I recently purchased a 1991 ranger 4x4 ext. cab, the first thing I noticed is that the trans doesn't have third, fourth, or reverse. but my problem now is that the 4x4 doesn't work, the truck came with many new in dash switches but when you turn the truck on the light next to the 4x4 option is on, wont go off it you press it either, but at the same time its not in 4wheel and the dash doesn't say it either. it has warren lock out hubs but I cant get it to go into 4x4, I even checked the 4x4 module behind the seat and that's good
any ideas?
thanks in advance guys

 

are they Manual locking hubs?

 

yea they are

 

there is ambient light next to the 4x4 button on the dash, always looks a little lit.
When you press the switch, does the word "4x4" light up on the dash?
It could be possible your shift motor is bad, its on the very back of the transfer case. it may actually be froze, so the first thing you can try is tapping on it with a hammer.
if that doesn't work. there is a variety of other tests you can do.

 

alright, no the 4x4 doesn't light up

 

then it may be your selector switch.

 

I hit on the shift motor while i had someone trying to turn on the 4x4, it didn't work. if i put a shift motor in it should work right? also with the transmission, would a trans from a 4x4 2.9l work for mine? i have the 4.0l

 

no. you need a 4.0 trans.
You can check the shift motor by using a test light on the plug while someone presses the switch to see if its getting the voltage. if you get voltage, but no shift. then it IS a shift motor.

 

alright i'll try that tomorrow.

 

what other vehicles came with the same trans? i know the bronco II's did but are there any else?

 

Alright I got a new trans, putting it in tomorrow. I got the old one out today. Now, I've narrowed down the 4x4 problem to the transfercase shift motor. My question now is, would one out of lets say a 2001 explorer work? Or does it have to still be out of a ranger?

 

you don't "need" a 4.0 transmission it will bolt right on actually the m50d off a 2.9 has a noticeably lower 1st 2nd and 3rd gear ratio which is nice when you get bigger tires

 

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On my old 91, the push button had to be held in for about 10 seconds before 4X4 would engage, and the same for 4lo. Never seemed to work right. Manual t-case is the way to go.