Okay, so my truck won't stay in 4wd. It will engage for a second then come back out. The light doesn't go out and there is no real noise. It is NOT the transfer case, hubs, axles, or 4wd switch. All of those are new and it was doing it before I replaced them and after. Can someone please tell me what to replace next? It is a 99 ext cab, 4.0 manual. And does this in low and high.

 

Hubs are new? Did you replace them with manual hubs or did you use the stock crap again? Also how do you know its not in 4wd? Did you place the truck on a lift or jack stand to see if all 4 tires spin?

 

Yes, hubs are new oem...I know its not in 4wd because when I was in the mudhole the front end would stop turning and I would be stuck. Take it out of 4, then put it back in and I would be going again. Then it would stop again. Did this all day.

 

shoulda upgraded to manuals...

 

You probably have a leak in the vacuum system. Also are you seeing the tires not turn or are you just assuming since the truck stops moving? You have to verify that the tires aren't turning. Remember that you have an open diff in the front and it is possible to spin one tire only.

 

electric or manual case? if its electric check the 4x4 control module behind the radio or the shift motor on the case its self.

 

its ur hubs...mine did the exact same thing.....y would u buy vacume hubs again?

avm hubs FTW!!!!!!!

 

You need AVM Manual hubs, I just installed some on my truck and they work great. I had the exact problem you had

 

I got the factory ones because I bought a warranty with my truck and they replaced it all for free. And yes im sure the wheels aren't turning, 100%. It is definitely kicking back into 2wd. The vacuum leak is something I need to check. What about the module behind the radio? How would I check that? Also, I know its not the shifter on the tcase because it will go into 4 lo, like the gear ratio will change, it just won't engage the front wheels.

 

Also the pv hubs, how do they work? Like is there an actual vacuum line that runs to them? Something that could be deteriorated or such? What would be the best place to check for vacuum leaks?

 

does anyone have a link for the avm hubs for a 99, my F/R keeps blowing off. if i get into deep stuff with a heavy foot.

 

i sent you a PM^^
....and yes there is a vacuum line that runs to each wheel. if you put in manual hubs cap the lines off.

 

same thing happened to me and it was my transfer case and an electric linkage module thing its getting fixed right now.hope thte helps

 

he has a 99 so it won't be within the t-case.

is that going to be expensive to fix on your though?

 

As far as I know the 4wd system has its own computer and it sits on the passenger side kick panel. Well on my 2003 that's how it is.

Does the case actually shift into low range? If so then the case and computer are fine. The vacuum system is the same that operates the vents and there is a vacuum ball on the passenger side of the engine bay on top of the wheel well.

 

If you have a warranty why don't you let Ford figure it out? Sounds like a vacc leak to me though and the hubs are coming unlocked. When it comes out of 4wd look underneath while you are spinning the tires in dirt or something. See if the front shaft turns.

 

Okay, so I have verified that the front shaft and axles are still spinning, but the hubs are not engaged. Definitely thinking vacuum leak. So im thinking I may have to take it to a shop because finding a vacuum leak seems like a pita.....

 

I had the same problems, bought new hubs, still same problem.
I found this link and permanently fixed the problem.
http://www.therangerstation.com/Maga...04/offroad.htm

Some people say it kills gas mileage, but the 01+ Rangers are all like this, but at least I know my hubs will always work.

 

^^ did that to mine, couldnt really tell a difference in terms of gas mileage.






Check your vacuum lines. Run your hands along all of them, if any of them deteriorate and bits come off in your fingers, replace them. Also you can check all of the connections to see if there are any cracks, or if one of them came off.

 

That's a good find. I am gonna give that a shot.

 

I could not tell a difference in my mileage either.
Like I said earlier, I have no doubt that my hubs will always work.


I literally takes 5 minutes per side to do, it's free, and you won't ever have to worry about them again.
Good luck.
Brian.

 

Don't take it to a shop, if you have a warranty take it to ford, that could of been the original problem and not the hubs!

 

Well, I did the clip removal and still not engaging. Im guessing its just broke. I am going to order the avm hubs.

 

im at school so i had to get i done by a dealer because no one else would touch it it cost me 2 grand

 

Update: I got them engaging, and took it wheeling all day. Worked flawlessly. Hubs are staying engaged all the time, which is fine by me. I use 4wd almost as much as 2.