auto lock hub issue

[krh1326]

Hi All...

I have a 1999 Ranger, with the auto locking front hubs. This nor'easter hit us with 18" and I need the 4WD.

The transfer case does its thing ok, but the hubs will not lock...

I checked both sides, and have good vacum, to each hub. Just for the heck of it, I stuck a hose on the passenger hub connection... blew and sucked (ha ha ha) by mouth. Could feel resistance and hear the hub trying to lock and disengage. Seems to be acting right. I tried it on the drivers side and got no resistance, free moving air, nothing else.

I assume the drivers side hub is malfunctioning. Broken diaphragm? Bad seal ? What can it be, my chilton and haynes books are useless with the 4WD hub issues....

If one hub ( drivers side ) fails to engage, would that prevent the other ( passenger ) from locking? sorta like posi verse limited slip rear?

Is there a way I can force the fronts to lock, until my local roads are more managable, and can make proper repairs?

Thank you...
Ken

 

[locked ranger]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/pvh_hubs.html

 

[kunar]

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm

 

[krh1326]

Great input, Thank you fellas !