I have a 93 Ranger 4X4 extended cab with the 4.0l engine (110,000 miles or so). I have been having the same problem with this truck since I purchased it and hope some light can be shed on the problem.

Here are the symptoms:


1. Vibration when in 4WD only
2. Vibration most severe when accelerator not depressed. When accelerating, vibration not present. Truck is louder, but less vibration.
3. Vibration felt mostly on floorboards, slight vibration on steering wheel
4. Vibration slightly tempered by usage of brakes.
5. Vibration changes as speed of vehicle changes.
6. Front driver side wheel “loose” – seems to be at U-Joint.
7. Whole fornt end seems “loose” when driving over bumps.


Recent New Symptoms (within last 500 miles)

1. When turning left or right (more right than left), grinding noise heard in 4WD drivetrain. Hubs seem to “clunk.” Only happens at low speed and when turning sharp.
2. Hub sometimes seems to be “semi-locked”, or partially engaged. By pushing the 4WD dash button on then off, hubs become disengaged, noise goes away.


Recent Related Maintenance Completed

1. Brake pads and new rotors. Repacked wheel bearings. New seals. Hubs totally disassembled.
2. New ATF, and transfer case fluid. Topped off front and rear differential with wrong fluid (ATF fluid) Not much in front, more in rear differential.
3. Drained and refilled front differential fluid with proper Ford fluid

Any suggestions on where to start?

Mark Wo

 

I would check all the 'U' joints. Had about the same symptoms in my 86 and that was the cause. It was really bad when I turned and a close examination showed that they were shot.
Hope this helps.