Shifting into 4x4

[Shadrach]

Having a "debate" about when and how to shift into 4 WD. The vehicle in question is similar to mine with a NV273 electric shift. My friend damaged his shift motor by doing it "wrong". The last time he went into 4 LO he couldn't get it to go back into 2WD when he wanted it to. TIA David

 

[Bob4x4]

Not possible in my opinion,it is computer operated with built in protection.

 

[04blackcherry]

The Manual has a few conditions that need to be met before it will go in or out of 4LO. I believe you need to be in neutral and traveling less than 2 or 3mph. If you are rolling, there will likely be a clunk felt going into low. You may need to go into 4HI before switching to 2HI. The dash light will blink if you're not doing it right.

 

[daverobb]

You can only shift into 4Lo if the truck is stopped and the trans is in N. You can shift into 4Hi on the fly, at any reasonable speed.

 

[HSpiering]

OK I have a question on this subject. On my 94 I could not get into or out of 4 low with out shutting the motor off. My brothers truck was the same. Neutral motor off in and out no problem. And I tried many times with out it being off and it just did not work. Now on my 06, it looks to be the same thing. In neutral motor running it doesn't want to go into 4low???

 

[GrantP]

OK I have a question on this subject. On my 94 I could not get into or out of 4 low with out shutting the motor off. My brothers truck was the same. Neutral motor off in and out no problem. And I tried many times with out it being off and it just did not work. Now on my 06, it looks to be the same thing. In neutral motor running it doesn't want to go into 4low???

My 97 was the same as you describe, no issues with the 06 though. I try to find a flat spot to engage 4LO, engine running, trans in neutral, foot off the brake, never been a problem. I'd still prefer a real transfer case lever though.

 

[crispyboy]

Mine has always work flawlessly though I much prefer a manual lever.
Into 4low - stopped and in neutral
Out of 4 low - 2 mph roll and in neutral while traveling in a straight line
4 high - stopped or rolling reasonable speed while traveling in a straight line

Hspiering - you may try a slight roll while shifting the transfercase. Our dad had a 78 Jeep Cherokee with the Quadra-Trac full time 4wd system (Borg Warner). You typically had to shut the motor off to shift into and out of 4 low unless you had the 2 mph roll.

 

[daverobb]

My truck has electronic t-case control as well. At the time of purchase it was the compromise that I made. I wanted a lever. But I have to say that I have grown to like it. The floor space is more usable and I have had no troubles with it. I have found that each 4x4 that I've owned required a slightly different technique to get it into 4lo. This is the first one that works as stated in the manual.

 

[JR]

OK I have a question on this subject. On my 94 I could not get into or out of 4 low with out shutting the motor off. My brothers truck was the same. Neutral motor off in and out no problem. And I tried many times with out it being off and it just did not work. Now on my 06, it looks to be the same thing. In neutral motor running it doesn't want to go into 4low???

Manual t case you can not shift into 4 lo with the truck running at a stop. You either need to be rolling at 2-3 mph, shift trans into neutral, and into 4lo. The only other option to prevent gear clash is to shift to neutral, shut the truck off and shift into neutral and restart the truck.

 

[HSpiering]

JR
Kind of hard to roll on flat ground and the truck in neutral. I guess I could get the wife out back and push. (as long as the mud is not to deep)

 

[JR]

Yes you have to already have the momentum going, as in you know ahead of time you will need 4lo so you throw the trans in neutral and as the truck slows to a couple of mph you slide into 4lo. It's the only way to go from the high side to the low side without causing gear clash, if you are at a stop the only option is to shut the truck off and shift into 4lo. I would definitely NOT force it any other way, that grinding is the t case telling you a rebuild is in your future if ya keep it up....

 

[rscurtis]

Keep in mind that an automatic does not have a true "neutral" like a stick does. There is always internal friction causing the driveline to want to turn, hence the benefit of momentarily shutting the engine off when shifting into low range.

 

[Ozymandias]

I shifted hundreds of times HI/LO in Iceland Holiday, at the beginning it was sometimes a little harsh.

The nor often I used it the easier it shifted, first I had to stop for it, later it shifted perfectly when rolling 2-3MpH - Up an Down flawlessly.


Using the LO Position often is the Key to Success.

 

[AH64ID]

Manual t case you can not shift into 4 lo with the truck running at a stop. You either need to be rolling at 2-3 mph, shift trans into neutral, and into 4lo. The only other option to prevent gear clash is to shift to neutral, shut the truck off and shift into neutral and restart the truck.

No issues going into 4lo when stopped on my 05, dads 06, or my brothers 05. All 3 are manual transfer cases, and my and dads truck are manual transmission trucks.

Coming out is a little harder, but I've never had to shut the motor off.

I do prefer to be rolling, but don't have to be.

 

[Ozymandias]

Isn't there a difference between 271 to 273?

I meant the 273 has a synchronized unit for the LO Gears.

 

[JR]

I've never had any issues shifting into 4lo with any standard trans I've owned either, but both autos I've owned are finicky. The procedure I listed is from My 98 owners manual in response to HSpierings question on his 97 w/auto trans and is the only way I've ever successfully been able to shift into 4lo without any gear clash.

 

[Shadrach]

To the best of my knowledge the only difference is that the 273 is set up for electric shift. Thanks for all the advice guys. David

 

[AH64ID]

To the best of my knowledge the only difference is that the 273 is set up for electric shift. Thanks for all the advice guys. David

That's my understanding as well.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Interesting, never had a problem going in or out of low, I always do it from a stop with the automatic in neutral, same way I have done it with my 1st gen, and 2nd gen too. I do have a manual shift transfer case in all three trucks
Kyle.