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4x4 issues

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2014 4:23 pm
by 88broncII
Bought me a Eddie Bauer bronco 2 it has automatic lock in with push button 4x4 switch.
The lights come on as if 4x4 is locked in and the front drive shaft spins but doesn't lock in the front diff. Any ideas what's going on here guys? Thanks

Re: 4x4 issues

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2014 4:23 pm
by 88broncII
88model btw

Re: 4x4 issues

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2014 5:47 pm
by tekatlarge
Well if the front drive shaft turns and the front wheels don't it sounds like you need to pull the auto lock hubs out and clean them and check for something broken. if the auto lock hubs are ignored maintenance wise they will fail to engage.
It is pretty common for the transfer case shift motor to quit working on these things also but if the shift motor was not working I would think you would not see the front drive shaft turn. I would also ask if you hear any noises when you engage 4x4?

Re: 4x4 issues

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2014 5:52 pm
by 88broncII
Yes another guy said same thing on trs. Ima check the hubs tomorrow to see if there dirty or packed with grease allowing them to not engage. I hope it's my problem. I do hear a noise when I push the button for 4x4 sounds like a motor turning on. Now does that engage my transfer case to turn the front drive shaft or does it control my hubs? I do hear a grinding kinda sound in 2wd when I'm slowing down.

Re: 4x4 issues

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 3:22 pm
by drofman
The problem with auto lockng hubs is there are cogs (or gears if you want to call them that) that line up when the front driveshaft is turning. That's why you always have to back up after being in 4X4 to unlock the hubs. It sounds like you're hubs are not locking up. Remember you have to have both lock up or the pinions will walk in you diff and you don't have 4X4. That said if 1 side is not working both side are not working unless you have a TRUE poss. in the front end. The best thing is to go to the junk yard and get manual locking hubs and do your bearings every time you do a brake job instead of just slapping pads on. It's an easy job to switch and remember that Rangers have the same part.

Re: 4x4 issues

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 4:16 pm
by tekatlarge
Drofman is right. The best plan of action is to pick up a set of manual hubs and go that route. if you have transfer case problems it usually the electric shift motor. As you said the front drive shaft turns I would think the Tcase shifting is good. You can get a set of manual hubs at your local pull a part..

Re: 4x4 issues

Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 12:48 pm
by 88broncII
Thanks for your guys help! I ended up picking up a complete 89 bronco for $500 just had a wrecked front fender I ended up robbing those hubs it all works good now!

Re: 4x4 issues

Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 3:23 pm
by tekatlarge
Glad to hear you got it fixed up..Enjoy