'99 4 wheel drive system

[FordBaby]

Hello all. I'm looking at a 99 XLT to buy, but I have a hesitation. Right now I have a 98 Ranger XLT and it has the vacuum-hub four wheel drive system on it. I have had many problems with this system. To my knowledge, the 99 Explorer has the same set up. My question is this: am I going to be trading problems for problems if I get the Explorer. Has anybody else had problems with the 99's? Any feedback would be appreciated. Lauren

 

[Campo]

Welcome to the site Lauren

The 99's do not have hubs, they are direct shaft from the front diff using CV joints...

so you don't have to worry bout hubs going out...

I have had no problems with my 99 and as far as I know, nobody else has had problems with the front's

Hope this helps...

 

[TPLYNCH]

The hubs are locked on the '99's and 4x4 is actuated thru the T/F case. Only problem I've had with mine is a low speed squealing noise in cold weather that was fixed by replacement of the dust boot covers and hub seals (under warranty). The 4x4 works great, and this system eliminates the troublesome autolocking hubs and the need to reverse to unlock etc etc. I have not seen many (if any) threads relating to breakdown of the 95+ 4x4 hubs.

 

[Jim F]

I believe the vacuum-lock front (I forget what they actually call it) was eliminated in 98. The Chiltons manual I have for my 98 (91-99) talks about it, but mine doesn't have it.

 

[Robert]

I think '96 was the last year for it. My '97 doesn't have it either.