Live Axle???

[CyberTech]

When in 2WD on my 1998 Ford Ranger XLT 4X4 4L V6 the front axle turns. Is this what they mean by a "Live Axle Setup"? Everything works fine....I'm just curious about the term.

 

[exbass94]

Yes, that's what live axle means....however, 1998 trucks used vacuum actuated hubs, so the front axle of your truck should not be turning when it's in 2wd. Those hubs are notoriously unreliable, so there's a good chance they're just not disengaging when they should be. I recommend swapping in a set of manual locking hubs.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

There is a mod you can do to make the vacuum assist hubs live like the newer ones. It is possible that a previous owner did it to your truck.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/99hubswap.htm

 

[CyberTech]

Hmmmmmm Vacuum Actuated........this could mean either 1) I have a problem or 2) they wer already modified when I got the truck (as stated above). Thanks for the input guys!