I need some feed back about some issues I found while looking at a Ranger today that I am considering buying.

The truck I am looking at is a 99 Ranger XLT Sport, 4.0L, 5-Speed, 4X4, fleet side.

When I shifted the truck into 4Lo the Transfer case seem to make a rubbing sound. The best I can describe it would be sound paper on wood, constantly though, and only audible when the truck is moving. That was driving on a snow covered gravel driveway. Normal for these cases?

This is the only thing that really concerns me about this truck. Looks like maybe a small power steering leak. I front turn signal with some moisture in it. And some rockers that need some touch ups.

For the past four years I have been driving a 98 Silverado 4X4. So I am not a total 4X4 newbie.

 

First off, I am thinking the transmission should be shifted into 4-Lo only when sitting still and with the transmission in neutral.

What does the manual for that model say?

 

Yeah the truck needs to be completely stopped

 

these trucks will not shift into 4lo unless the truck is at a full stop with the clutch and brake pedals pressed with the electronic transfer case. so he obviously did that right. as for the noise, mine has always been loud in 4lo. i have beat the ever living **** out of my truck in 4hi and 4lo for the last 3 years with no transfer case issues. if your that worried about it take the balancer off the back of the case, only 4 bolts, and remove the fill plug. check the oil level and color. that will give you a pretty good idea of how the case is doing inside, unless the oil has recently been changed.


for what it is worth, every ranger i have wheeled with always whines in 4lo. same with every jeep and most fullsizes

 

To clarify, yes the truck was stopped, in neutral, with the brake and clutch pressed when I shifted to 4-Lo, and the indicator light on the dash for 4-Lo indicated it was in 4-Lo.

I know my current truck sounds different in Lo, as well as other 4x4s Ive driven.