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do the front driveshafts in rangers (4.0 if it makes a difference) still turn even if theyre not in 4wd? i just thought about this because my 95 jeep yj does this as well...and im not running my front shaft rt now just to keep me on the road until its paid off haha.
The Rangers prior to 98 had automatic hubs: Locked in when 4x4 was engaged, go back to 2 wheel...back up a ways, and they unlocked, thus no turning of front drive shaft in 2 wheel.
98 through 2000 had pulse vacuum hubs: When 4x4 was engaged a vacuum pulse was sent to the hubs, which locked them. Go back to 2 wheel and another pulse unlocked them.
2000 mid year was changed to live axle: 4x4 or 2 wheel, the drive shaft turns.
If the truck has been converted to manual hubs, the front drive shaft, of course, does not turn in 2 wheel if the driver unlocks them.
Just as a matter of interest: My first 4x4 was a brand new bobtail Bronco in 77, and the owners manual recommended locking the hubs in 2 wheel for about 10 miles once a month during periods of non 4x4 use. The thinking was that the bearings and gears in the front differential needed rotation on a regular basis for prevention of rust. Although long periods of disuse are potentially harmful, a lot of wear takes place with all those parts continually rotating.
the owners manual recommended locking the hubs in 2 wheel for about 10 miles once a month during periods of non 4x4 use. The thinking was that the bearings and gears in the front differential needed rotation on a regular basis for prevention of rust.
This is especially important if there's a chance you've got any water in the differential from mud-bogging or crossing streams. Even condensation can add some water, unless you live in a dry place like the desert southwest.
ive got auto hubs on mine. i cant leave it in 2wd if theyre auto without the tcase going in 4wd i thought
That is true, the auto-hubs would preclude that. That is one reason I changed my vacuum pulse hubs to manual, that and the fact that I trust manual hubs more that automatics.
Why do you have your front shaft out? Is there something wrong I've missed?
Your front drive train will turn if it has "full time" or "pulse lock" hub system.
Why? Full time is self explanatory. The other may stick from cold grease, damage, etc. and cause the front to turn. That in itself is not necessarilly bad, from time to time. All the time needs looked into and may be as simple as cleaning and reinstalling.
If you can't turn the pinion flange for the front, then something is locked/damaged at one of the hubs.