I just acquired a '87 Ford Ranger 4x4. It has 5 speed manual, manual 2Hi, 4Hi and 4Low shift and manual front locking hubs. What is the correct procedure for shifting into and out of 4x drive? Can I run it in 4Low with the hubs free?
Thanks

 

You can shift into & out of 4Hi anytime you want, though of course, if you haven't previously locked your hubs, 4Hi won't accomplish anything. You also wouldn't want to shift when you're in the process of spinning the wheels, or some other foolishness. No shifting into 4WD while you're spinning donuts.

The vehicle must be stopped when you shift into or out of 4Low.

And, yes, you can run it in 4Low with the hubs free. I've done so many times. You just need to be aware that the torque in 4Low is enough to put the rear end under stress if abused. I'm sure that Ford has a warning to that effect in the owners manual.

 

Thanks reddog99.
This is my first 4x4. I find that just being in 4Low even without the hubs locked is enough to pull across the wet spots on the farm. I wanted to be sure that I wouldn't do any damage to the hubs or other parts.

 

I use to run in 4 low all the time in my old CJ's, the terrain wasn't bad enough for 4wheel drive, but bad enough that I needed to crawl slowly. So I would drop it into 4 low without the hubs being locked in.

 

I don't know if yours has it or not, but my '85 has the instructions for operating the 4 wheel drive on the back of the driver's sun visor.

 

It is a good idea to lock the hubs in once a month to get grease to the whole front axle.
Find a dirt or gravel lot and drive the truck around in 4WD....forward and backward to keep things loose and greased.

 

Just got A Bronco II, and this has answered some of my questions, Thanks guys

 

Yeah, use the 4-wheel drive at least once a month in both ranges, if nothing else roll it back in fourth in the driveway. There's guy's who don't engage the 4wd for years, they when they need it, the hub falls off or the shift motor don't work or the lever won't budge. It pays to keep it lubed up and operating as hydro_37 says. I've preached this for years on here. Stick around for our first major snow fall and you will see all the questions pop up on here why my 4wd isn't working. The reason is it's never used and the one time they need it, it's all gummed up and inoperable.