front drive shaft
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front drive shaft
hey guys, i have a 2004 ranger fx4 level II and was wondering if it was normal for the front drive shaft to be turning while in 2wd (had somebody look underneath while creeping up and down the driveway). internal indicators seem to be working normally. I am able to spin the rear wheels independantly. just asking cause i didnt think it was supposed to turn at all when in 2wd. maybe due to grease friction in the cold weather?
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From: Aurora
G'day Winterpeg,
I may be wrong, but I remember someone posting that late model Ranger 4X4's have fixed hubs and the system is engaged at the transfer case. I was interested because I've got an '07 comming in a couple of weeks. My old GMC has an actuator in the front diff. I don't know if the new rangers do or if its simply in the transf case. A lot of guys are installing manually locking hubs on their HD full size trucks to get better fuel mileage. I'm not sure if that would be a benefit on a smaller truck like the ranger.
Somebody else'll chime in with the answers.
Fred
I may be wrong, but I remember someone posting that late model Ranger 4X4's have fixed hubs and the system is engaged at the transfer case. I was interested because I've got an '07 comming in a couple of weeks. My old GMC has an actuator in the front diff. I don't know if the new rangers do or if its simply in the transf case. A lot of guys are installing manually locking hubs on their HD full size trucks to get better fuel mileage. I'm not sure if that would be a benefit on a smaller truck like the ranger.
Somebody else'll chime in with the answers.
Fred
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Hey thanks for the input fred. hmm im not an expert by any means but i thought that when you move the selector into 4x4, this is what engages the hub locks. i guess you would like to know also since you have a new ranger coming your way. if anyone knows exactly how the 4wd system works for the 04 ranger please inform me thanks
matt
matt
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From: Denver
Fred is correct. There are no disengaging hubs on the later Rangers (2000+ for sure, maybe earlier), so the front differential turns all the time, along with the front driveshaft. When you turn the little **** to '4x4' it just engages the 'clutch' in the transfer case.
Laughing Gas
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From: So. Cal.
I have the same Ranger as you and I was befuddled when I discovered there was no way to lock/unlock the hubs. The front hubs do not unlock, so everything turns all the time, right up to the transfer case, where it freewheels. Switching into 4WD only locks the transfer case. I suppose this would prevent problems with hub locks (since there aren't any), but it's bound to cause more wear in the rest of the front drivetrain...
Pat
Pat
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ok thanks guys for clearing things up, i wasnt sure if i something was wrong or not but now i know for sure. that would explain "extra" noise coming from underneath then. i guess everything is A ok. thanks again
matt
matt
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From: Aurora
I can't seem to find any mods for converting the late model hubs to manual lock. Anybody know if its possible? Ford obviously eliminated the hub locks because of problems/recalls, but I've gotta wonder if wear&tear on the constantly idle running front gear is healthy for bearings and seals and maybe even fuel mileage. Maybe its a good thing to keep the seals from drying up. The 3/4 ton pickups are definitely seeing better mileage with the manual locking hubs, but that's pretty heavy gear rotating there.
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