1997 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 180
1997 Ford Ranger Manual
Page 180 highlights
Driving To shift from 4x4 LOW to 4x4 HIGH or 2WD: Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the instrument panel to 4x4 HIGH or 2WD. It is not recommended to operate the vehicle in the 4WD modes with a temporary spare. If 4WD operation is necessary, do not operate at speeds above 10 mph or for distances above 50 miles. Extended operation in 4WD with a temporary spare may result in damage to drivetrain components. 4x4 Systems - Lever Operated The lever operated transfer case can be placed into four positions. The 2H position is the two-wheel drive position in which power is delivered only to the rear axle. The 4H position provides four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear axles for increased traction. The 4L position provides four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear axles when the above average power is required at reduced speeds. In the N (neutral) position, there is no power delivered to either axle. 179