I have a 1999 Ford Ranger. Just purchased this truck a couple of days ago. I been looking at the forum and everyone seems to suggest going to the manual hubs. I found these E-USA Racing front wheel bearing hub assembly's on ebay and was wondering if anyone had any luck with them? The auto 4x4 stopped working and the front lines on the truck pretty much shot. Don't know how long the lives have been off so I am assuming the assembly is probably damaged from moisture and dirt. Would appreciate any comments thanks so much.

E-USA link:
1pair Front Wheel Hub Bearing FIT98 00 Ford Ranger Mazda B Series Pickup 4WD 4x4 | eBay

 

Those are the hubs and wheel bearings, not the part that locks and unlocks the 4x4 for front wheels.

Here is a how-to on permanently locking your PVH(pulse vacuum hubs): Permanently Lock Your 1998-2000 Ford Ranger PVH Pulse Vacuum Hubs
Fords PVH hubs were the last straw in what became a bad rep for "auto" hubs, so in 2001 Rangers got "Live axles", lol, in other words the front wheels were always locked, and only the transfer case was used for switching from 2WD to 4WD.
So permanently locking your hubs is actually an upgrade to a 2001 model.

Here is the correct manual lock/unlock parts you need, and the How-to: 1998-2000 Ford Ranger Rugged Ridge (AVM) Locking Hubs

 

Thanks for the info. So after the switch over to put it in 4 wheel drive you lock the front hubs and still use the switch on the dash? Could you keep the front hubs locked in all the time to avoid have to get out? This is my first Ranger so any info would be helpful, Thanks again.

 

Most with manual hubs leave them locked thru the winter, Ranger or any 4x4 vehicle with manual hubs.

Yes, you still need to shift the transfer case, the transfer case is shifted by an electric motor, this motor is operated by a switch or buttons on the dash.

The electric shift motor can also be an issue on these, just FYI, not as bad as PVH but not trouble free for the life of the vehicle.

It was often believed the running with front hubs locked lowered MPG, and it does but only by .5MPG, and even less on some vehicles.
This is why 2001-2012 Rangers have locked front wheels 24/7(all the time)

 

It was actually a switch sometime in 2000. My truck was assembled in November of 99 according to the VIN and it has had live axles from the factory

 

Just wanted to clarify

 

Ok thanks guys appreciate all the help. Now I know what I need to look into.

 

Interesting, a full year ahead of posted '98-'00 PVH, at 11/99, 11/00 wouldn't be unusual, but 11/99 is one for the books.
Is it a special model or trim package?

 

I don't believe so. Maybe ford started offering an option for it in 2000 and then just decided half way through production to switch them all over? That's the only thing I can think of.

 

Earliest I had read about was manufacture date 3/00(March, 2000) for live axle, so a 2000 model and even pre-mid year.
Just did a quick look and found a manufacture date of 01/00 with live axles.
Wonder why it wasn't full on live axles, because they were doing some at least as early as 11/99?

 

I must have a weird truck haha... It was manufactured 11/99 and purchased in 12/99. Pretty weird.

 

Well put on the new lock out hubs this evening. Have not had a chance to try them out, but I noticed it shows on the dash I am in 4x4 high, but will not show if you are in 4x4 low. Not sure if it even going in 4 wheel are not? Was there any conversion kits I am suppose to be putting on?

 

I haven't done this conversion but have read quite a few posts about it and yours is the only one I recall with that Light not changing issue.

The Electric control for the transfer case runs an electric motor on the back of the transfer case.
When you select 4high on the switch the electric motor shifts the transfer case to 4high BUT the light can take a second to come on because it is activated by contacts on the transfer case once correct gear is engaged, sometimes rolling forward or backwards allows transfer case to shift all the way into gear, same with 4low.
2WD and 4high have the same output gearing so that usually shifts fine, 4low is the one that often requires rolling one way or the other.
4Low also requires Neutral or Clutch pedal in all the way

 

I had it shifting in 4 low earlier before I replaced the locking hubs. Maybe I just did not move enough for it to shift. I do hear a click when if shift. I need to take it out and try the 4 wheel before I assume something is not working. Thanks for all the help.