Newbie here! Can't get out of 4wd

[Stanger]

We are expecting some snow, so today I test out the 4wd. Well it goes in, but won't come out. WTF! When I push the button, it clicks like it disengages but when I go to drive it has a terrible noise, like the old baseball card or soda can on the bike tire sound. Please help! Also what are the procedures for using the 4wd. I just purchsed it, but I don't have the owners manual. All help is appreciated. TIA Ricky

 

[yob_yeknom]

Is the 4wd light still on? I believe you need to back up about 15 feet on your early model Explorer to get 4wd to disengage.
BTW don't use 4wd on pavement or any other surface with plenty of traction, even just to test it out. If you are on pavement trying to get it out of 4wd, back up in a straight line.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Stanger,
Welcome to the site. I think you should find everything and then some about your Explorer here.
I agree with John, that you probably haven't put it in reverse to unlock your hubs. This is something that the 91-94 models have to do inorder to get out of 4wd. If after that you still have that ratchting sound then your hubs are probably bad or need to be cleaned up. Grease in cold weather will make them stick. Pull them apart and clean the grease up, then use ATF to coat the internal parts and put back together. they should work just fine after that.

 

[Stanger]

Thanks for the info guys. It worked.
Another question when I am driving in 4wd(in the snow) I get a weird clicking noise. Its like the snow is being pushed against the car, but I know its not. It seems to have a sequence to it. Any suggestions? How much are new hubs?