4x4 question

[getwood4]

I have a 94 Ford Explorer. I can't get the 4x4 to engage. Both the 4H and 4L lights come on when pushed. I hear a click when the buttons are pushed. The motor in the transfer case sounds like it is working, so I think it might be the hubs. When I drive in 4L there is a major pull on the engine, so it feels like it is engaging but the front wheels are still in 2WD (they are definitly not locked in). Does anyone have any other suggestions? I read somewhere there are two vacuum lines, one to the diff and one to the transfer case, problem is they didn't say where they originate from. I don't have a vacuum line to the transfer case..should there be one? If anyone has any diagrams or info it would be a BIG help! Thanks

 

[Maniak]

The symptoms you described does sound like bad hubs..

With bad hubs the transfer case will go into 4x4 (or 4x4 low) and the front drive shaft will turn. With hub issues though power will not be transfered to the wheels.

Factory hubs are automatic and are somewhat weak. If they are full of old grease or dirt you may be able to take off the hubs, clean them up and lube them with some ATF (don't pack them with grease).

More likely though, the hubs (or at least 1) is toast. The cost of automatic hubs is pretty high. You can get stronger manual hubs for about the same price as one new automatic hub. That is even including the conversion kit which is just nuts and washers.

With the manual hubs you get the added benefit of 2wd low range for those times when you need more torque but are on hard ground. When there is a chance you might need 4x4 you just lock the hubs and leave them locked. Until you put the transfer case in 4x4 your in 2wd. The 1st gen explorer uses a part time transfer case which must ONLY be used on ground that allows the tires to slip. If you use the 4x4 on wet pavement (e.g. its raining) you will at best blow a hub, at works pop a u-joint or worse.

oh yea.. There are no vacuum lines on the transfer case of axles. There are vent hoses to help equalize the pressure in the diff and transmission and transfer case when they generate heat.

~Mark

 

[getwood4]

Thanks for the info! I think u r right..the hubs are shot!