Weird Ranger...

[BubbNak]

So, guys, I'm trying to identify my ranger and I have an interior I've never seen before this ranger. first, the truck
1988 Ford Ranger XLT - Automatic transmission, auto 4wd, auto hubs, power everything

now what has me perplexed is the location of the 4wd selector. I have ONLY ever seen them in the dashboard... Mine is located above the windshield wiper where the passenger lights are. Has anyone ever come across this? and if so, do you know where i can get the whole assembly

Basically the PCB (circuit board) inside of the overhead console. I need that because for the life of me don't know how I would test this system without a new one. there are too many wires for me to think it's a simple on/off switch. I have a part number SOMEWHERE for it from the dealership, which was about 2-3 hours on the phone because THEY had never seen nor heard of this setup before. Is this something special?

Can post pic if need be ------EDIT POSTED PICS sorry if bad quality my phone is a tank but it's a POS

Also, and I will make a separate post about this I need the Bearing Adjustment Nut for that truck too, mine literally cracked.

 

[Ramcharger90]

Post pics

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Yes, post pics please.

 

[sheep herder]

 

[Uncle Gump]

If I remember right... @Shran high rider had the overhead console.

I also think I seen it some info on it in the owners manuals posted in the tech library.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

First gens had push buttons on the roof. Second gens (89) and later had it on the dash.

Called "Touch Drive"

My '86 XL parts truck had it. Also has a unique dash, there is an access panel in the black steel part just inboard of the passenger side dash speaker, the module is under that.

 

[BubbNak]

posted pics, 85 ranger nailed it!

What Module?

 

[Shran]

The 4x4 shift module is under that dash access panel. It's a black box with a button, a red light and a heatsink on it. FWIW, the module is the same from early on when ever they started putting electric shift t-cases in Rangers ('85? maybe?) up to the early 90's and Explorers and Bronco II's can be used as donors for the module... IF it goes bad... which is fairly uncommon. What is it doing or not doing? The buttons fail often, the shift motor on the t-case fails even more often, sometimes wires get cut/pinched/corroded.

See if you can find another 4x4 Ranger to pull parts from and dump those auto hubs. You need the hubs themselves and the spindle nuts. Otherwise, I guess you could replace that nut, but the auto hubs are just junk all the way around.

 

[4.0blue98]

I like the patina on the roof and hood. Just clear it and be done...

 

[BubbNak]

Shran, so its the control module. which means i should be able to "simulate" a current to the motor from there. basically the T-case shifting motor never recieves power.
I totally agree that Auto hubs are garbo. Alas, i do not have the funds to make the swap. I will look into the shifting module to see what i can learn!

 

[BubbNak]

Also, i think i found my nut,
https://www.ebay.com/itm/124117247893

 

[scotts90ranger]

Being an '83 part number it's probably right, but their description and application chart is WRONG since the Dana 28 was discontinued in mid '90 despite what most auto parts stores show... heck, Napa had parts listed for a 7.5" axle when I was looking up diff bearings for an Explorer last week...

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Also, i think i found my nut

I remember the first time I saw Rihanna.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I'd like to reiterate what was said above about the 4x4 not working before you jump into modules and just swapping parts... the shift motors are the most common problem, they have a potentiometer built in that gets dirty or the bumpers at the stops get worn out and they lose track of where they are so don't try... or just dirty connections at the connector by the T case. Or the buttons getting corroded, I've gotten more than one car that the horn didn't work or cruise control didn't work until I pushed the button and wiggled it around at the same time to move the contacts getting through the corrosion

Going to manual hubs could be as simple as going to a junkyard if there are any in your area with a hub nut socket (I think the Dana 44 one works like it does on the Dana 35, haven't had a D28 in a decade) and just buying the parts which I've gotten for $15 before... they will be on any 4x4 '83-89 Ranger or Bronco II...

 

[Shran]

The hub swap can be very cheap depending on your junkyard situation... I'm not talking about spending hundreds of dollars... hubs at our u-pull-it place are like $12 each, nuts are like a buck. Under $30 for the whole project.

@scotts90ranger the D44 hub socket fits all three