I have a 1995 ranger 2x2 5 speed manual, that locks up in reverse. I thought it was the rear brakes and eventually removed them. Same issue. The wheels spin no problem when the truck is jacked up. I took the truck off the jacks, put it in neutral and pushed backwards. It went about a couple feet, then locked up.
Any thoughts?

 

Making any noise? Both tires locking up?

 

There was a similar problem on FRF The suggestion was to pull the differential cover and see if the spider gear was broken. It was not replied to again though. So you could either do that, or pull the drive shaft and roll it, if it locks up then you know it is the rear end and not the transmission.

 

Can't tell if both are locking. Seems like the passenger side.

 

Both wheels spin fine when it is jacked up. Could it still be the transmission?

 

I wouldn't worry about it possibly being the transmission. I think it is probably in the differential, was just saying you could pull the drive shaft to rule the transmission out....Plus it is easier to put the 4 bolts back in than the 14 or whatever on the differential cover

 

Check the caliper mounting bolts on the front brakes.
If one is missing it can let the caliper fall out of position and lock against the rim in one direction.

 

This problem began right after my son spun the tires, in reverse, trying to move the truck out of some ice and snow.
How big a job is taking the axle out? Any problems associated with removing it? How can I tell if something is broken?
I've worked on just about everything, but transmissions and axles.

 

jack it up, put it on jackstands, and pull differential cover to see what it looks like. After you get the cover off, the axles are easy to get out if that is what is wrong.

 

Thanx. Will do this weekend. Wish me luck.

 

any updates?