I have a 94 xlt,140k Miles, and it is happening again... At the start of the winter snowfall for the last two years, I have a costly problem with my front hubs. Today is no exception. The first time I want to use it, I head out of my drive, push the 4x4 button on the dash, to engage the front hubs. and POP, GRIND, and Off we go. In response,I push the button to disengage, and the front hub gears whine, and pop, and do not fully disengage. I end up turning into the same parking lot down the road, turning off the vehicle, backing 25 or so feet, and try it again. Same noises. I know that this is a problem if the front of the truck jerks, and it pops,and grinds, let alone the looks I get from the people I pass. First time at service, repack hubs. Second year, repack, replace. I would like to know what I can do to prevent this from happening, to have a reliable truck. Saving the $400 to $600 repair bill would be really helpfull too. thank you if you can offer any contructive advise.

Best suggestion I've heard from many is to replace the auto hubs with Warn manual hubs. They're about half the cost (according to my mechanic,) and with a conversion kit are much more reliable than the autos. I have not personally done the conversion, but my 93 Ranger had been converted when I bought it. My 96 Explorer has the CV axles. Andy >