How does Ranger 4WD compare?

[engine]

I've had 2 Jeeps, a Toyota T100, and have a Subaru Outback. The Jeeps could really claw, because everything seemed to lock up in 4WD. The Toyota, standard shift and manual 4WD seemed very positive. My "new" Ranger, on the other hand seems much more loose. I've never been stuck, but I have tried it out. It just doesn't feel like the others.

I'd welcome comments about how the 4WD works on a 2002 Ranger 4.0 Auto to help explain my perceptions.

 

[RonD]

It would depend on the differentials

Rangers 4x4s "often" came with Limited slip rear axles, Trac-Lok, but some didn't, you can look on drivers door label, at the bottom, under AXLE there is a code
Letter and number code is Limited Slip, like R6
Two numbers is OPEN, like 86

Stock Front axle will be OPEN on all Ranger 4x4s as far as I know

Longer wheel base and less weight on the rear axle makes any pickup truck less effective in 4WD, having limited slip is great but only if tires can get traction which requires some weight above that axle
OPEN on the front is not that bad because you do have the weight of the engine for traction, which is why OPEN differential FWD cars do well in slippery conditions.

 

[engine]

Thank you. Sticker says 97 so it must be open. But I can hear/feel it "scuff" in 4WD when turning so I have the feeling that is is doing some good and may be tighter than I first thought!

 

[donaldcon]

Yeah its gonna scuff in 4wd when turning. Its 4x4 not awd

Thank you. Sticker says 97 so it must be open. But I can hear/feel it "scuff" in 4WD when turning so I have the feeling that is is doing some good and may be tighter than I first thought!

Sent from my LM-X410(FG) using Tapatalk

 

[engine]

On one of the three roads from my house, a gravel road often washboarded going up over the mountain, my Toyota absolutely could not make it comfortably in 2WD because of the bouncing. My Ranger can do it in 2WD but 4WD smooths it out.

I have heard that 4WD drive should be used at least 10 miles/month to keep the seals sealing. This is easy for me to do.

 

[fastpakr]

You should engage it at least once a month to get the motor to cycle across each set of contacts at the transfer case. No need whatsoever to drive ten miles.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You should engage it at least once a month to get the motor to cycle across each set of contacts at the transfer case. No need whatsoever to drive ten miles.

+1

All the shafts are turning all the time on an ‘02 anyway.

Even then, I only really use mine in the winter and the 33yo seals seem ok.