Cannot get into 4WD Low

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Jan 24, 2016 | 08:01 PM

japple157

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Joined: Jul 2015

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Cannot get into 4WD Low

I've got a 1989 F-150 XLT Lariat. I can get the 4WD shifter into high by just pulling up on it, but refuses to go down into low. Pattern shows to move shifter to the left and then back, but it will not budge. Do not want to try to force anything. Truck has got a 3" body lift on it. If anyone can lend some advice to what my problem may be it would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Jan 24, 2016 | 08:52 PM

Big_Al59

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: west plains spokane,wa

Usually have to push down on lever while going into low. Also be in neutral, park etc.

Jan 24, 2016 | 09:00 PM

Fastback460

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Joined: Sep 2012

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The transmission has to be in neutral to shift into 4Lo

And like Big_AL said, you need to push down on the lever while pulling back.

Jan 24, 2016 | 11:07 PM

whisler

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Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Northern Kentucky

On my '89, there is a detent that keeps you out of 4 LO. The shift lever pivots slightly to the left and is spring loaded toward the passenger side. You need to push the shift lever toward the drivers side against the spring to clear the detent and then pull back into 4LO. If yours is any thing like mine was, the the pivot point is seized up and won't move left. You will probably have to remove the shifter and soak it in Kroil to free it up.

Jan 25, 2016 | 06:54 AM

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

there were two transfer cases used in 89, so both answers are correct. look at the shift pattern. it will either show push to left and pull back, or push down and pull back. either way, the trans needs to be in neutral to shift into 4 low.
and if it still will not move, it is most likely locked up from lack of use and will need to be removed, taken apart, and cleaned.

Jan 25, 2016 | 07:36 AM

chrismd188

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2014

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From: Indiana

Mine has a 3 inch body lift on it and it shifts perfectly,I would crawl under it an check the linkage make sure its not rusted,you might have to soak it with pb blast or kroil

Jan 25, 2016 | 08:35 AM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Both my '89 and '90 trucks had the pull to the left shift pattern for 4 low and both mechanisms were totally seized when I bought the trucks. Do not force it or you will break the linkage, you're going to have to crawl under there and remove the whole linkage... dismantle and lube.