Which wheel is powered in a 1994 Ford Ranger. rear wheel drive?

Answer 1

The common assumption is that 4x2 means both rear wheels are driven at the same time. However, this isn't necessarily true. When a vehicle negotiates a bend, the differential in the axle compensates for the fact that the outside wheel travels further than the inside one does. Thus, it allows a speed differential to exist between the two wheels. Being a mechanical device, the differential abides by the laws of physics which state that energy always takes the easiest route. So, if one wheel is on a slippery surface (like ice) then all the energy will be sent to that wheel and away from the wheel with traction. The end result is that you lose all forward motion! But you ask which wheel is powered, and the short answer is both but at different times, unless the rear differential is posi-trac or limted slip. Normally you will find that in a 2wd vehicle the right rear wheel is the one use most often to drive the vehicle.

Put more directly, a 1994 Ford Ranger is primarily rear wheel drive, with a bias towards the passenger side rear tire in situations where the tires both might spin if the truck were equipped with a limited slip rear differential carrier.