1997 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 179

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 approximately 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. During axle break-in or operation in extremely cold temperatures, the automatic locking hubs may not release completely. It may be necessary to drive the vehicle for 10 to 15 minutes before repeating the release procedure. To shift from 4x4 HIGH or 2WD to 4x4 LOW: Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic transmission in N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the instrument panel to 4x4 LOW. Both the 4WD and 4WD LOW lights are now lit. 178