clunking sound when switching in to four wheel drive low

2006 FORD RANGER
41,000 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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WILLIAM SLAGLE
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  • 12 POSTS
When I shift into four wheel low I hear a small clunking sound. I had it checked at a Ford dealer and they tried a used transfer case but it had the same problem. They told me they had several other rangers with the same problem and could not find an answer. I told them I shifted into four wheel low by stopping and putting it in neutral or park and was told they did the same thing with the same problem.The problem continues.
Oct 31, 2017 at 1:47 PM
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HARRY P
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 2,292 POSTS
I do not specifically know about your truck, but with most 4x4's, shifting into four low is going to make some noise. Mine makes a little whirring sound, then a clunk. They will also jerk just a little bit. It is pretty normal. But unless you are pulling a car out of a mud pit, there is really no reason to use four low. four high should do whatever it is you are doing.
Oct 31, 2017 at 10:29 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,612 POSTS
Four wheel low uses a different part of the actuator. I would start by replacing it because this part goes out sometimes. Below is a guide to help you see what to do. Also, if you could please take a quick video of the noise using your phone so we can hear and upload it to the site that would be great.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Nov 2, 2017 at 7:39 AM
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TERRYB77
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Replacing the actuator fixed my 99 ranger, would sometimes to in 4 wheel or not. Hardest part was repinning the actuator plug, my actuator wires are split to two different plugs. But is quite doable.
Feb 4, 2019 at 10:30 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,612 POSTS
Excellent addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)
Feb 5, 2019 at 2:56 AM
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