1994 4 wheel drive does not engage

[andymy21]

I just bought the explorer this winter and I got stuck on ice already. When I push my 4x4 button it lights up and it also says 4x4 on the dashboard near the stearing columb. The front wheels do not engage only the rear wheels spin. I also have alot of vibration in the brake pedal when I hit an ice patch or try to come to a complete stop quickly. Are theese problems related and what could they be. A friend told me he thought it could be warped rotors and bad locking hubs. WHAT COULD IT BE?

 

[Joey P]

You may have warped rotors causing the vibration but you would feel the vibration when you drive around if that was it. It is more probable that your Antilock brakes are kicking in if it only happens when you brake hard and on ice. Nothing to worry about if that is it. On to the 4 wheel drive: Do you have manual hubs up front or automatic? Manual you will have to "manually" lock them in for 4 wheel drive to work correctly. When you press your 4x4 button are you hearing the transfer case engage? It could be that your transfer case shift motor is bad. Just a couple ideas for you.

Also, welcome to the site!

 

[mrboyle]

It sounds like your front hubs are not working. The t-case is working since the 4x4 light only comes on once the case has been shifted into 4wd.

 

[andymy21]

I think I have automatic locking hubs because there is no place on the front wheels to manually do anything , and I was told I was supposed to be able to go in 4 wheel drive when the truck is moving, or on the fly. I do hear a click coming from the back of the truck when I hit the button. Also are the hub and rotor one assembly that you replace at the same time or are they completely seperate parts. What kind of auto parts store would have hubs for my truck, or do I have to go to the dealer for this part.

 

[Fhantazm]

You can order the Mile Marker manual hubs with the conversion kit from Summit Racing for about $160 shipped. I recently converted, and couldnt be happier. Also you rotor is seperate. When changing the rotors i reccomend changing the wheel bearings/seals as well. May also want to check on brake pads while you have the wheel off. Hope this helps!

 

[andymy21]

How long does it take to convert auto hubs to manual hubs and change the wheel bearing seals on a 1994 explorer, and do you think a amatuer can do it. Are there any instructions for these repairs, or is this a complicated repair that a mechanic must be paid big bucks to perform?

 

[DeRocha]

This job is fairly easy/straight forward and can be done by someone with beginner skills... Search this site on brakes and hubs (there will be a ton of info, sorting through it can take some time). Check out the links below as the edu site contains a lot of usefull info.

Dead Link Removed

Dead Link Removed

 

[Happy94XLT40]

NICE JOB JOHN

Great tips on the rotor and manual hub. Question, in the 4x4 forum under the not work part, back wheels spin fronts do nothing, i saw that 94 or 1st gen 4x4 light would not come on if the front is not ingauged. True? My front do nothing, so that mean's HUB's? Are these dealer only? And for what i hear I should go manual? What about junk yards for new cam's? I take that's what goes on the Auto's?

Thanks inadvance gang.



Monte 94' xlt 178k
Brakes, Trans, now this, but the most part all Org.

 

[DeRocha]

With the 4x4 button and dash light ON you're transfer case is really in 4x4 mode. The front wheels should feel heavier and one of the wheels should be getting power (with opened differentials power is routed to the wheel with the least traction). If neither wheel moves then your HUBS are the likely suspect. Autohubs will fail to engage if they are greased with any more than a light coating. See my 1/12/04 post in the following hub thread

 

[andymy21]

thanks for the great help guys.

 

[Happy94XLT40]

That's were it lies.

Once again, John thank's. Im just starting to three hole punch and make a book of "E". Hell, when I get done with mine it well be 300K or more, but the "Know How" book will bring up the resale

 

[Nuggethead 420]

Warn Manual hubs

I went to Warn manual lockouts because my auto,matic hubs did not work. Ant it took about 20 min per side.
Now 4x4 works awsome!!

good luck, the hubs cost me about $147.00 with the conversion kit and free shipping.

The best deal I have found.

Let me know if you need the site I can look it up for you.

 

[DeRocha]

Ok I'm curious which site has the warn kit?

 

[Nuggethead 420]

The Site

Here is the site....http://www.4x4CyberStore.com

I hope you find some hubs. They work awsome and very easy to install.

Have fun!!

 

[DeRocha]

Thanks for the info...The hubs are $147, but the spindle nut kit is an extra $30...So $177 is still a good buy...