My 2000 4x4 does this weird little hop starting from a stop. This is not the first ranger that i have felt this in. I had a buddy with an 02 that did the very same thing straight off the factory lot brand new. He was an automatic with a 4.0 4x4 and I'm a manual with a 3.0 4x4. It kind of feels like the axle is twisting backwards but in a poping fashion. It doesn't make any noise and there are no other drivability issues. Is this a normal ranger thing. Can It be fixed. Any help is appreciated.

 

that is normal for a Ranger.....best way to fix it is the standard James Duff traction bars....they are about $90 a set...

 

Doesn't that limit flexibility and stuff when off-roading?

 

the little amount of limit that the traction bars limit is worth getting rid of the axle wrap....

 

Guess I'll be investing on some after I move.

 

My beater wheel hops when I try to peel out.

 

How much do they limit clearance?

 

lols @ kevin hahaha

**** cracked me up

 

Are you taking off hard where the axle would want to wrap? Or does it do it even on gentle starts? I'm thinking slip bump from the drive shaft. It was a recall on some trucks and my truck had that problem. Dealer replaced the driveshaft and put a special grease on the slip yoke. Just an idea.

Otherwise, get the James Duff traction bars. They work wonders.

 

You can replace the driveshaft and/or grease the slip yoke splines. Sooner or later, the problem will return. The permanent fix is a set traction bars because they control the axle wrap that contributes to the bump. Properly installed, the $100 JDs do not affect articulation like many other bars. That's because they are free to pivot at both ends AND rotate at the front mounts.

 

Sorry I haven't gotten back to this post. I posted right before a trip to Glamis and was gone for a few days. Thanks for the input guys. It really doesn't bother me enough to spend money on as long as its not going to break something or wear something out.

 

if axle wrap....go easier on the skinny pedal, especially since 87 octane out here (New Mexico) is going for $3.179. I can only imagine what CA is like.

Anyhow, only times I had axle wrap was when I needed to call upon my lead foot in off-road circumstances when finesse wasn't enough.

 

Lucky you, regular 87 is $3.39 here in Hobbs.

 

Saw the pics of the RCD install etc. Looks good! Aunt Sally (state) just sent me my tax return. Still waiting on Uncle Sam to pay up and then May to hit (3 paycheck month = 1 "freebie" plus Fed relief check). I seem to hear bells of extension housing and new interior carpet calling.

First I've got to find out what is clunking in my front suspension area. Removed front DS and still had the clunk. Sounds like it's coming from my wheels/brakes area. I'm rather bugged by it. Thiking (hoping) balljoints or tierods. Only clunks when I brake, upon coming to a stop.