no 4x4- winters coming

[65Ford]

hey all- tested the 4x4 in my B4000 and it didn't engage, kind of a ratcheting noise from the passenger side auto hub- no noise drivers side that I could tell. Anyway, I want to do the manual hub swap but was wondering what happens when I do that (noob question coming).... when I lock the hubs manually does that activate 4 wheel high? how do I put it in 4 low if I need to because in the past I would just push button on dash to switch.

 

[bmerr98]

The old unreliable PVH auto locking hub trick, eh? I did the manual swap a while back and love it, so roll forth and be converted!

But to your question, when you lock your hubs in the transfer case will not engage. That will still be done with the switch. Going to 4wd becomes a two step process. Lock hubs, turn switch. Going into or out of low range will still require full stop, transmission in neutral with brake pedal depressed.

 

[pcollins]

The way I did it with manual hubs was when the first snow fell I'd lock 'em in and leave 'em locked until spring. Robs a MPG or two but doesn't hurt anything else and then you don't have to get outta the truck every-time to lock and unlock your hubs.

An added bonus of locking hubs is that you gain a 2wd Low range. Just use 4x4 low without locking the hubs in. Personally I've never had a good reason to do that but I know some who do.

 

[RonD]

As said the manual hubs when locked will cause the front axles and differential to rotate with the wheels.
If trans-axle(shift select on dash) is in 2wd then front drive train is in Neutral, so not engaged to get any power from the engine/trans.

Running locked doesn't hurt anything but the axles and differential do have internal friction so MPG will go down.


Good read here on Ranger 4x4 hubs:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/HubDiagnosis.html

Swapping to manual eliminates a problem with older auto-hubs, and can bring piece of mind.
When you need 4WD is when you find out the auto-hubs are NOT working, lol, and at that point it does become a PITA.

But money is money and you can always pull off the cover and inspect them first, often previous mechanics used a bunch of axle grease in the hubs which actually prevents them from working, especially in colder weather when the grease gets thicker.
They need to be able to move to engage and disengage.
Cleaning them will usually give you auto 4wd back again.

The clicking usually means one hub is not engaging but the other is, so 50% of the system is working
Since most front axles are not limited slip the hub that is not engaging all the way is the one that gets the power so the click, click, click.

 

[65Ford]

great answers, thanks guys-