Hi all- I am new to this message board and glad I found it! I own a 1992 Ranger STX 4X4 and I haev been noticeing a thump type sound while running in 4WD as of late. After a little thinking on it I would bet good $ that I have one or both hubs slipping. Now for my question. Are the AutoZone type manual replacements any good? Who all makes aftermarket hubs for such an animal? Also which one do you other ranger people like?Thanks all...


MarksTRK

 

I've replaced half a bazallion ranger auto hubs, severe weak point of the ranger. I've always used warn hubs, available at the dealer for half the cost of auto hubs. You may be able to buy them aftermarket also. Warn is the only manufacturer of these hubs to my knowledge. You will also need to buy the spindle conversion nuts as well. These are cheap money. Your local ford dealer should have all the necessary conversion equipment, they do them all the time.

Dube

 

Hey thanks.. That is great info. I will give a local dealer a yell tomorrow.

M~

 

FWIW, I put the milemarkers from Autozone on my Explorer, and I haven't had any problems with them. As mentioned, you'll need the conversion kit (wheel bearing locknuts and such). And Warns are definitely available aftermarket and, I would bet, will be cheaper aftermarket than from the dealer.

 

Hello, Marks trk. I have owned three rangers and a bronco II in the past. I bought the rangers brand new and liked them a great deal. Any ways to get down to business. I liked my auto hubs fine the catch is that they were high maintenance. Every time I went in the deep mud or water I had to clean them and if the wheel bearings had any slack at all the hubs would slip and make the same noise that you are talking about. So its good that you are changing to manual hubs.

HOWEVER if this does not cure the thump check out where the radius arms connect to the frame, brackets and traction beam. On my 96 twin traction beam front end, the large bolt that connected the traction beam to the radius arm shifted back and forth a tiny amount making that same exact thumping sound. the quick and effective cure for this (assuming that you've already checked for proper torque) is running a small weld bead at the pinch point between the radius arm and the traction beam. I've had to do this for a few friends to. If the radius arm must be removed simply grind the small weld off.

If that does not fix your problem check to make sure that all of your rubber bushings are in good shape. no cracks or splitting etc.

If they look OK hopefully you've already checked your wheel bearings and ball joints. They can be checked by simply raising the vehicle with a jack and using the push pull method on both of your front tires. If you feel any play either of them could be the culprit.
If none of these things tell the tale then I am all out of suggestions!!!

GOOD LUCK!

 

Thanks Adamk1974-

I have not checked every detail that you mentioned mainly due to the fact that sound is only evident in 4WD. I have crawled around a bit and feel that everything else is tight. I will however, re-check my wheel bearings. I had not thought of that due to the fact that I keep a fair eye on the bearings. Thanks again all.

Mark