I went to the Ford dealer because my front-end suddenly started vibrating. The driveshaft had several loose or missing bolts. BUT he also said the wheel bearings were finished and it was because the 4 wheel parts, axle-locks, drive-shafts, etc., were not sealed well, damaged by dirt, unreplaceable because no replacement parts available (I think he meant OEM parts?), and even that he thinks the front end originally was not made for locking hubs. He did replace the wheel bearings and new drive-shaft bolts, so it no longer vibrates, but has no more 4x4 either. Well I have only had the truck the last 12 years, so I can't say for sure, but just last year was the first time I had to change anything on the 4x4. I replaced the locking hubs with a nice aftermarket set.
So the dealer mechanic said he disconnected the hubs so they would not engage, but wasn't sure even how long it would hold together. The dashboard switch to 4wheel and transfer case has always worked great (still does, but of course no longer makes any difference at the wheel).
So, I love my truck (4.0L, off-road, step-box) and hoped that this forum could help me through the rebuilding/replacing of whatever is needed to make it new on the front end.
My first question... IS It POSSIBLE? (parts available, diagrams, etc) Yes, I have a garage and tools and reasonable mechanical knowledge. Please help. Am I best to let it go? Or is resurrection possible?

This year (23) my 1999 Ranger. 265/60x16s. Original paint.

 

Hey so, no comments so far BUT I have been reading and checking the CHILTONS manuals as well as YOUTUBE videos.
It turns out '98 & '99 were the ONLY years without original locking hubs (vaccuum). Obviously someone changed them on this.
AND apparently it is a good fix that many eventually do to bypass the vaccuum system.
So for now - to survive the winter where I NEED 4x4 in the far far north - I will disassemble the locks, and make them engage manually again.
I still welcome comments and recommendations because I don't mind spending money on this if it will last.

 

1998-2000 Ranger 4x4s came with PVH(pulse vacuum hubs), some 2000's were being switch to Live Axle(always locked), all 2001 and up are Live Axle

PVH manual control here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...e-vacuum-hubs/

Change PVH to Manual Hubs here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...-locking-hubs/
AVM makes these manual hubs for 1998-2000 Rangers
Sold under Rugged Ridge, Mile Marker or AVM brands, same hubs and the only ones that fit the 1998-2000 Ranger 4x4s

Vacuum at the hub is not needed for either of the above