Hi all this is my first problem post for my 99 ranger XLT sidestep 4x4 tomarrow i am going to attempt to figure out the problem but maybe someone will know some general things to check. i got this truck about 3 months ago, when i first tested it out the 4x4 engaged and worked fine(there is something odd tho.. the person didnt like the standard hubs i think and changed it so you must switch it to 4x4 in N then switch it too R for it to engage), after a month of owning it i had todo some very slight offroading and thought what the hell better engage 4wd so i shifted it in the way i was shown but this time both the HI LO lights flash 6 times and it does not seem to be in 4wd. hope anyone knows a possible cause <3 my ranger even without its 4x4. ...........oh and another little problem not sure if its related sometimes if i leave the truck sitting for a day or 2 or it rains when i get in and start driving the brakes will lock up randomly for a min or 2 then its fine.

 

it could be the motor for the transfer case. give it a tap with a hammer while trying to put it into 4wd and see if that engages it. if so, you need a new motor.

as for the brakes, it's possible. i know the buses at work get a little touchy with the wet weather. my dub would too. grind for a little but once the surface rust is gone, all is good.

 

thank you very much for reply morris i was thinking that also i seem to hear a clicking sound when i first try the 4wd switch so maybe a few taps to fix :) im heading to OBX at months end with a ATV in bed working 4x4 would be nice. this truck has 177k on it atm got it at 175k so would the trans/transfercase fluid or filters need replacing? driving 16 hours want truck dependable for it.

 

i'd suggest the vacum for the 4wd but you said it was swapped to manual hubs. so that is eliminated. good luck.

 

I have a 1991 Ford Ranger 4x4 2.9 liter v6 5 speed manual trans. that the 4 wheel drive is not engaging. It is push button and has manual lockouts. When the push button is pushed it lights on 4x4 and 4x4 low and you can hear the motor engaging. I just had the wheel bearing replaced and am wondering if the manual hubs are not engaging. Should I just pull the manual hubs and see if they have too much grease on them and clean them? Any help would be appreciated.