Do I have to back up to disengage my '08 Ranger hubs?

[poconojoe]

'08 Ranger XLT, auto hubs...
I'm assuming the answer is no, since it doesn't mention it in the manual. My '97 had to be backed up.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[Bent Bolt]

There are no hubs to engage or disengage like your old Ranger. The front driveline is always turning when the vehicle is in motion. Engaging 4x4 is simply connecting the front driveline to the rear through the transfer case.

 

[exbass94]

The newer Rangers (2002-up) don't have hubs at all. The front axle shafts and front driveshaft are always spinning, even when it's in 2wd. So no, you don't have to back it up, because there is nothing to disengage.

Edit: Bent Bolt beat me to it

 

[poconojoe]

Heck, that doesn't sound good!

I didn't know that!
Wouldn't that mean more wear and tear, more rotating mass, more drag, less gas mileage, etc? Or am I being paranoid? does it matter that much?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

to an extent, yes.

but with the use of CV axles in the front end rather than u-joints, the added drag and wear is very minimal.

the alternative is pulse-vacuum-hubs....which ford couldnt seem to get right.

 

[CraigK]

Are the "pulse-vacuum hubs" what I have on my 1987 Bronco II 4x4 with the electric 2-to-4WD shift button? If so, how do they work? (Or not work . . . ) Thanks.

CraigK

 

[JoshT]

No PVH hubs didn't come around until the late nineties (1998 IIRC) you just have good old auto hubs. Sorry I can't telly you how they work never looked into it.

 

[Jspafford]

The older locking hubs 1997 and prior locked mechanically by turning the driveshaft. When you shift into 4x4 at road speeds there is a clutch in the t-case that spins the front driveshaft up to speed before it locks into 4WD. This all happens within a second or two. When it spins the front driveshaft innitally it locks the hubs.

When you engage it from a stop, as soon as you start to roll they lock in.

You can try this out by reaching under the truck and turning the front driveshaft with your hand. It should turn about 1/4 to 1/2 a turn and then you will hear a click as the hubs lock and the driveshaft will no longer turn.