Confused 4WD

[dper299]

I have a 98 Ranger 4x4 and I thought I had a good idea on how the 4x4 works, but now I am starting to doubt myself..
I know that when you shift it into 4x4 the transfer case motor engauges the transfer case, which in turn locks the front drive shaft..
Now here is were I am lost, The front shaft is locked in,but I can still turn the CV's and the wheels spin free when holding the CV's. I have vacume to the Hub's. Now do the hub's have anything to do with the Front diff locking in and powering the front wheels,or should the front diff be locked in and the (CV's can't spin) with the front shaft when in 4wd.

 

[RangerSVT]

Your truck, when it works properly, locks and unlocks the hubs when shifted in and out of 4wd, respectively. I'd say you have a problem with either your hubs or actuator not engaging the hubs. Hope this helps