So in my ranger (its a 91) it has the 4x4 electric button not the manual lever. The button doesnt light up or anything and the other day when i was driving it both front tires started getting hot and smoking like i touched the rims and it burn me wondering if the 4x4 is stuck on or if the breaks are messed up. We tested the electic to the buttons and the plug behind the buttons is getting power but the relay thing itself would get power and lose it.

 

Unlikely that the 4x4 system would cause overheating at the wheels

What you are holding is the switch which rarely breaks or has any problems, unless physically damaged

The 4x4 Control module runs the 4x4 system
If should be behind drivers seat in the access panel, people often mistake it for an amplifier because it has heat sink fins

Good read here on this module: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...ol_module.html

Check the fuses

Good read here on the electric shift motor: https://www.explorerforum.com/forums...-motor.123542/
These are the most common failure point just because they are not used every month
It is a good idea to shift to 4low once a month, you don't have to drive it, just shift it to 4low and then back to 2WD, this keeps the motors electrical contacts clean

Assuming the Stock Automatic hubs, to see if front hubs are locked have some one move vehicle forward or backwards while you watch the front drive shaft, in 2wd it should not move if front hubs are unlocked

Bad master causing brakes to rub, or failing wheel bearings can cause over heating, but for BOTH wheel bearing to go out at the same time would be very long odds, so brakes are most likely the issue, and Master because it effects BOTH front wheels

Start engine and pump brake pedal, then leave foot off of it
Leave engine running
Open bleeder on either front wheel, if you get a Squirt of fluid then Master is not releasing pressure like it should
There should be 0 pressure in the brake system lines when your foot is not pushing down on the pedal

If just one wheel got hot then it can be the caliper or the flexible brake line at that wheel