Problems with 2002 Ranger 4WD

[willinvt]

Hey all-

Winter just hit here in Vermont, and I had the occasion to use my 2002 Ranger in 4WD. Much to my dismay, when I shift into 4WD, it feels as if something is seized up--almost as if the brakes are locked up, and I hear a grinding noise which is coming, from the best I can tell, from the front end. Also, the only way to disengage the 4WD is to put the truck in reverse.

I know NOTHING about auto mechanics, but I know enough to know this is NOT good.

It drives just fine in 2WD, but I'm going to be needing the 4WD here pretty soon! Any ideas what the problem could be?
Thanks

 

[gavin]

most likely one of the hubs decided to take a crap.

 

[brianjwilson]

most likely one of the hubs decided to take a crap.

He doesn't have selectable hubs, it's a live axle. Since it's turning all the time it seems odd that it's only having problems when it's in 4x4. But it does sound like a bad hub/bearing assembly.
Did you buy the truck used? Any odd chance of having different gear ratios front and back?

 

[gavin]

shoot... that's right.
for some reason I thought some of the 2nd gen Rangers had auto hubs... been a while since I really read around on that.

wheel bearings maybe?
no.. that wouldn't explain when only in 4wd...
with truck in 2wd and neutral, how much play is there at the pinion? up and down, side to side.