Ok
so I've read basically every thread on the 98-00 4x4 problems on the internet. I'm still a little unsure about my specific problem. So here's the deal

I've got a 98 ranger, base model, 3.0 std cab short bed.
5 speed, shift on the fly 4x4. I've owned it for about 2 weeks now. When i bought it the 4x4 **** was missing, the switch was i rough shape, so i replaced both with parts direct from ford. still no 4wd.

I've got the whole lights blinking 6 times every few minutes.

I doubt it is the shift motor as the transfer case does shift into low range when i turn the switch to 4x4lo, however, the reverse wheel spin test showed no power to the front wheels. So I assume that narrows it down to a. hub problem, or b. vacuum problem. Are the solenoids known for failing often, or would it more likely be a hose leak? In the little time I have owned the truck, I've already developed chronic depression and anxiety due to the lack of solid aftermarket offroad support. As soon as i get everything straightened out, its gonna get sold. Hell, the whole reason i wanted a truck or suv was to go offroad.
but yeah
help me out.

and anyone in my area want to realllllly help me out and check it out in person, i'd seriously love it. PM if you'd like to arrange something or whatever

edit:And i'd prefer not to permanently lock the front hubs, I want to get this thing fixed the right way and sold.

 

I've heard its usually the pvh hubs failing. fix- replace the hubs or convert
to manual style hubs.(i think superwinch has some manual ones)

 

no thats for the 80's-97 rangers only.

 

if your just going to sell it just sell it. people ask about the 4x4 be like i have never used it...end of story..

 

If it's something simple like a vacuum leak i'm gonna try and fix it, im not sure about fixing the hubs though. I know they tend to be on the expensive side. Unless my dad is in a sympathetic mood, that will probably stay unfixed. But yeah, are vacuum problems common? I'm gonna check as soon as possible to see if i'm getting any vacuum to the solenoid.

 

i am having a similar problem with my 99, i replaced the from passenger hub think that was the problem because the other one was not holding air but it turned out that it didnt fix anything, i dont understand what you mean by the whole reverse wheel spin test but maybe thats when you jack up the front and spin the wheels when in is in 4wd, if this is so you can tell alot more about what is wrong, from what i have read and seen, you want the wheels and the half shafts to spin, if they are not, than its more than likely a hub/vaccuum problem, im going to actually try the "hub fix" tommorrow where you remover a little metal piece in the hub and it make you have a live front axle like 01 and newer rangers, thus eliminating the pvh system, ill keep you posted cause it seems like we are in the same boat,


where is springfield va?? im in norfolk

 

i did the "hub fix" and my 4wd works great