Hi guys,

I have a 2008 Ranger Sport 4x4 that doesn't like to stay in 4x4. It engages fine but will very regularly pop into 2x4 for a second then go back into 4x4 while driving. I haven't found anyone else that has run into the same issue on these forums and was wondering if any of you guys have had experience with it? The front diff seems to be working fine and the issue stays the same even when I disconnect the selector motor and put it into 4x4 manually. I haven't taken the t-case apart because I really don't know what I would be looking for. Let me know if you guys have any ideas.

Thanks!

 

You know this because the 4x4 light on the dash goes out or ?

 

Yes, +1 ^^^

Transfer case is not all that complicated

There is main shaft that connects input shaft(trans) to output shaft(rear drive line)
On it is the gear for the chain drive that drives the front drive line
When the shift rod is turned one way it engages the chain's drive gear with the output shaft(4WD), turned other other way it disengages it

The shift rod has a shift fork that moves this gear, in your case it may be worn down, so can not hold firm engagement

 

Hi 2011 Supercab, the 4x4 light stays on but when it disengages there is a thud directly under the driver's seat and if I'm accelerating on snow the rear end will kick out as it does in 2x4.

 

My 02 Ranger did something like this when it was fairly new. I noticed it mainly in low range. If I accelerated hard it would kind of thump like the T-case chain was jumping on the sprocket. I took it into the Ford dealer under warranty and Ford told them to change a something inside the t-case. I took it out for a test drive after they released it and it still did the same thing. I took it right back and asked the service writer to do me, the dealer and Ford a favor and install a new t-case. They did get permission from Ford to install a new t-case and I never had a problem with it again.

I don't know if they ever figured it out or just tossed it. I had no idea what would cause it. I think they just replaced the chain originally. Mine is a manual shift but from what I understand the internals are basically the same. So, I can tell you I had a similar problem but unfortunately don't have a clue as to how to resolve it.