96 Bronco doesn\'t engage to 4x4
1996 Ford Bronco 5.8 XLT 4x4
80K miles
Auto locking hubs
I recently just bought a 96 Bronco from a Ford dealer, (3000 mile warranty still in effect). Love the truck and have enjoyed it for the past week or so. I decided to take her out and try out the 4x4 today in Gilroy, CA. I found some big hills and decided to drop her in 4x4. I did this on the fly, (I later found out by reading the manual, your supposed to stop and drop in 4x4 then you can transfer between 2H and 4H on the fly). Anyway, I shifted on the fly into 4H without stopping initially and charged the hill. I believe it did make it into 4x, but about half way up the hill I heard a loud clug? Not good. I noticed I kind of stopped climbing and started spinning the rear wheels. Needless to say, I didn't make it up the hill.
I stopped and shifted in to 2H and started to drive and the truck started to make a ratcheting winding sound when driving. I stopped and put her in reverse and it stopped the noise. Not sure what the deal was.
I then tried to put it back in 4H while stopped and charged some hills slowly. The front wheels never engaged for some reason? I tried shifting in and out many times and could never get it back into 4x.
This truck is so clean, I don't believe it has ever been put into 4x. From reading the bbs, I noticed this is a common problem if the truck is rarely put into 4x?
I plan on taking her into the Ford dealership for a check out. Glad I get the extra extended warranty. I believe 4x4 is covered.
If the problem is the hubs, should I replace the auto locking hubs or go with the manual Warn?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Chris
1996 Ford Bronco 5.8 XLT 4x4
80K miles
Auto locking hubs
I recently just bought a 96 Bronco from a Ford dealer, (3000 mile warranty still in effect). Love the truck and have enjoyed it for the past week or so. I decided to take her out and try out the 4x4 today in Gilroy, CA. I found some big hills and decided to drop her in 4x4. I did this on the fly, (I later found out by reading the manual, your supposed to stop and drop in 4x4 then you can transfer between 2H and 4H on the fly). Anyway, I shifted on the fly into 4H without stopping initially and charged the hill. I believe it did make it into 4x, but about half way up the hill I heard a loud clug? Not good. I noticed I kind of stopped climbing and started spinning the rear wheels. Needless to say, I didn't make it up the hill.
I stopped and shifted in to 2H and started to drive and the truck started to make a ratcheting winding sound when driving. I stopped and put her in reverse and it stopped the noise. Not sure what the deal was.
I then tried to put it back in 4H while stopped and charged some hills slowly. The front wheels never engaged for some reason? I tried shifting in and out many times and could never get it back into 4x.
This truck is so clean, I don't believe it has ever been put into 4x. From reading the bbs, I noticed this is a common problem if the truck is rarely put into 4x?
I plan on taking her into the Ford dealership for a check out. Glad I get the extra extended warranty. I believe 4x4 is covered.
If the problem is the hubs, should I replace the auto locking hubs or go with the manual Warn?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Chris
