I have a 96 ranger, 4.0 v6. I posted a thread my 4wd issues awhile ago and it is still doing it except more often and its getting worse.
I always keep the hubs locked since I live in Alaska and its winter. So when the hubs are locked and it is not engaged in 4wd, there is a grinding sound. I think it is towards the left front of the truck. I am not positive but it seems that it grinds when the truck is going downhill or on a flat stretch.
When the truck is locked in 4wd about every 5 or so seconds, the truck lurches or jumps. And once again its towards the front left part of the truck. It happens more often when it goes more than 20-25 mph.
The preveous thread is here https://www.ranger-forums.com/general-ford-ranger-discussion-15/grinding-while-2wd-but-not-4wd-128393/

Thanks, Hunter

 

All you have to do is bump your other thread.

But anyway have you tried unlocking your hubs?

 

Yes, it does not do it when the hubs are unlocked.

 

Replace the hubs?

 

Are you asking if I have? I have not, but I can look into it if you think that might be the problem

 

bump

 

I just checked the front differential fluid levels, and it has water in it. I tried to check the wheel bearing on the left front tire but the bolts on the brakes were too tight. I'll try and take them off tomorrow. Ill keep this thread updated and if anyone has any thoughts i would greatly appreaciate it.

 

Well i've narrowed it down to two things. It might be the hubs which 98liftedranger said, or it could be the transfer case. I am going to bleed the transmission and put new oil in there to see if that helps and check the hub's gears.

Also, I had another question about the front differential. For some reason one of the bolts came loose about 6 months ago and was leaking gear oil. I tightened it back up and it stopped leaking. But for some reason water keeps on getting into the differential. Ive looked at the cover a few times and there seems to be no easy way to take it off and replace the gasket/seal.

If anyone knows how to take the cover off without basicly taking apart the whole axle i would greatly appreaciate it.

Thanks, Hunter

 

im not sure it is possible. i was looking into that a couple months ago to do a fluid change and i beleive you have to drop the whole front axle. check the condition of the diff ventilation hose. and id suspect the front left hub.

 

As the other guys have said, your problem sounds like a bad hub. The same thing was happening to my truck when I first bought it. It's live axle (hubs always engaged), and it would make a grinding noise in 2WD, but wouldn't in 4WD. When I removed the hub to replace it, I saw that ALL of the bearings were gone, and the metal in the interior of the hub was being worn down by the axle shaft. Needless to say, the axle shaft had to be replaced as well. While you're at it, you should replace the right side hub as well.