AVM hubs for 98-00

[getrdone52]

Cool thank you so much. I'll order a set within the next couple of days.

 

[triumphrider-1]

Personally, I would/did this:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_19982000_Ford_Ranger_Pulse_Vacuum_Hubs.html

Its the same thing as putting aftermarket hubs onl but you have the option to retain the PVH side, as well as manual control over the hubs should you need it. And its free!

 

[getrdone52]

Sweet! Ill try that and see how it goes. Thanks!

 

[couteekolinlouisian]

i'm ordering my avm hubs. how do i use them with center hub caps? do i need to cut a hole in em or do i need to just keep em on till i need to lock in my hubs an take them off to lock them in any suggestions?

 

[getrdone52]

Are you talking about this center hub cap

or this center hub cap

If you're talking about the first picture I would leave the center caps off all winter for easy access and leave them on in the summer and take the hub caps off whenever you need to use 4x4.

If you're talking about the second picture the AVM hub takes the place of that so you just toss the stock one.

 

[getrdone52]

Ok so I did the manual hub modification and It went well for the most part. The right hub was really dirty, I don't know why, and the left looked brand new. Is it bad that the right side is dirty? Also, I expected the 4x4 lights to not be blinking, but they were (and as before, it does nothing when I put the switch into 4x4 with the hubs locked). So I checked the fuse for the electronic shift motor and that was good, so is it the shift motor its self that is bad? What would I have to do to fix that? Please help! We are supposed to get 4-6 inches of snow tomorrow and I don't wanna get stuck. If I don't get a response soon, I'll put this in General Discussion Forum so it will get more attention. Thanks for any help!

 

[Earl43P]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/transfercasetroubleshooting.htm

 

[couteekolinlouisian]

the ford center hub cap

 

[Trevor_t2]

I'm going to jump in here as I've been following along with essentailly the same issue. I followed instructions and opened up hole in cap to manually operate the hubs. Put it in 4wd and checked hubs, both were popped out against my finger so I figured I was now good to go; no way. Still no 4wd! I've worked my way through the entire system, eliminating GEM, transfer case motor and watched to see front drive shaft turning. Why would I still not have 4wd? Any suggestions what to check next? Could it be that the hubs are stuck or something? I never took them all apart, I only followed the instructions on cutting the hole...

 

[triumphrider-1]

I'd probably take the hubs apart and clean them up. If the front driveshaft spins, it doesn't necessarily mean the T-case is in 4wd (assuming the hubs are locked).

 

[EERNGER]

Ok so I did the manual hub modification and It went well for the most part. The right hub was really dirty, I don't know why, and the left looked brand new. Is it bad that the right side is dirty? Also, I expected the 4x4 lights to not be blinking, but they were (and as before, it does nothing when I put the switch into 4x4 with the hubs locked). So I checked the fuse for the electronic shift motor and that was good, so is it the shift motor its self that is bad? What would I have to do to fix that? Please help! We are supposed to get 4-6 inches of snow tomorrow and I don't wanna get stuck. If I don't get a response soon, I'll put this in General Discussion Forum so it will get more attention. Thanks for any help!

Ya that sounds like more of a T-case problem then the hubs. If i recall my 98 would light up the 4x4 on the dash even when the hubs were not engaging (when my VPH system was leaking). Shift motors are known to be an issue from time to time, so id say that would be a safe bet to follow.

 

[getrdone52]

UPDATE: I took it into my local shop this weekend to get an oil change and an alignment and I just had them look at my 4x4 while i was there. They said that there was a fuse out and that's why it was blinking and they replaced it. I swear I checked all the fuses having to do with 4x4. Anyways, the problem still isn't fixed. The hub on the dirty side isn't getting pressure but left side is. So I just thought I would manually lock in the right side whenever I need 4x4. So I tried it and it still isn't working. I have no idea what the problem is. I did the test where you turn all the way and I can feel it jerking and when I put it in 4 low its definitely in but while I'm driving on snow pack and turn it acts like its in 2wd (starts to fish tale with little gas). And the ultimate test to see if my 4x4 was working was this

Well wouldn't you know it was stuck. Is my 3.0 not strong enough to power 4 wheels? Is the only other way to fix this a SAS? Lol this is getting old.

 

[Earl43P]

That would have been a good time to look and see it the front drive shaft and CV axles are turning. The front is an open differential, so if one hub isn't engaged, its cv shaft will spin, but not the tire. Turn the wheel to observe safely, while someone drives.

 

[Trevor_t2]

I am still diagnosing same issue and am very close to lighting this MoFo on fire. There's a reason I chose not to become a mechanic, yet my wallet is forcing me to take charge. My hat is off with all respect to those who picked this as a proffession. I may use an accelerant to get it started, I'm getting close.