Shifting Into 4 Low

[BC]

My 85 GW will not go into 4 low. I have confirmed that shifting into 4 Hi works fine by
putting the Wag up on jack stands and shifting in and out of 4 HI.

I use the following method to attemp shifting into 4 low:

Drive down the street in 4 Hi, then while still rolling slowly, put the trans in neutral
and pull the lever into 4 LO.

The lever moves into low, but when I put the trans back into drive, the transfer case
pops into the disengaged position with some resulting noise coming from the transfer case
like marbles running around in there. It seems like the transfer case is just barely engaging
and when a little torque is applied, it jumps out. Attempting to shift back into 4 LO at this point
just results in gear grinding.

I checked the shift linkage adjustments and everything is right on accrding to the manual.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Linkage is not shifting T-Case into low. I think you are correct in saying the transfer case is just barely engaging. Trans mount could also be bad, causing the linkages to be out of adjustment. ;)

[BC]

Crazy Jeepman,

Thanks for the response! You stated that a bad trans mount could cause the linkage to be out of adjustment. What should I look for? Everthing looks good and all the linkage adjustments are per the manual.

Thanks again for your time.

[tuckers89GW]

BC, remember, don't drive in 4-low on any hard surface road for long. that is hard on the drivetrain. Crazy Pete is pretty smart for being bug eyed. linkage adjustment or bad mount would be first guess also.

[Max Power]

Hey BC, Am I correct in thinking you have the 208 or 0one of its younger brothers?

I never woulda thought about trans mounts, guess thats why C_J is the guru...

Heres a procedure from out own tech library for shifting your t-case

http://www.ifsja.org/tech/tcase/hitolo.shtml

it DOES work, maybe your 4-low would engage more positively by using this procedure... anyway, it good reading.

good luck,
Robert

[will e]

When I was wheeling yesterday I slowed down to a couple MPH, put the tranny in N and took it from 4 low to 2hi (trying to go to 4HI), I then pulled it back past 4HI into N. With the tranny in N and the TC in N the truck stopped rolling. (Lesson learned - Do TC shifting on slight hills). Anyway. I tried to take the TC out of N but all I got was some bad noises. My passengers jumped out and pushed me forward as I slipped it back into 4LO.

I read the tech section where you can go from 4LO to 4HI and back with the truck stopped but what about 2WD and N? In the mean time, I will pick a nice hill to switch TC positions.....

[Michael]

BC. Another option is to shift into neutral on the tranny from 4hi and then shut it off. With the engine not running pull up on the shifter as high as it will go. If it will go on its own free will. Restart the wag and put into Drive. See where that gets you. If the crazy noises persist then put the tranny back into neutral and shut it off then push the lever back down into 4hi.

I believe you have either the 229 or 228 tcase. Is there vacum switch on your dash???? I believe 85's came with 228's not for sure though.

Oh and btw...long time no see.

[BC]

Thanks to all who replied!

I will try out the alternate shifting method that JeepGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley recommended. If that doesn't work, I think I'll disconnect the HI-LO shift linkage completely and try to shift it manually from underneath. If it still won't go into 4 LO, I'll know it is something internal to the TC and not in the linkage.

Michael: I haven't had much time for the Jeep activities lately. I spend most of my time either working or doing the sports, school, etc things with the kids. I do try to lurk around on this site from time to time though.

Thanks again.