Does your truck "clunk" hard when shifting into 4X4?

[MMead]

I have the knob shifter on my truck, but when I shift into 4 Low there is a very noticable metallic clunk. Is this abnormal or causing damage? I shift in and out of 4x4 a couple times per week so I'm afraid after a while something is going to give out. Thanks for any info.

 

[AndyMan]

Mine does the same thing. I am also hoping to hear an explanation on this. At least we're in the same boat.



And

 

[ECappleman]

Its normal.

Unlike 4 high, 4 low is not in sync with the transmission. Sometimes it takes a sec for the two to lock up correctly.

 

[rbattelle]

The transfer case shift pointers that came with my truck indicate specifically that some grinding/clunking is normal when going to/from 4lo and these noises are not indication of any damage being done.



Going to/from 4hi, on the other hand, should usually be pretty quiet.



-Ryan



-Ryan

 

[RDuhaime]

Both of mys trucks clunked going in and out, my first had the electronic , my second has the shift on the floor option. No worries

 

[Heavyweight]

I shift into 4 low at a stand still, and it clunks just a little bit. I shift into 4 high at a stand still, smooth as a water fall. I do not shift into 4 high rolling. I have not tried it, but may report back in with my findings.

 

[dzldpatriot]

Good thread/info. I had the same experience when moving the camper around. Got some funny looks from my boys, so I dug out the owners manual for a little reading Guess its normal, just doesn't give me a warm & fuzzy.

 

[Donn]

My truck grinds so bad that I shut the engine off before I shift into 4 low. I took it to the dealer and he said he could not find anything wrong with it. So I just shut it off before shifting into 4 low

 

[nickleinonen]

. So I just shut it off before shifting into 4 low

does it grind if you are in park [eng running] when shifting to 4L??? that is the only time you won't have any movement of the trans output/t-case input shaft

 

[OHale]

The owner's manual states that the preferred method is to have the truck rolling at very low speed. It also says you can shift into 4-low at a standstill but that it is not the preferred method. It also says to shift into neutral while rolling.



I get a little roll going, put the auto into neutral and shift straight through to 4 low. That minimizes the clunk for me.



I also do it unloaded: I shift into 4-low first and then attach to the trailer.

 

[Tim]

Do you guys have the electronic shift transfer case or something? I've never heard any noise.

 

[OHale]

Yes, I should have put that down. I have the electronic shift so there is no way to 'feel' my way into gear.



No bumps 2H to 4H, just into 4L.

 

[macdaddy]

It's normal OH



Mac

 

[Tim]

Yes, I should have put that down. I have the electronic shift so there is no way to 'feel' my way into gear.



No bumps 2H to 4H, just into 4L.

Ahh okay. I have a lever. I have never heard a peep out of mine. I've only had my truck in 4 low twice or something anyway, but I use 4 high just about every day. I'm still trying to figure out what 4 low is good for in a Diesel when you can let the clutch out and hold the brakes and it crawls nice and slow.

 

[nickleinonen]

I'm still trying to figure out what 4 low is good for in a Diesel when you can let the clutch out and hold the brakes and it crawls nice and slow.

when you want to crawl even slower, or if you want to impress someone by starting out zero throttle in 5th :-laf

 

[rbattelle]

Or if you want to pull your neighbor's house off its foundation.



I frequently use it when pulling out stuck vehicles in winter. More control at low speed. And it makes me feel like I'm driving a train.



-Ryan

 

[Tony T.]

Floor shifter shifting while usually in "N" I use one continuous pretty fast thrust forward for the 4L and do not hesitate during the motion, 99. 9% of the time a very smooth shift to me. I believe if you try to ease into the motion your going to get the grinding,binding, and more of a clunk noise.



Tony

 

[Tim]

if you want to impress someone by starting out zero throttle in 5th :-laf

When I pull the sled I'll use it.

 

[OHale]

I don't use 4L very much either. I live on 1/4 mile of gravel driveway and pulling a 900# water roller uphill was very nice in 4L. Aaaaroooooh!!!



The 'bump' I get is almost nothing, no worse than the faint bump of the auto under hard acceleration. The owner's manual is pretty specific about how to do it with the electronic shift.