locking hub problem - 85 ranger

[phacemeltar]

i recently bought an 85 ranger. about 2 weeks after purchase, i tried locking the hubs and putting it in 4x4.. and the front right wheel ws having a hard time turning. i havent had much time to look at it but i was wondering if anyone can diagnose this issue or even give me a ballpark figure on getting it fixed. the suspension and drivetrain look really complex. maybe it just needs lubricant or something? i wouldnt mind changing out the hubs, but im not sure where is a good place to buy these items. i love this truck.

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[RonD]

Wouldn't be suspension is as 2WD or 4WD won't matter.

Good read here on the front axle: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/dana_28_35.shtml

If you have manual hub, then when they are unlocked and transfer case is in 2WD then the front axle doesn't turn.
If hubs are Locked OR transfer case is in 4WD then axle will turn.

I would start by jacking up the front wheel and spin the wheel with hub unlocked.
Then spin the wheel with hub locked, see if that tells you any thing.

Because the front wheels are used for steering there needs to be u-joints near the front wheels to allow them to turn side to side, these should have been replaced at least once on an '85 but if it was not used for 4WD much then maybe they are original.

Diagrams of front axle parts here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Dana28Rebuild.shtml

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

With the hubs unlocked and tcase in 2wd you might crawl under it and turn the axle shaft by hand and check for things binding there.

Worst case there are like 8 bolts/nuts and a tie rod that hold the axle in there. Not much to them really.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/dana_28_35.shtml

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Dana28Rebuild.shtml

I don't see a bad u-joint stopping an engine though... will be interesting to hear what you find.