front axle help

[Reaper4533]

A friend has live axles in his 2000 xlt 4x4. i understand the axle shafts turn all the time. Does this mean it is stuck in 4wd or is it engaged by the switch on the dash? hepl

 

[brinker88]

Front components constantly spin, yes, but the driveshaft does not spin unless the transfer case is engaged in 4x4.

 

[Reaper4533]

Thanks brinker88 my friend thought he was in for a lot of expense. Im still trying to learn the 4x4 stuff for my next ranger

 

[4x4junkie]

The driveshaft actually does spin in 2WD because the front axle itself (differential) is spinning. However it is not engaged in the t-case (it just free-spins) so no power is being sent down the driveshaft to the front axle.

 

[Reaper4533]

Thanks 4x4junkie that clears up a lot. so the only time the t-case is engaged is when it is in 4wd.

 

[4x4junkie]

Correct.

Ford (already having the pieces available from '95-'00 Explorers) went to this design after having numerous problems with the Pulse-Vacuum Hub setup used from '98 to partway into the '00 model Rangers.

 

[Reaper4533]

Thanks again, hopefully i will be posting some mod pics soon for my project.