4 wheel drive won't work, transfer case is fine

[HeyZeus]

I have a 1991 Explorer XLT (still stock), 4.0 liter, auto trans, auto hubs. The front end will not engage. It seems as if the hubs are not locking in. The tranfer case seems as if its working (can feel the gear reduction kick in). I can also hear a spinning noise comming from the front end that sounds like the axle may be spinning free. I just bought this XLT from one of my dad's friends. He told me that he NEVER once used the 4 wheel drive since it was new. Can anyone tell me if I'm on the right track and what parts I would need to ask for at the auto parts store? Also what price range can I expect to pay for parts? Are there any aftermarket parts available at a better price than ford parts? Would this be a difficult repair for a novice? Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

Zeus

 

[i8u]

I would check your hubs. Common problem.

There is a guy on here who rebuilds them. Go look at a sticky in the driveline forums.....


Funny how he said he has NEVER used the 4wheel drive and it just so happenes it doesn't work...

 

[i8u]

You might as well just switch to manual hubs for reliability.....

 

[jimbo74]

im thinking hubs... i would replace them with manuals or if you dont want to do that, at least replace them with new or rebuilt autohubs

 

[HeyZeus]

Manual hubs would definetly be the way to go....what is involved with that type of conversion? I'm a teenager and this is my first vehicle. Money is tight....which is the cheapest route to get this working so I can get down on the river to hunt ducks before the season closes? I also noticed the the rotor discs are in dire need of being replaced. This can all be done at the same time right?

 

[JTX]

I changed my hubs to manual. It was really easy. It come's with detailed instructions. You will have to get the conversion kit if you have auto's now. As for the rotors i really dont know much about them.

 

[jimbo74]

if you can repack wheel bearings and replace a grease seal you can do your rotors, bearings and brakes and hubs at the same time

 

[HeyZeus]

Thanks for all the help...I really appreciate it. Where is the best place to shop for a hub conversion kit? Is this something I order from a normal parts store or do I find these on line somewhere? What cost can I expect to convert verses just replace the auto hubs? I am kinda mechanically inclined and do my mom's brakes and freind's two wheel drive brakes all the time. I've even helped my dad pull, rebuild, and install 3 engines. I'm learning, but with a little guidance on where to start I'll be fine. My dad is in Iraq for the past 7 months and is not here to help me out. Thanks again.

 

[Billy177]

never used 4 wheel drive meaning the front diff hasn't moved in 13 years