Testing 4x4

[AllBlackBimmer]

I'm checking out a Ranger tomorrow

Located in the northeast, so it's cold.... But no snow.

I want to test both 4x4 lo and hi...

How can I properly do this on dry roads without causing driveline damage?

I know you are not supposed to use 4x4 on non-slippery roads or it can cause binding since the driveline can't adjust for difference in wheel speeds.

I'm test driving at a dealer, so there is no chance he will let me take it off road to test

Thoughts?

 

[straycat]

For a short distance you can put it in 4x4 and check it out. You really should do this every once in a while. Do you have the manual hubs on the 93? On all my 4x4’s I have always put it in 4x4 mode and drove it for a short distance to 'lube' it up. I have done so on the street and on just a dirt road. I did not have to take it out in the boon docks. I just make sure it goes into Hi or Lo and everything feels right.

 

[adsm08]

It's a dealer, there must be a lift somewhere. Ask them to put it in the air and show the 4x4 working. You won't break anything in the air.

 

[AllBlackBimmer]

For a short distance you can put it in 4x4 and check it out. You really should do this every once in a while. Do you have the manual hubs on the 93? On all my 4x4’s I have always put it in 4x4 mode and drove it for a short distance to 'lube' it up. I have done so on the street and on just a dirt road. I did not have to take it out in the boon docks. I just make sure it goes into Hi or Lo and everything feels right.

Don't have the 93 anymore.... Need to update my profile. I had to get rid of that one about a year ago because the clutch went out.

I'm looking at a 2004 tomorrow with the auto hubs with the switch on the dash.

 

[AllBlackBimmer]

It's a dealer, there must be a lift somewhere. Ask them to put it in the air and show the 4x4 working. You won't break anything in the air.

Very small dealership, I don't think they do servic on-site. It's not like a Ford dealer or anything like that

 

[adsm08]

Well on an 04, if the lights come on when you flip the switch, the 4x4 works. The light is operated by a sensor triggered by mechanical movement of pieces in the t-case. If it doesn't engage the light can't come on.

 

[modelageek]

The 2004 has "live axles". Unless the truck is a steal I would avoid the Dealers. Prices ARE Down On Rangers in the Northeast. Look on CL.

FYI: any 2004 truck you buy will need work (unless it was the 2004 Ranger Edge I just sold. It was pretty mint)