I recently purchased a 98 ranger 4.0 for a very good price, but it needs a little bit of work. The 4x4 lights are blinking when I start it up. The left front hub is missing, you can see the end of the axle. The rt hub looks ok. So I planned on buying 2 new hub/bearing assys for it. After I figure out why the lights are blinking, etc.. whats my best option for new hubs? I am not interested in manual hubs.

1. Buy 2 new PVM hub/bearing assys, keep them cleaned out often?

2. Buy 2 new 95 and up Explorer hub/bearing assys and axles? I understand they do not use the PVM setup? Does this setup still use a vacuum line or is it electronic? It seems this is a direct bolt on, shouldn't take long at all, defiantly worth it if this is reliable.

I am more interested in option 2 because if I go that route it seems I will not have anymore problems. Any inputs would be appreciated.

 

Yea, the axle swap is a good idea. I forget if mine is the pvh or what but I know I don't have the vacuum hubs. Mine is always spinning, I just have to choose 4hi, low or 2hi.

 

how many times are the 4wd lights flashing?

4=t-case stuck between shifts
6= bad control module

 

djfllmn, Thanks for the reply.

I will check tomorrow morning and see what the code is. I have a Snap-On Verdict scanner so it should let me know what im in store for! Im expecting there is also something wrong w/ the 4x4 besides the hubs. What I was getting at is, the drivers side hub is totally missing so once I figure out what else is wrong I am still going to have to replace the hub/bearing assy. Im just trying to buy once cry once, once I fix it, I dont want to have to worry about it anymore. With that being said im looking for some better options.

1. Replace both PVM hub/bearing assys and hope they last
2. Replace both axles and hub/bearings from a 95+ Explorer
3. Replace both axles and hub/bearings from a 01+ Ranger

The one thing I am confused on is.. in the write up on how to do the 95+ Explorer 4x4 conversion it says the last step is to connect the vacuum line. Do they also use vacuum to actuate their hubs? Is it just a different design from PVM but still uses vacuum?

I do understand that one of the differences between the PVM and the others is with the PVM setup the axles do not turn in 2wd. I don't care of the axles are constantly turning in 2wd.. I would rather have reliable 4x4 engagement.

 

you are right with the PVM set up the front axles turning in 2wd...in 00.5 and newer 4wd rangers the front is a live axle set up...you can swap that in if you want

 

So if I order axles and hub/bearings for a 01 Ranger, swap those in ill be set. One last thing.. how does the hubs know to engage? Im guessing by vacuum just like the PVM setup? If so this seems like a cheap upgrade. Rebuild axles are $37 cost and new are $55. Wheel bearings have some play and need replaced anyways. Looks like this is what I need to do.

 

the hubs on the 00.5+ 4wd rangers are always engauged...the only thing youre doing by flipping the switch on the dash is shifting the t-case...youll need the half shafts too and maybe the brake rotors im not to sure on that

 

Yeah I figured I would need the axles (half-shafts). The brake rotor was going to be my last question, lol. I cut the front rotors that were on there, but if I have to buy new ones im sure its not going to be that expensive.

I only paid $325 for the truck, it has 138k on it, but it has a 4.0, non extended cab, long bed. It had 4 flat tires, the rear brake caliper ripped off the bracket (someone previously did the mustang disk conversion), missing hub, and a 2nd blown brake line. Motor seems to be in good shape, haven't tested the tranny other than pulling it onto the rack since all the tires are flat. So I don't mind putting a few hundred into it to shape it up. It will be a nice truck to drive in the winter and I could do some light 4 wheeling in it and not care if I scratch it up.

 

Changing axle shafts like mentioned will be much stronger and more reliable. But mpg will decrease a tad. It will be cheaper probably. With those u wont need pvh hubs. Even if u get pvh hubs now one they r expensive and two they their reliability is not good due to them being vaccum activated.

 

and if youre really feeling good swap to a manual t-case too lol

 

Sounds like its a sealed deal! Tomorrow morning I will check the 4x4 code and report back. Can the codes be accessed through OBD or is there a separate module for the 4x4 like there is for the ABS? Or is it as simple as starting the truck and counting the blinks?

 

just start the truck and count the blinks

 

Most rangers will blink 6 times reguardless of the fault. You will need to scan the GEM module for the correct code. If you have a contact plate code (like a P1867) you will need to monitor all 4 contact plate PIDs (thats what ford calls the output identifications that you can acces, not sure what your scanner will call them) and unplug the transfer case connector. All four contact plates should read the same (either open or closed). Ground one of the contact plate wires at a time at the transfer case and watch for that respective PID to change. If they all four change, replace the motor. If one does not change, repair that circuit.

 

oh thanks for clearing that up justin...lazler was right...you are a mechanical whiz

 

I will check that tomorrow morning and report back to ya. Thank you very much for the heads up, im sure it will save me a ton of time.

 

this is reason i swapped in a manual tcase never worry about having 4wd again and have manual hubs. i know i have 4wd when i pull the lever