1996 Ford Ranger Owner's Manual - Page 173

Driving Your Ranger At extremely low temperatures, it may be necessary to slow down or even stop to shift from two wheel drive to 4WD. The initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the automatic locking hubs engaging and is not a cause for concern. Because of possible damage to powertrain components, never shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD with the rear wheels slipping. To shift from 4WD High to Two-Wheel Drive: Rotate the 4WD switch to 2WD; the 4WD light on the instrument cluster will go out, indicating the vehicle is in two-wheel drive. This can be done at any speed. To disengage the automatic locking hubs, operate the vehicle in two-wheel drive in the opposite direction for approximately 10 feet (3 meters) in a straight line. For example: If you were driving the vehicle forward in 4WD the automatic locking hubs will disengage the next time the vehicle is driven in reverse in two-wheel drive for approximatedly 10 feet (3 meters) in a straight line. If you were driving the vehicle in reverse in 4WD, the automatic locking hubs will disengage the next time the vehicle is driven forward in two-wheel drive for approximately 10 feet (3 meters) in a straight line. Operating in two-wheel drive mode with the hubs locked increases fuel consumption, noise, vibration, and wear. For prolonged two-wheel drive operation on dry pavement, disengagement of the automatic locking hubs, which is not required for two-wheel drive operation, stops all movement of front-wheel drive components while operating in two-wheel drive. 173