well y'all i need help. my 2000 ford ranger 4x4 xlt 4.0 is running good but the only thing is the 4x4 doesnt engage the 4x4 lights go in but when i get stuck the front wheels dont move a all . its embarassing getting stuck when i take it out to off road. does anyone know how to remove the transfer case shift motor.???????

 

Shift motor is 3 bolts on the back of the t case then the motor assembly slides off the range selector shaft.

Also being a 2000 you may have the vacuum disconnect hubs which are known to fail

 

If correct lights are showing on the dash then transfer case has shifted, the lights are connected to the shift linkage so for the light to come on the shift motor has to actually move the linkage.
Light not changing would be a sign of shift motor problem.

Mikerider is correct in suggesting your automatic front hubs as being the problem.

1998-2000 Rangers used PVH(pulse vacuum hubs) which proved to be a problem as they aged.
The vacuum lines going to the wheels would crack and leak, and O-ring inside the hub would leak.

Troubleshooting article here: Ford Ranger How To: Troubleshoot/Fix Your PVH Hubs (1998-2000)

Permanently lock hubs here: Permanently Lock Your 1998-2000 Ford Ranger PVH Pulse Vacuum Hubs

Manual locking hub change here: 1998-2000 Ford Ranger Rugged Ridge (AVM) Locking Hubs

 

Buy the manuals and never have this issue again.

 

Not all 2000's had the automatic locking hubs. Some say it was a 2000.5 switch over but mine was built in November of 99 and came with live axles from the factory. I would bet it's the shift motor unless you do have the auto locks. Either way it's one of the two

 

are the manuals easy to install ??

 

I think so.

 

Did you look at the links I posted above??
Step by step guide to install them: 1998-2000 Ford Ranger Rugged Ridge (AVM) Locking Hubs

 

My 99 did same thing, a vacuum line had pulled out of rubber boot, it was a 90* degree rubber elbow, plugged back in it was fine. Under hood towards front pass side

 

That ranger may have the vacuum hubs as a few people already said. Those could be the problem. But, When you engage it in 4 wheel hi or low and start driving, do you even hear the transfer case turning too? It makes a pretty noticeable sound once you get moving good.

 

I found somewhere online a step by step to "lock" the hubs all the time, so it would be similar to the 2001+ set up where the axles are always spinning and the 4x4 just engages the transfer case. It was a piece of metal I had to remove from the hub. Less than 5 minutes per side.

Did this in my Ranger and now 4x4 works 100%.

 

This could be something as simple as a crack or dry rot in the vacuum hose, the lines can be replaced in less than an hour for around $8.00.