I have a 1997 F350 diesel crew cab. The 4x4 lever is not engaging into 4-wheel high or low. It doesnt even move. What do i need to do? Please help.

 

Get under the truck and look at the linkage. Bet it's all rusted. Anoint it with PB-Blaster.

 

More than likely the linkage is froze up. This happened to me a few years ago. Pull the the shifter boot from inside the cab and you will have better access to the linkage. 2 large bolts, can't remember the size, I also had to cut and peel the trans tunnel a bit to access them better, but it will come out. Get it on the bench, hose it real good and start working it loose. Once apart grease the crap out of it. I have a link to more instructions from when I had my problem, but it's on the PC. Let us know if you still need help and I'll dig them up tonight.

 

Yeah, the linkage seems to be designed to be worked on while the trans is not in the truck.

But it's still hard to work on with the trans on the floor under the truck.

 

Don't force it or you will break the shifter. Been there, done that.

You can get it off from underneath, just takes patients and being a contorsionist helps

 

Thanks guys. Would it matter if it was a manual transmission truck that was converted to automatic?

 

I believe so. I am pretty sure the metal bar that goes from the shift lever to the linkage on the transfer case is different length. But the length difference is quite a bit I believe. But if you used all the auto stuff shouldn't be a problem. The metal bar is the only difference. When I broke my lever the used one I got had a bar on it so I just swapped everything on but it wouldn't match up with the shift notches, would always have to go by feel. After I found out that there are different length bars, I put the original bar onto the replacement shifter and it worked like it is supposed to. But I think the length of the bar is different for different transmission / transfer case combos.

 

Yes, it is. When I swapped the E4OD to ZF5 in my 93' F250 460, I had to change the shift linkage bar/lever as wildstang said.

 

would the linkage be longer or shorter then the original? where could i pick up one that might work?

 

Try a dealer. Maybe someone here with your combo can measure theirs and you could modify yours.

Did this start right after the swap or was working good then over time seized up?

 

I actually bought it like that. The 4-high worked that day i bought it but hast sense so i thought they dealer changed it right after i bought it or something

 

Hi, I have a 1997 Ford f250hd 4x4 and my shift linkage would not get out of 4wd. I tried a bunch of different things but wouldnt move. Unfortunately i guess i put too much pressure on it and something broke underneath. I believe it is a bracket that holds the shift linkage and moves it from 4wd to 2wd.Can you please help i'm at a loss considering i'm not very good with automotive work. Thanks Rich

 

if you have any ability and a anyone who can TIG weld aluminum
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...er-repair.html

If not. (NOT sure of the quality)

 

you'll have to get underneath to see what broke in linkage. if you're lucky the connector bar just popped off one of the two studs its pretty onto. if so, just pop it back on. if its something else, you'll have to post some pictures...

and for future reference, if your truck is an automatic, I found it easiest to shift in to 4x4 if I dropped the truck in to Neutral. that, or do it when coasting in gear. mine was always tough to get into 4x4 with the truck in park or in gear not moving. ...since I've converted to manual it works well all the time, though :-)

 

They seize up if not used regularly and will break when forced. Keep that metal bar from shifter to transfer case shift arm. There are different lengths depending trans/engine combos