Testing 4x4...how do I know for sure?

[dangeranger88]

Hey guys. I recently bought a 99 Ford Ranger, reg. cab XLT 4x4 with 3.0L engine. When I tried to test the 4x4 at this one mudhole nearby, i could not really tell if it actually went into 4x4. I didn't go in too much mud yet i don't feel like i would have made it in 2wheel. The manual says to just engage it while driving at a low speed, which i did. I used to have a 92 Exploder and i always knew right away the 4x4 was working. Stupid electrical bull-corn. Any ideas/better ways to test 4x4? thanks.

 

[surffishin07]

bad idea but fun to watch...hook to a tree and gas it hard if the front start spinnin then you'll be grinnin. actually with mine (94 supercab) i had the same doubt until i changed to manual hubs. it felt like my 4x4 was working with those pos auto hubs but the second i hit deep in the mud the fronts stopped but the back spun changed the hubs and problem solved. but just a question does your low gear work? if so the only weak link is your vacuum hubs so up to you and your wallet to decide on manuals for a guaranteed locked in

 

[Chris.S.]

put it in 4x4x on pavemant and try do a u-turn. If it's in 4 you'll know.

 

[KELLY88]

Get all 4 tires off the ground then let it idle in 4wd and see if they all spin.

 

[4x4junkie]

put it in 4x4x on pavemant and try do a u-turn. If it's in 4 you'll know.

I wouldn't advise this unless you know what the 4WD binding feels like and know when to stop, otherwise you could break something.

After putting it in 4WD, jack up one front tire and try to turn it. It should be engaged to the drivetrain and won't turn.

 

[downzero]

Just drop the clutch at about 3,000 RPM. If the tires don't spin at all, you're in 4wd.

 

[gotmudd]

Just drop the clutch at about 3,000 RPM. If the tires don't spin at all, you're in 4wd.

BAD FAWKING IDEA, if he follows that advice, i don't know who'd be the bigger jackass, you for suggesting or him for following. the best thing is like Junkie said, lift one front tire with 4x4 engaged and try to spin tire by hand if still in doubt hook up to a stump or some other non movable object, take up the slack real easy until your chain, cable or what ever you use for a towstrap is tight, then try to make it move after all slack is taken up. if your 4x4 is working you should be able to make the front tires break loose without tearing up too much, not too mention that if you do it slow and can feel the front tires break loose you can then back off the gas and be happy

 

[Yellowsplash]

I agree with junkie's logic. I wouldn’t attempt some of the others or you might end up with some damage. Keep it simple....find a gravel road (preferably steep), lock it in 4wd, and hit the gas (especially on an incline) and you'll know immediately...

 

[97ranger4x4]

or you can "engage" 4wd. crawl under the truck (in park obviously) and try spinning the front drive shaft. if it doesnt spin, your 4wd is working because there is no way you can turn the drive shaft. if it does spin, your transfer case isnt locking up. try it in 2wd first and you will know what I mean, it just sits there. Assuming you also have automatic hubs, I think you can jack it up (while in 4wd) and try spinning the tire. It shouldnt spin. Of course in 2wd it will spin.

This is what I did to find my auto hubs went out.

Hope this helps.

Keith

 

[Jspafford]

or you can "engage" 4wd. crawl under the truck (in park obviously) and try spinning the front drive shaft. if it doesnt spin, your 4wd is working because there is no way you can turn the drive shaft. if it does spin, your transfer case isnt locking up. try it in 2wd first and you will know what I mean, it just sits there. Assuming you also have automatic hubs, I think you can jack it up (while in 4wd) and try spinning the tire. It shouldnt spin. Of course in 2wd it will spin.

This is what I did to find my auto hubs went out.

Hope this helps.

Keith

That will tell if the transfer case is locking, but it won't let him know if his hubs are locking correctly, because the t-case will keep the front driveshaft from spinning.

 

[97ranger4x4]

yes that is correct. However if they know the transfer case is locked and try spinning the front tire with it up in the air, if the hubs are unlocked and not working the front tire should spin freely. however if the hubs are engaged and working properly, then there would be no way to spin the front tire. I think this is a much safer way of testing it than being in a gravel driveway or trying to pull an immovable object IMO. Less fun, but more safe.

 

[dangeranger88]

Thanks guys, I did the jack up one side method and now AVM hubs, and it works

 

[97ranger4x4]

Sweet good to know it works. I dont know anything about the AVM hubs, but I think there are plenty of people on here who do know.

 

[03Shadowbob]

A little late here but how I made sure mine was working was I waited for a little rain then backed up into my neighbor's lawn, put it in drive and floored it. I left some nice marks and only wish I had my mud tires on at that time for better grip.

yes I am kidding, but I did do that in a field in the Corbett area to make sure.

 

[dangeranger88]

Sweet good to know it works. I dont know anything about the AVM hubs, but I think there are plenty of people on here who do know.

Like I said i havent tested them fully yet, but I can just tell they feel much more reliable and stronger than the originals...they have a nice weight to them that the PVHs don't and seem to have stronger splines. Can't wait for the snow