locking hubs and 4x4 problem

[acroteau]

i bought a 1999 ford ranger and the front tires dont spin when i put it in 4x4. the front drive shaft spins but the tires dont pull, and there is a rattling in the front passenger side near the wheel. is it the hubs? i was thinking of putting manual locking hubs instead of the vacuum crap. would this solve my 4x4 problem?

 

[kennykenny]

It's the vacuum hubs. Read here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm
and here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/AVM_hub_swap.htm
and here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/99hubswap.htm
There are quite a few options.

 

[acroteau]

thanks man exactly what i thought. looks like manual locking hubs it is.

 

[snoman6115]

ya auto ones on my 98 quit but i found out from there bein a vaccum leak. got the AVM locking hubs and they are absolutely awesome. well worth the $180. i even cut out my hub caps so i could leav them on for a nicer look

 

[acroteau23]

yup i got the same hub and im planning on putting them on and testing them tomorrow