How to check 4x4 with out driving
#1
06-27-2019
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: pawling
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#2
06-27-2019
No need to do that, just shift to 4 high and the 4 high dash light should come on, then 4 low and 4 low light should come on, then back to 2WD and light should go off
The dash lights only come on when transfer case is in 4H or 4L, they are not connected to the switch, they are connected to shift motor, so there should be a delay when you press the button as the shift motor must turn, then the light come on
If lights flash it means shift motor didn't move
If you get this, or any 4WD Ranger, you need to do the above ONCE A MONTH sitting in the driveway to keep shift motor brushes clean and reduction gears lubed, major killer of this system is disuse, i.e. once a year or less use
If you want to jack up the front you can but front differential is OPEN so wheels will spin even when locked and in 4WD, front driveshaft shouldn't turn in 4WD
If it has "Auto" hubs they won't lock unless front driveshaft applies torque to them
If manual hubs then lock them and you should see that axle turn when tire turns
The dash lights only come on when transfer case is in 4H or 4L, they are not connected to the switch, they are connected to shift motor, so there should be a delay when you press the button as the shift motor must turn, then the light come on
If lights flash it means shift motor didn't move
If you get this, or any 4WD Ranger, you need to do the above ONCE A MONTH sitting in the driveway to keep shift motor brushes clean and reduction gears lubed, major killer of this system is disuse, i.e. once a year or less use
If you want to jack up the front you can but front differential is OPEN so wheels will spin even when locked and in 4WD, front driveshaft shouldn't turn in 4WD
If it has "Auto" hubs they won't lock unless front driveshaft applies torque to them
If manual hubs then lock them and you should see that axle turn when tire turns
Last edited by RonD; 06-27-2019 at 09:15 AM.
#3
06-27-2019
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: pawling
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
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No need to do that, just shift to 4 high and the 4 high dash light should come on, then 4 low and 4 low light should come on, then back to 2WD and light should go off
The dash lights only come on when transfer case is in 4H or 4L, they are not connected to the switch, they are connected to shift motor, so there should be a delay when you press the button as the shift motor must turn, then the light come on
If lights flash it means shift motor didn't move
If you get this, or any 4WD Ranger, you need to do the above ONCE A MONTH sitting in the driveway to keep shift motor brushes clean and reduction gears lubed, major killer of this system is disuse, i.e. once a year or less use
If you want to jack up the front you can but front differential is OPEN so wheels will spin even when locked and in 4WD, front driveshaft shouldn't turn in 4WD
If it has "Auto" hubs they won't lock unless front driveshaft applies torque to them
If manual hubs then lock them and you should see that axle turn when tire turns
The dash lights only come on when transfer case is in 4H or 4L, they are not connected to the switch, they are connected to shift motor, so there should be a delay when you press the button as the shift motor must turn, then the light come on
If lights flash it means shift motor didn't move
If you get this, or any 4WD Ranger, you need to do the above ONCE A MONTH sitting in the driveway to keep shift motor brushes clean and reduction gears lubed, major killer of this system is disuse, i.e. once a year or less use
If you want to jack up the front you can but front differential is OPEN so wheels will spin even when locked and in 4WD, front driveshaft shouldn't turn in 4WD
If it has "Auto" hubs they won't lock unless front driveshaft applies torque to them
If manual hubs then lock them and you should see that axle turn when tire turns
#4
06-27-2019
Front axle is OPEN on all 4WDs not just Fords, which means there is no "locking", the hubs can lock to axle shaft, but there is no locking to front driveshaft because its OPEN
You can check if rear is L/S by the AXLE Code on the drivers door label seen here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...le_codes.shtml
A Letter and number under AXLE means Limited Slip(L/S), but on the REAR ONLY
Differentials, even L/S, don't "lock" if they did you couldn't go around a corner without dragging the outside wheel, the "slip" in limited slip means it allows one wheel/axle to spin faster than the other so vehicle can turn corners
OPEN means easiest wheel/axle to turn gets all the power
There are locking differentials, but they are on/off controlled or they would be undriveable on the street, they are used for better operation off-road when dragging a wheel on loose surfaces won't break an axle
You can check if rear is L/S by the AXLE Code on the drivers door label seen here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...le_codes.shtml
A Letter and number under AXLE means Limited Slip(L/S), but on the REAR ONLY
Differentials, even L/S, don't "lock" if they did you couldn't go around a corner without dragging the outside wheel, the "slip" in limited slip means it allows one wheel/axle to spin faster than the other so vehicle can turn corners
OPEN means easiest wheel/axle to turn gets all the power
There are locking differentials, but they are on/off controlled or they would be undriveable on the street, they are used for better operation off-road when dragging a wheel on loose surfaces won't break an axle
Last edited by RonD; 06-27-2019 at 10:30 AM.
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