Free Wheel

[shimomoto]

People;

I'm a Brazilian owner of a Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 double cab (I've already posted pictures here) , eqquiped with a Turbodiesel International NGD 3.0E eletronic (a great engine!) and I am asking for an information about American Rangers:
Has American Ford Ranger got Free Wheel in the front axle?

I am asking because in Brazil, Ranger 4x4 used automatic free wheel in 1998 and 1999. Then, Ford decided to eliminate the sistem, so, in 4x2 mode, Brazilian Ranger front axle still turn without any traction. And the system proves to be very very good!

Thanks very much!

Att

 

[4x4junkie]

Yep, they are the same way here.

1997 and earlier models have hubs that operate mechanically (both automatic-engaging and manually-operated versions were available).

1998 through early-2000 models have an automatic vacuum-operated (PVH) locking hub system (which I might add hasn't proven very reliable here)

Midway through the 2000 model they went to the straight-driven (live spindle) design which they still use today.

Hope that's the info you're looking for

 

[shimomoto]

Yep, they are the same way here.

1997 and earlier models have hubs that operate mechanically (both automatic-engaging and manually-operated versions were available).

1998 through early-2000 models have an automatic vacuum-operated (PVH) locking hub system (which I might add hasn't proven very reliable here)

Midway through the 2000 model they went to the straight-driven (live spindle) design which they still use today.

Hope that's the info you're looking for

Thanks, Junkie!

Here in Brazil, happend the same thing: The system proves unreliable and the eletric t-case often blamed!

A brazilian company called AVM developed an automatic Free-wheel. Another question: Rangers with automatic free-wheel can be changed to the new system only by locking ou disable the free-wheel???

Thanks so much for the answers!

 

[4x4junkie]

The AVM manual locking hubs are sold here too.

They only fit '98-'00 Rangers with PVH auto hubs, they will not fit the later live-spindle hubs (you would need to swap out the live spindles for the PVH style hubs, then fit the AVM hubs).

 

[shimomoto]

The AVM manual locking hubs are sold here too.

They only fit '98-'00 Rangers with PVH auto hubs, they will not fit the later live-spindle hubs (you would need to swap out the live spindles for the PVH style hubs, then fit the AVM hubs).

Thanks for the answers!

I have a friend that he has a 1999 Ford Ranger with free wheel and I suggest to him to disable the system (I prefer straight-driven). However, he said that he needs to change the front axle to make a 4x4 system without free-wheel. I agree with him, but uses the vehicle with the free-wheel locked will cause damages in the system?

Another question: Can I install a Detroit Truetrack (Torsen) in the front axle of my Ranger, considering the fact that "she" is straight-driven????

(PS: In my point of view, free-wheel is a waste of time, of money. Useful only in cases like Jeep, with his heavy Tcase!)