I was just reading about this mod that I can do for my '98. Can someone please explain to me what exactly this does and why/if it is beneficial. Not quite understanding what this does.
Thank you.

 

I was under the assumption that all 98-99 and some 2000's had the pulse vacuum hub locks and a free floating axle not a live axle. There is a way that you can disable the locks so they are always engaged making it a live axle, but why not just get manual locks. That's what I did, reliable, durable, the only problem is I have to get out to engage them. Or you can leave those locked and it's a live axle. The live axle allows you to engage 4x4 in an instant, instead of a few seconds. That and the PVHL's totally sucks and fail a lot.

Live axle- the axle always turns w/ the wheels
free floating axle- when disengaged, wheels turn free of axle.

 

Yes they do have a pulse vacuum hub and the modification I was reading says you can remove the little clip from inside the locking mechanism which makes them live like the newer rangers. I was just wondering what exactly "live" meant. So what you are saying is they would be locked in at all times. Just wondering what the pros to this were, and if there are any cons? So pros, just that you can engage instantly? Does it make them more reliable since they are live? Sometimes I have to flip my 4x4 switch a couple times to get them locked in. Would it solve this or would they still not work sometimes?

Eventually I will go with AVMs...

 

check this out:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i...cuum_Hubs.html

 

wow thanks WVCAT very helpful indeed.

 

your welcome :)

 

One question though...

That modification that you posted the link to...What is your opinion on the safety of that mod, meaning do you think that it could cause some problems like mud, water, dirt getting in that hole that is cut out? Especially when 4x4-ing in mudholes. Have you or anyone else you know done this mod?

 

I didn't actually do this mod but it helped me understand how it works. I had problems with my hubs getting mud in them when 4 wheeling. Not long after my wheelbearings went so I swapped over to live axle setup and removed them. I can tell you if you get mud in there they won't work by vacumn but this mod intends to use the manual approch and the rubber seal is still in there, in theory it shouldn't cause a problem.