So tired of this electric shift crap. If it's not one thing it's another, I AM DONE WITH IT! I have a '97 Ranger and the electric shift into 4WD has let me down a number of times. I do not use my 4WD all that much but, when I need it I would like to have it. I want to switch to manual locking hubs. I have read posts about doing this on '98 and above models but, I can not seem to find any info on models before '98. Anyone have any info for a '97 Ranger 4.0? RonD...........................HELP ME ONE MORE TIME

 

Here is a link to the manual hub swap for '93-'97 Rangers: TRS Magazine - Ford Ranger Manual Hub Swap

But this doesn't change the electric shift issues, if that is what you are having.

If you shift into 4WD, and dash lights change, and one or both of the front wheels give you a clicking noise then yes the automatic hubs are the issue.

If you shift into 4WD and lights on dash don't show 4WD then the issue is the electric shift motor, read here: Servicing A Transfer Case Shift Motor

The problem with the electric shift is usually lack of use, shifting to 4WD even sitting in the driveway cleans the motors brushes, the brushes are what conduct the electricity and get the motor moving, they tend to get stuck and lose contact with rotor so when you shift into 4WD motor doesn't get power so no shift.
Tapping on the motor will often free up the brushes so you get temporary use, key word being temporary.

Here is a list of transfer cases used with Ranger: Ford Ranger Transfer Cases

You can get manual shift transfer cases, shifter sticks up thru the floor near where manual trans shifter would be.

 

First of all, thanks for your reply. At first it was the shift motor. I cleaned it and now shifts into 4WD. Then the issue was with the vacuum lines, replaced them. 4WD worked fine till yesterday. It will shift into 4WD (Hi & low) but no 4wd. I am just tired of messing with it. I would keep the electric shift just get rid of the auto hubs..

 

'97 shouldn't have vacuum hubs?
Maybe you got a late '97??

'98-'00 had the PVH(pulse vacuum hubs), and yes they were a PITA, Ford drop them and just ran "live axles" in '01, live axle just means front axles are always engaged, no hubs to shift.

You can lock the PVH hubs so they are live axle, read here: Permanently Lock Your 1998-2000 Ford Ranger PVH Pulse Vacuum Hubs

Rugged Ridge now makes a manual hub for PVH, read here: 1998-2000 Ford Ranger Rugged Ridge (AVM) Locking Hubs

 

97 had the old mechanical style hubs yet