Well tonight I got into a situation where I need my 4x4. I have a 99 ranger with the 3.0 (5speed) with manual locking hubs. I put the truck in 4wd high. Transfer case engaged but front axles did nothing. I double checked to make sure my hubs was locked and they was. Never did get power to the front axles. Noticed the past few times I’ve used it when it was working that it will almost stall the motor or will stall the motor when it was engaging and there has been a popping noise here and there. Has me a bit confused on what is going on with it. Hubs was already in the truck when I purchased it.

 

Reads like one of the manual hubs is not working
Assuming the 4High light on the dash came on

Rangers, and most 4x4s, have an OPEN differential on the front axle
This means if either wheel/hub is not locked then neither is locked, so no 4WD
Put transfer case in 2WD
Jack up a front wheel spin it and then lock and unlock the manual hub, to make sure axle turns when locked

1998-2000 Ranger 4x4s came with PVH automatic front hubs, they didn't work well, so most were converted to Manual AVM470 models, its the only model available, but sold under several other names

Article here on that conversion: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...-locking-hubs/

 

Ok I will try it and see what happens. Thank you for the info.

 

Ok I know it’s been a while. But just changed front hub assemblys on both passenger and driver side on the front of my truck. I noticed that it seems like my front axles are too short to properly seat into my manual locking hubs. I replaced both seals also. It has a 4 inch super lift on it. Has me confused on what is going on and what to do about it. Noticed to that the axles don’t really have a way of being retained into place? Wondering if who done the lift missed putting something back. Any info or advice will be greatly appreciated!!!

 

Should look like this with PVH removed: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...elhuboring.JPG

So axle end is recessed a bit inside the hub

There is a retaining clip on the axle end inside the hub
Usually a Dealer part, use F87Z-3B457-AA

 

Thanks a lot. Both sides are missing them. I guess the ones that done the lift thought they was just extra parts haha. I will get some and get it fixed.

 

Well I’m back. I put clips in. Put my hub back in and locked it and it engaged but when I turn the wheel just makes a clicking noise. So I decided to jack the driver side knuckle up. Both sides are off the ground with another jack but i just raised driver side to a un extended position. When it is in normal position it works fine and doesn’t make the clicking noise and axle actually turns. Is my cv axle bad? It has a 4inch suspicion lift. Does that have and thing to do with it?wondering if it’s over extending my axles when is fully extended. If they may be the case does anyone know of longer axles on the market?

 

I don't see any reference to suspension lifts and front axle length, and there really are not different length axles made in any case
Could it be a bad CV joint, possibly but long shot

You have a Dana 35 SLA front drive, used from 1998-2011 in Rangers, 1998-2000 could use manual hubs, 2001 and up were Live Axle, different axles that were bolted to the hubs
So there are 2 different axles
Article here on Dana 35 SLA: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...xle-1998-2011/

1997 and earlier Ranger 4x4s used Dana 35(or 28) TTB front drive