Ok so, on sunday i used 4x4 for a nasty pullout in the rain because my tires r garbage. It goes in 4wd easy and normal and quickly. I turned it off then after i was up to about 45 or so and i could feel it didn't come out even like 2 minutes later, so i put it in netrual while driving went to 4x4 and then back to 2wd, and then it seemed to finally come out. Idk, was i going to fast for it? I never did try to pull it out of 4x4 at that speed before

 

What year Ranger?


Auto hubs don't always UNlock, they are only setup to lock "on the fly" and can stay locked even without power from the front drive shaft
If you set 2WD when stopped and then back up a few feet they will always unlock

If you still have the sticker in the back of the drivers visor it should says something about that

If 1997 or older then someone may have put too much grease in auto hub cover.
Pull wheels and cover and wipe as much off as possible then give it a light coating of ATF or motor oil so lock/unlock mechanism can move freely

 

It's an 02. Ok i will check the visor, and try backing up and see if it works. Thanks

 

Never mind, that's why year is always important

2002 has Live Axle up front, no way to unlock the front wheels, they are always locked
2001-2012 4x4 Rangers have Live Axle

Front drive shaft is locked or unlocked in transfer case only.
It is possible the electric shift motor didn't fully turn back to 2WD position, I assume the 4high light on the dash went out?

 

Yes light is going out, and i can always eventually get it out, if i go to neutral before taking it out or even stopping will Sometimes get it to come out.