using hub locks instead of shift motor?

[alwaysFlOoReD]

My 94 ranger with electric T-case isn't working. I don't have the time or knowledge to track down the problem. I decided to remove the motor and manually engage 4x4HI and use the hubs to engage/disengage the 4x4. Two questions;
1] Can the transfer case move out of 4x4HI [on its own] when there is no electric motor holding the triangular shift knob in gear?
2] Can I leave the passenger hub engaged in 4x4 and just use the drivers hub to activate the 4x4 function? I was thinking that with an open dif that all the power would go to the side with no traction, essentially making the front act like it wasn't in 4x4....makes sense?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Your theory works fine except for one detail, there is no detent in the transfer case for 4hi, only 2hi and 4low and maybe neutral... I had a non working electric case in the explorer I had for a while and took the motor off, used pliers between 2hi and 4 low, tried to use 4hi once and it went into neutral I think.

It's been like 4 years since then, so I could be mixed up...

If it will stay in 4hi, then yes you can do what you are talking about.

 

[RonD]

Yes, ^^^^ +1 it won't stay in 4High

Get a Shiftster, they are available again.


You do put a strain on the transfer case clutch when either front hub is engaged in 4WD, even with open differential.
So better to leave both hubs unlocked.

In theory it should be fine, in practice, walking a few extra feet could save you some problems

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've driven about 50 Km and the T-case stayed in 4Hi. I tried the 4x4 out in the neighbors field and it works....I wasn't sure. Having 4x4 if needed is a little weight off my mind. It would definitely be more convenient to have in cab controls but ....oh, well. I have a Shiftster on my race truck and will grab that when I can.
Thanks for the input.

You do put a strain on the transfer case clutch

I don't think the 1350 or 1354 have a clutch. I wish they did so I could separate the front and rear diffs on my race truck.

 

[scotts90ranger]

they technically do have a clutch, but it doesn't handle any torque, that's what the single wire is that doesn't go to the motor is for... That clutch apparently engages just before the module engages the shift motor to try to accelerate the front output to meet the rear output speed for "Shift on the fly" applications. I haven't dug into the electric case I have to actually look at it...