything, it'll stay there (its not going to "slip" into 4wd).

 

[Natedog]

DOH! Ok, already done backed up that way several times. Yeah I recall being able to shift the electric case with pliers. Thanks!