ranger 4wd

[ladderman643]

12/08/05 I Just Found Out My 4wd Doesnt Work! on my 1999 ford ranger,electonic activated-4wd light comes when engaged-What Would Be The 1st 3 Things To Check For? Thanks For Any Input

[Escorts4ever]

Well first we all need to know the year??? If it is a pre 98 then we need to know if it has automatic or manual locking hubs.

[ladderman643]

Originally Posted by Escorts4ever

Well first we all need to know the year??? If it is a pre 98 then we need to know if it has automatic or manual locking hubs.

its automatic and 1999 year-thanks

[EddieK47]

Hey hi.I sadly own one of these and the 4WD is junk on the 98 and 99s.I'm not an auto mechanic but I have friends that are and from what I understand this is one of Fords worst ideas.

On mine my 4w engages but won't totally disengage sometimes and I have to do it manually by taking the front wheel off and poping off the plastic vacuume hub.I use a screwdriver and twist it sideways but take care not to break the tabs.Check the o ring under the hub and replace them if cracked or worn.Best to replace them anyway.Also if the grease is stiff inside of these caps the vacuume is not strong enough to engage them.I washed mine out with LPS.This at least got mine to engage when I needed it.

once you have cleaned out the hubs you will see a light tan disk at the end of your hub.This is the vacuume spring loaded catch that ingages and disingages your wheels.If you push down on it you should hear or feel it engage or disingage.

I hope this helps

[thundergrowl]

I have a 99 ranger and I also have 4wd problems.

With mine to would go in 4x4 occasionally but it would pop back out when you need it most. I never knew for sure if it would work or not.

There is a vacuum o-ring gasket around the side axel shaft that causes this problem. The last time I checked they cost about $50 each plus a couple hours labor to replace.

I found some instructions online that forces the hubs to be locked weither you're in 4x4 or not. I've been running mine with the hubs locked for 2 years now with no problems...and no noticable change in gas milage. If you want I could try to dig them up again or a recreate them. e-mail me.