i have a 97 ranger xlt 4x4....and the auto locking hubs dont seem to be engaging...i verifiyed that transfer case is shifting is 4 wheel drive...any suggestions?

 

Welcome to the forum


Pull off the wheel and cap, make sure the locking parts are free to move, they should NOT BE packed with grease, light coat of oil is all that should be seen.
If not, clean off the grease, so parts can move freely.

Replacement parts are hard to find, best bet is manual lock conversion, read here: Automatic To Manual Hub Conversion

Auto hubs are engaged by the axle moving, and disengaged by the axle not moving
When you engage the transfer case the front axle gets power and axle turns, that spins the auto lock parts and engages the splines on the hub
When you shift back to 2WD the wheel spins faster than axle so parts spin back to disengage, you often have to back up 20-40ft to get full disengagement


In 2wd truck should roll forward or backwards and front axle should not turn
In 4wd front axle should turn that means transfer case did engage front axle, if it doesn't turn then it did not engage front axle

 

There will be two "plastic" rings together, they should move in and out when you rotate them

Good read here with pictures: Ford Ranger 4x4 Locking Hub Troubleshooting