99 4x4 hubs
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Cross-Country
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99 4x4 hubs
Tried to pull my boat out the other day in 4 wheel low, the transfer case engaged and the indicator said 4 wheel low but no traction in the front? Tried 4 wheel high but same thing. I was stuck. I always make a habit of trying my 4 wheel drive every once in awhile but unless your really stuck who knows, the point being is I don't know for sure how long this condition has existed, anyways I have heard some mention of some locking hubs for this year, will they work for me? The fact that neither wheel showed any traction would lead me to think that perhaps a vac problem exists before the hubs? But still thinking of going with the manuals if the consensus is that they will work, somone mentioned that there may be bearing issues that these manuals will not not fix, not sure about that?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
You can get the AVM 470 manual hubs, which fit the '98-'00 Rangers, from www.tellico4x4.com (Part # 15001.70)
If your front hubs aren't working, it's not because of bearing problems. As you said, probably a vacuum leak somewhere.
If your front hubs aren't working, it's not because of bearing problems. As you said, probably a vacuum leak somewhere.
Last edited by Rockledge; Aug 2, 2006 at 08:31 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Central Jersey
I converted my 97 Ranger to manual hubs. The auto hubs slipped under a load, caused unexpected pull from the front end. Now I lock it in, it stays in. Same with disengaging. Once thay are unlocked, they are unlocked. Do check if the kit comes with a spindle nut locking kit. It was needed on my 97, you probably will need one too. Good Luck
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From: Central Jersey
I thought they were. The 99's work on a vacuum system I believe, were as the 97 is mechanical.
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Simple Fix
Originally Posted by brian931
Tried to pull my boat out the other day in 4 wheel low, the transfer case engaged and the indicator said 4 wheel low but no traction in the front? Tried 4 wheel high but same thing. I was stuck. I always make a habit of trying my 4 wheel drive every once in awhile but unless your really stuck who knows, the point being is I don't know for sure how long this condition has existed, anyways I have heard some mention of some locking hubs for this year, will they work for me? The fact that neither wheel showed any traction would lead me to think that perhaps a vac problem exists before the hubs? But still thinking of going with the manuals if the consensus is that they will work, somone mentioned that there may be bearing issues that these manuals will not not fix, not sure about that?
You can do an easy fix to have your hubs always locked (not engaged), or you can buy the manual hubs in another country. The latter isn't exactly a great option.
The fix can be seen here under the OFFROAD section.
You can read my Vacuum Hub Post where I reverse engineered the problem, so that you know how the system is supposed to operate.
Remember, the 4WD will not be engaged. Only the hubs will be. Many of us have done this since this is what the later years basically have as a setup. There is no reduced mpg's, no increased drag, no steering chatter.
Good Luck,
Fred
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Originally Posted by Alan D.
Did they do away with the limited slip in 98 as well. if i were to leave my hubs constantly enguaged, i wouldn't get out of my driveway without leaving some serious rubbe behind.
Fred
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If the hubs are constantly engaged will the 4x4 still be able to be put in on the go? It is my understanding that the vac hubs don't engage until after the transfer case has locked up and got the front axels spinning. If the front drive shaft is spinning and the transfer case is engaged will it mesh ok? It dosen't seem like if was designed for that order and I would hate to find out that it wasn't. Also I have herd some decent things about these manual hubs that are now available does anyone have a bad story?
Post Fiend
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From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by brian931
If the hubs are constantly engaged will the 4x4 still be able to be put in on the go? It is my understanding that the vac hubs don't engage until after the transfer case has locked up and got the front axels spinning. If the front drive shaft is spinning and the transfer case is engaged will it mesh ok? It dosen't seem like if was designed for that order and I would hate to find out that it wasn't.
Posting Guru
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From: Slatington PA
i have noclue what a GEM is. but i do know that while i have my front hubs enguaged, my front end is a S.O.B. to turn. it leaps around like it's enguaged at the t-case.if i disenguage one tire i dont have this problem, it steers like the is no enguagement. is this wierd or normal? it seems to drive like the front doesn't have a diff.
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Originally Posted by brian931
If the hubs are constantly engaged will the 4x4 still be able to be put in on the go? It is my understanding that the vac hubs don't engage until after the transfer case has locked up and got the front axels spinning. If the front drive shaft is spinning and the transfer case is engaged will it mesh ok? It dosen't seem like if was designed for that order and I would hate to find out that it wasn't. Also I have herd some decent things about these manual hubs that are now available does anyone have a bad story?
Note: on manual hubs, you would lock the manual hubs first as well. So, it's the same.
Fred
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: iowa
don't forget the hubs bieng locked in actually would make the Tcase shift into gear easier, if you were to shift it into gear with the hubs unlocked the rear shaft is turning to maintain road speed the front shaft is sitting still. But with the hubs locked in the front shaft is supposed turning the same speed as the rear shaft unless your sittting still and spinning your tires.