Something New Is Afoot - Building Our New Camper

[ski3pin]

That is so awesome . Loved always following your journey . With the remodel to both new campers. And seeing you both working on the things you love together . Happy trails

Thank you for your very kind comments, they are much appreciated!

 

[pods8]

The Ford Ranger is a live axle vehicle. There are no hubs to turn, the axles are always engaged and always turning. The 4x4 switch only activates the transfer case to engage 2H, 4H, 4L.

So is the front drive shaft anyways spinning too (driven by the wheels turning in this case)?

 

[ski3pin]

So is the front drive shaft anyways spinning too (driven by the wheels turning in this case)?

I believe so.

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

My understanding is that there is a vacuum or electronic operated clutch within the front differential of modern trucks that disconnects the front axles from being driven until the truck is put into 4WD.

I did a search and found this pertaining to Monte's Ranger:

"The front axles do spin any time the truck is rolling, the disconnect is on the pass side of the front axle (vacuum activated). When in 2wd, the transfer case does not apply power to the front drive shaft, and the passenger side axle is not connected to the front diff."

Both my 2002 Toyota Tacoma and 2018 have a similar arrangement.

Even with manual hubs, in the old days of solid axles on 4x4's you would often see the front driveshaft slowly rotate at highway speeds if you were driving alongside.

 

[ski3pin]

I'm working on a critique on the new Ranger's performance in the backcountry. I will also update that Julie tells me we've already spent 87 nights in the new camper.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Your review of the new toy should be interesting.Will you compare it to the old Ranger?
Frank