1996 ranger 4wd problems

[bthroesch]

I have a 1996 ranger with manual transmission and electric switch on transfer case and it pops and jumps in and out of 4wd while it is suppose to be locked in I was wondering how I could tell if its the chain in the transfer case or if the problem is in the front axel or hubs

 

[RangerX]

If you have the automatic hubs, it sounds like they are bad.

 

[bthroesch]

that's what I thought but I took them apart and it all looked ok im not sure exactly what they are suppose to look like but I was thinking it was the chain in the transfer case slipping

 

[RangerX]

Well, auto hubs are THE most common failure, and the T-case failure is so rare it's almost nonexistent, so I'd figure it to be the hubs. They don't last forever, yours have lasted longer than most.
There's not necessarily a visible 'break' or anything when you look inside.
When they go, or are in the process of going, they pop and jump like you described.
Time for a pair of manual hubs!