I have a 99 ranger and it wont lock into 4wd at all low or high the light on the dash comes on but it wont actually lock in???????????????????????? so anyone have any ideas as to why it wont lock in

 

You have vacuum operated locking hubs. Chances are they are not working. Inspect the vacuum line(s) coming from your front axle to see if there are any problems.

That's what it is for most folks when this happens. Since your light is coming on, that says there is feedback from your t-case that it has changed modes. I take it that you can get into "low range" -- but you're not getting any drive with the front wheels, yes?

Obviously check your front driveshaft as well!

 

ok i will have to check those things out

 

just wondering and trying to gain some knowledge on the subject but would avm's be the best/better/good route for him if the vaccum lines are bad

 

I thought your truck wouldn't crank man? If so, that's why they won't lock.

 

^^^ Ha ha! He's right -- no vacuum, no lock! ^^^

 

I just had the same problem with my 00. Checked everything couldn't find a thing wrong.... turns out my daytime driving light module blew a fuse and therefore couldn't get the vaccuum lines going. If you wondering what daytime running lights have to do with the vaccuum lines, those lines connect up to the same module.... which is located near the front passenger wheel well on the inside. I replaced the module and everything was fine.

 

i did that mod where u pull those little metal clips out, it seems to have locked te driver side hub but not the passenger one.. i spin the DS wheel and both CV shafts spin but not the passenger wheel.

back to your problem, did u try putting it in reverse? i put my truck on a lift and tried 4wd, the front didnt spin in 4HI but in 4low it did and when i went back to 4 hi it did... idk, try goin between them or backing up a lil like on older trucks

 

hmmm i might have to try that but the thing is i dont know if it locks in 4hi but i can feel the torque in 4low but i dont think the tires spin in either

 

Oh, so it does crank? I thought it was broken man, sorry about that.

 

that torque is from being in 2 low, your getting power to your transfew case but nothing to the front end, simple mod would be the "hub mod" search it and you should be good to go, orrrr avm hubs orrrr explorer hub swap.....

 

go to a shop or something and put your truck on the lift, only so the tires are like a few inches off the floor. then see whats moving and whats not moving..