Hello, I am experiencing issues with my '04 ford ranger.

Let me first begin with that I bought this truck at a dealership in Anchorage, Alaska and I am currently driving it at the University Of Alaska Fairbanks. Ever since the winter I bought it, I am having troubles while in 4wd.

It experiences problems when it is: Decelerating, turning (around 20 degrees), and moving at slower speeds.

This Banging, shakes the entire vehicle. I took it last winter to a ford dealership and they said it was the T-case and that it would cost 1600 dollars to replace. I am a college student not a lawyer. So I took it to a local mechanic shop where they explained that the used studded tires were so worn out that the vehicle was constantly account for slippage so it was popping it in and out of 4wd. So they suggested new tires.

I bought new tires this spring (All season tires) and to my surprise the banging still continues on snow and ice. This is why I am here, can anyone please help me or perhaps explain to me the directs problem from those who have had a similar issue.

Ranger specifics:
Manual, '04, New tires(no relative wear), Tires have been rotated and balanced.

Thank you for any help.

Akranger

 

I forgot to mention that the truck has auto-locking hubs. My friend's father, who has been a life long mechanic, said to install manual hubs to see if that would resolve the issue. I just want feedback as I do not want to waste money or have my truck go out on a highway and end up in the ditch somewhere.. Thanks again!

 

how does it act in 2wd?how is your cv axles?

 

In 2wd it acts normally and has no problems at all.

The cv joint looks normal last time I checked over my vehicle (and so did midas). I will check it again to make sure everything is proper. My friend was riding with me and said that the vehicle almost feels like it is being lifted up when it bangs. Of course this could just be a feeling but maybe he felt it more on the passengers side...

 

You have no hubs, your friends dad is wrong so no problem there.

I would guess the tcase may have chain issues. If that is the case, you can pick up BW 1354s all day for dirt cheap at junk yards. Might pay 300 tops, for a really good one, even cheaper for older ones.

Swap it out, it's a matter of bolting in the new one, relatively easy job with only real issues being stuck bolts/small hands to get at the tcase.