Transfer Case Problem

Recently while out on the trail i had a problem switching from 4Hi back to 2Hi. I couldn’t get the transfer case back to 2Hi or back to 4Hi for that matter and the transmission revved as if in neutral (i was in drive) the gears grindind a little I was able to get back to 4Hi by pushing the truck about a foot, but not sure what happened? What the hell did i do?

 

Just curious, how experienced are you using the 4WD system? Were u using A-TRAC or DAC?

 

Not very! My past vehicles have just had that stupid button you press for 4hi and 4lo, so learning.

 

I will say this though, getting into 4hi is pretty basic and i have not had any problems previously. I just made a quick stop to let my dog out for a few and bam!

 

There should be no grinding to 2wd to or from 4wd. Sounds like you were in low range.

2wd to and from 4wd high should be done while moving. To and from low range requires you to be stopped and have the transmission in neutral. That shift has to be done swiftly past neutral or it will grind.

 

It sounds like you accidently shifted the t-case past 4hi and into neutral, which is between 4hi and 4lo. If you're sitting still sometimes it can be a little tricky getting the t-case from neutral into 4lo or 4hi

When you pushed the truck you helped line up the gears in the t-case and you were able to get it back from neutral and into 4hi. Next time try shifting the transmission into drive for a few seconds, then back into neutral, wait a few seconds for things to spin down in speed, then try the t-case again. That'll help line up the gears in the t-case. It might grind a little if, but it'll go in. Shift the t-case with conviction... firm handshake. Don't ram it into gear, but don't baby it.

 

If you were stopping to let the dog out, maybe you had, or were in the process of turning a bit. It’s best to only shift from 4hi back into 2hi only when you are moving straight.

If you are in even a slight turn in 4wd, especially slow speed turns (like while parking), the drivetrain will have some level of binding. That binding will make it more difficult to shift back into 2wd.

If you simply straighten out and drive forward a bit, this can alleviate the binding enough to allow for a smooth shift.

 

Whippersnapper is right. You have to be rolling a little bit to shift between 2HI and HI

 

I guess im going to go full retard here (My problem yours lol)

Reason I asked my initial question, it does take a little practice to learn how to engage between all three. Also, when you are on the trail, there is a combination of I believe DAC with engine braking in 2L that will get your ABS going insane. I might be wrong on the exact combination, but I know that I was able to eliminate one of the issues and then everything went away with it all together. (Maybe someone remembers?)

 

This makes sense now. When I stopped I was in the process of turning and left the wheels at an angle. When I got back in the vehicle I put it in drive then attempted to shift from 4hi back to 2wd without moving. Makes sense what McSpazatron and Jmkulbeth said about turning angle and lining up the gears. Just learned something valuable here! Thank you!