i have a friend who just recently bought a ford ranger (i told him to get a toyota) and it has that stupid vaccum 4 wheel drive shifter where all you do is turn a knob. well he isn't sure if he is locking into four wheel drive. what is the best and easiest way for him to test that? and me not have to go help him.

 

Well there is the park on the street and go into 4wd and drive it. If the steering fights back while trying to turn a moderate corner, the front's locking the hubs. Just don't drive it very far that way.

 

im looking for a little more obvious proof that it works. i told him to do that but he wasn't sure

 

Get on some gravel or dirt and see if the front tires spit rocks or dirt when he floors it. If he's still in 2wd only the rear will throw rocks. I would say to do the same thing in snow but I'm guessing you don't have snow right now lol.

Rob

 

jack the whole thing up
put it in 4 wheel
press the gas, or you could try to go to a shop and see if they will put it on one of those stands

 

That sounds like way more work than just going on a back road or somebody's driveway and letting it rip lol.

Rob

 

or how about just takeing it out 4wheelin and see if the 4wd is working that should be pretty easy.