Need Help

[ganny76]

I am looking at a 99 ford ranger 4x4. The guy told me his hubs were going out so he had them disengaged and they would cost around $350 to fix. Is there anyway to make sure that this is why the 4 wheel drive is not working and that it is not something else major? The guy is giving me a really good price on the ranger. Its got 179K miles and is a 5 speed.

[theoldwizard]

The truck originally came with automatic locking hubs, so if it now has manual hubs, they were added later.

The $350 is an "each" price from the dealer.

This sounds pretty fishy to me. I would be concerned he is covering up a bigger problem.

[BroncoJoe19]

It would have an engine, transmission, transfer case, front and rear driveshafts, and differentials, front axels, and then locking hubs to the wheels.

Personally I do not know how to fully check out the front drive train without engaging it, but can help find some obvious problems.

Teh transfer case engages the front driveshaft, in both 4X4 high and low. That should operate smoothely, and there should be no vibration even with the hubs disengaged.
The front axels should rotate.
In 2WD the front axels should not rotate with the hubs disengaged.

With the hubs engaged, the front axels should rotate regardless of the position of the transfer case.

New hubs are $100-150 direct, but more from a mechanic plus labor.
If there is a vibration, could be a more expensive repair.
OR if the axels are not turning when in 4X4.