Hey noob here!! I need 4x4 help!

[Jakescanucks]

Hey guys ..new here.

I build homes not trucks so bare with me here haha...

I own a 96 XLT 4x4 and im having problems with my 4 wheel engaging. I turn the knob to turn the 4 wheel on and i feel a "slipping" almost like its not locking in. Any acceleration and it rattles and sounds horrible. (dont worry im not dumb enough to drive it around)

Just wondering if you guys had any ideas and if i can get a used part for a decent price.

 

[CmdrPopNFresh]

hubs? when you engage 4 wheel drive does the front drive shaft spin? if it does but the front tires dont turn then its hubs. if the front drveshaft doesnt turn.....transfercase has some issues. just my quick thoughts. if i didnt have it for ya search around...there is a ton of info around here.

 

[Jakescanucks]

hubs? when you engage 4 wheel drive does the front drive shaft spin? if it does but the front tires dont turn then its hubs. if the front drveshaft doesnt turn.....transfercase has some issues. just my quick thoughts. if i didnt have it for ya search around...there is a ton of info around here.

Thanks man!
Everything turns fine....its just when it has to do any work like accelerate or go up a hill the front end rattles like an old washing machine. Totally sounds like worn gears slipping. Ive done a search but good ol fords...there's ninty billion posts on different 4x4 problems.

 

[CmdrPopNFresh]

pull the plug for the transfer case an check for metal or chunks.....its a simple place to start. if the fluid looks ok pull one of the hubs apart..... they are probly thrashed.

 

[CmdrPopNFresh]

Hubs, Automatic Locking

Raise vehicle on hoist with engine off. Turn front driveshaft by hand to engage front hubs. Front wheels should turn if hubs lock properly. Spin front wheels by hand in opposite direction to disengage hubs (an audible "click" should be heard). Turn front driveshaft by hand in opposite direction and wheels should turn in opposite direction also if the hubs are locking properly. Disengage hubs by spinning front wheels by hand opposite of the direction they spun while turning the driveshaft.

When checking front hubs for proper operation, road test the vehicle to ensure that the hubs will remain engaged while under load. This can be accomplished by engaging four-wheel drive and taking the vehicle through several turns (both forward and backward) on dry pavement.

Driving through several turns while traveling in different directions will ensure that both sides of the hub teeth have been tested under load. Hubs that are not sufficiently engaged will "pop" out when loaded. This is due to the driveline releasing windup and is an indication of hub malfunction.

If slippage is suspected, mark the tire and axle with chalk (after locking the hub) and apply a heavy torque load several times. Then inspect your original indexing marks. If they are no longer aligned, the hubs are not remaining locked when under load. They will have to be replaced.

Should manual or automatic hublocks become submerged in water or mud for a long period of time, water may get past the seals and into the hubs and axle. In this case, all water must be expelled from the system. For automatic hublocks, the axle must be drained by siphoning out old lubricant through the drain hole in the axle arm which also serves as the carrier cover. Use new 4x4 Gear Oil F1TZ-19580-A meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C191-A to refill the axle (F1TZ-19580-A has no equivalent). Replace hubs using Automatic Locking Hub Front Wheel Bearing Adjustments procedure in this section.

For diagnosis and testing for Explorer 4x4 vehicles, refer to Section 05-03C.



right outa the workshop manual.

 

[Jakescanucks]

Thanks again buddy!

99% sure its the hubs. You figure it would be worth it money wise to buy new or get a used part? I know i could get the used one for next to nothing.
How many hours do you figure it would take a mechanic?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the transmission & transfer case section for you.

 

[Jakescanucks]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the transmission & transfer case section for you.

Atta boy! thanks.

 

[IZwack]

Wait, why are we talking about hubs here? The vehicle is a 2nd generation (95+), it doesnt really have any mechanical disconnect in the hubs because the axle shaft is a direct spline to the thing that the wheels bolt to. Hub talk only applies to 91-94 vehicles (1st generation).

 

[Jakescanucks]

Wait, why are we talking about hubs here? The vehicle is a 2nd generation (95+), it doesnt really have any mechanical disconnect in the hubs because the axle shaft is a direct spline to the thing that the wheels bolt to. Hub talk only applies to 91-94 vehicles (1st generation).

Any ideas?

 

[IZwack]

Well first off, never engage 4wd on dry pavement or else you will hear pops, bangs, and eventually destroy the transfer case.

Next, I'd remove the front driveshaft and repeat the same test where you put in 4wd and accelerate. If the sounds go away, then put the driveshaft back on and do a search for the "CAD" or "central axle disconnect" -- which is a mechanism for the 95 and 96 Explorers which disconnects one half of the front axle from the other. If the sounds dont go away, then the transfer case needs some tender loving care.

 

[Jakescanucks]

Well first off, never engage 4wd on dry pavement or else you will hear pops, bangs, and eventually destroy the transfer case.

Next, I'd remove the front driveshaft and repeat the same test where you put in 4wd and accelerate. If the sounds go away, then put the driveshaft back on and do a search for the "CAD" or "central axle disconnect" -- which is a mechanism for the 95 and 96 Explorers which disconnects one half of the front axle from the other. If the sounds dont go away, then the transfer case needs some tender loving care.

So you're saying its a big job....

 

[IZwack]

Well we're not 100% sure yet untl you do the driveshaft test.

 

[Jakescanucks]

I know its common but there is also a "binding" or a "slipping" in the front end when take a 90degree turn in 4wheel.

 

[IZwack]

I know its common but there is also a "binding" or a "slipping" in the front end when take a 90degree turn in 4wheel.

Are you sure you're not doing this on a dry surface like the asphalt or concrete?

 

[Jakescanucks]

Are you sure you're not doing this on a dry surface like the asphalt or concrete?

Its done it in uphill in the snow.

 

[beachbuggy73]

I am both scares and relieved at the same time! My 1999 3.0 ranger 4x4 slips out of 4wd with the mildest resistance. Worst time was on the beach! I see it can be an easy fix with hubs, but transfer case sounds expensive!