Is my 4x4 working properly?

[OldSchool]

I drive a 1983 Ford Ranger with a 2.8L V6 and a recently rebuilt Ford C5 transmission.

When I'm driving in deep snow (more than 12 inches) or steep icy roads, my rear tires spin and my front tires stay completely still. I find this rather frustrating...

I'm under the impression that the Ford Ranger 4x4 system sends the same amount of torque to the front wheels and the rear wheels and the front wheels should turn at about the same speed as my rear ones. So I would expect my front wheels to keep moving even when my rear wheels loose traction for an extended period of time.

Do you think my 4x4 system is working properly? If not, does anyone have a guess on what is wrong...


A few quick notes

1. The tire slipping happens regardless of weather I'm running my truck in 2h, 4h, or 4low.
2. I think my 4x4 is more less working properly because the truck seems to climb muddy logging roads better with the 4wheel drive engaged and because it handles more precisely on icy roads when 4wheell drive is engaged.
3. Installing some Bridgestone Blizzak's has improved my traction on the snow / ice.
4. I could use chains to improve my traction but I would prefer not to...

 

[racsan]

im guessing a '83 would only have manual hubs, run it up on ramps, put it in 4wd, engine off and try to rotate the front driveshaft, if its not turning, put transfer case in 2H, lock in the hubs and see if the front driveshaft turns. if it turns with hubs locked, you have a hub (or possibly front axle) problem, if its turning with the hubs unlocked but the transfercase in 4H or 4L you have a problem in the transfer case.

 

[OldSchool]

Thanks racsan,

I will check it out next time I have the truck on jacks. My gut says that one of the hubs isn't locking but I guess we will see...