4x4 problems ranger
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4x4 problems ranger
Bought a 2002 ranger with a four liter in it. Didn't notice until actually going off-road there is something wrong with the four wheel drive.
In 4 high it will drive good for a random distance then a loud bang, pop, comes from what feels like it's the driver front tire. The faster you're moving the worse it is. It's not consistent at all.
Replaced the transfer case shift motor and both CV axles. Still does it. Walked next to the truck while it's moving and the front tires look like something is in a bind and it's causing the bang. Beating my head against the wall at this point. Any help mucho appreciate!
On a side note it has something wrong with the tranny. Taking off it feels like someone bumped the rear, and after about twenty minutes of driving od light starts blinking and it shifts hard from first to second. Kill it, cures that specific problem just not the takeoff problem. Not sure if this is all related. Pulled the pan and refilled with as much fluid as came out. Which was a dark red. Still having same issues.
In 4 high it will drive good for a random distance then a loud bang, pop, comes from what feels like it's the driver front tire. The faster you're moving the worse it is. It's not consistent at all.
Replaced the transfer case shift motor and both CV axles. Still does it. Walked next to the truck while it's moving and the front tires look like something is in a bind and it's causing the bang. Beating my head against the wall at this point. Any help mucho appreciate!
On a side note it has something wrong with the tranny. Taking off it feels like someone bumped the rear, and after about twenty minutes of driving od light starts blinking and it shifts hard from first to second. Kill it, cures that specific problem just not the takeoff problem. Not sure if this is all related. Pulled the pan and refilled with as much fluid as came out. Which was a dark red. Still having same issues.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
Welcome to FTE.
I see you don't have any replies yet, so I'll see if I can get things started. On the tranny acting out part, with the flashing OD light, it means the tranny computer/controller has detected a problem & has stored a trouble code Number clue/s, so use your ELM scan tool running FORScan, or the like software on the viewing device of your choice, to have an in depth look at what's going on with the tranny shifting & read & post up All of the tranny trouble code Number clues it finds, as they can help focus your trouble shoot.
Most auto parts stores code readers can't access the tranny controller, so if you don't have the inexpensive ELM scan tool as discussed here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-scantool.html, consider coming by one & Post up All trouble code Number clues it finds.
I'm not a 4X4 guy but the forum has a number of members that are knowledgeable about the Ranger 4X4 system, so maybe they'll chime in on what to put on your suspect list about the noise your hearing & the wheel binding you noticed.
Some thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.
I see you don't have any replies yet, so I'll see if I can get things started. On the tranny acting out part, with the flashing OD light, it means the tranny computer/controller has detected a problem & has stored a trouble code Number clue/s, so use your ELM scan tool running FORScan, or the like software on the viewing device of your choice, to have an in depth look at what's going on with the tranny shifting & read & post up All of the tranny trouble code Number clues it finds, as they can help focus your trouble shoot.
Most auto parts stores code readers can't access the tranny controller, so if you don't have the inexpensive ELM scan tool as discussed here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-scantool.html, consider coming by one & Post up All trouble code Number clues it finds.
I'm not a 4X4 guy but the forum has a number of members that are knowledgeable about the Ranger 4X4 system, so maybe they'll chime in on what to put on your suspect list about the noise your hearing & the wheel binding you noticed.
Some thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.
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So to date I've replaced the shift motor on the transfer case. Both CV axles. And the front driveshaft.
Driving in 4 high without the drive shaft in, it does not do the popping. So I figured since my old one didn't articulate at all at the propeller joint, it was the problem. I thought for sure, that would be it. Could whatever is wrong possibly be in the front axle housing? Or could this be the transfer case acting under a load?
I'm considering pulling the front axle, and replacing all the seals and bearings. I assume this wouldn't be necessary since I never have problems unless it's in four wheel.
Any help from anyone experienced in these vehicles?
Driving in 4 high without the drive shaft in, it does not do the popping. So I figured since my old one didn't articulate at all at the propeller joint, it was the problem. I thought for sure, that would be it. Could whatever is wrong possibly be in the front axle housing? Or could this be the transfer case acting under a load?
I'm considering pulling the front axle, and replacing all the seals and bearings. I assume this wouldn't be necessary since I never have problems unless it's in four wheel.
Any help from anyone experienced in these vehicles?
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Waukesha, WI
Have you checked steering and suspension component like ball joints, inner/outer tie rod ends, CA bushings, etc? Though I don't know why it would only happen in 4WD if it was one of those.
I don't know what would make a pop in the front diff other than possibly a broken tooth on the ring or pinion.
How many miles on the truck and when did you get it?
I don't know what would make a pop in the front diff other than possibly a broken tooth on the ring or pinion.
How many miles on the truck and when did you get it?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
When and how are you using the 4x4? The reason I say that is it sounds to me like the driveline is in a bind. This can be caused by the front tires not being the same size or more worn than the back tires. They all have to work together.
What I would try is find a gravel road or a large field or dirt road and drive it in 4x4. The loose road surface should let the tires slip if they need to, eliminating the popping. If this works and it does not pop, then I would look into your tire sizes or possibly someone has swapped the rear or front axle out and installed the wrong one with the wrong gear ratio.
What I would try is find a gravel road or a large field or dirt road and drive it in 4x4. The loose road surface should let the tires slip if they need to, eliminating the popping. If this works and it does not pop, then I would look into your tire sizes or possibly someone has swapped the rear or front axle out and installed the wrong one with the wrong gear ratio.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 861
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From: AZ
So to date I've replaced the shift motor on the transfer case. Both CV axles. And the front driveshaft.
Driving in 4 high without the drive shaft in, it does not do the popping. So I figured since my old one didn't articulate at all at the propeller joint, it was the problem. I thought for sure, that would be it. Could whatever is wrong possibly be in the front axle housing? Or could this be the transfer case acting under a load?
I'm considering pulling the front axle, and replacing all the seals and bearings. I assume this wouldn't be necessary since I never have problems unless it's in four wheel.
Any help from anyone experienced in these vehicles?
Driving in 4 high without the drive shaft in, it does not do the popping. So I figured since my old one didn't articulate at all at the propeller joint, it was the problem. I thought for sure, that would be it. Could whatever is wrong possibly be in the front axle housing? Or could this be the transfer case acting under a load?
I'm considering pulling the front axle, and replacing all the seals and bearings. I assume this wouldn't be necessary since I never have problems unless it's in four wheel.
Any help from anyone experienced in these vehicles?
Can't offer any help with your problem except to say, stop throwing parts at it until you know what's wrong. Unless you're rich and want all new front end parts anyways. If you can't diagnose the problem, spend your money on a professional who can.
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