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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Transfer Case Stuck in 4 LOW

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Old Aug 29, 2004 | 01:36 AM
  #1  
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theFabulousmisterG
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Transfer Case Stuck in 4 LOW

Was gonna back up a hill in my 1988 F150 5spd 4WD to unload lawnmower more easily. Put in 4WD LOW range and popped the E-brake (I do truly hate the idiot who invented this foot-operated E-brake with the uncontrolled release) and let the clutch out. Two loud clangs as I started to back up. YOW, FORGET THIS!! Shifted back to 2WD HIGH and drove up FORWARD accompanied by a clunk - clunk - clunk - sound - - as i later discovered, I had NOT shifted out of 4 LOW even though the shifter lever had shifted, and the light on dash changed to 2 HIGH.
Shift lever works, and is connected correctly to the little lever thingie part on transfer case. This is an unusually technical term, I realize, but we strive for accuracy at all costs.
And now it stays in 4WD LOW, even though I have tried moving shift lever to all positions, including neutral. Nope. Stuck in 4 LOW.
Additional symptom, it makes a clunk - clunk - clunk sound coasting backward in NEUTRAL, sounding like it is coming from transfer case area.
None of the U-joints seem to be pranged (another overly technical term, I realize, but bear with me please). Suggestions solicited. Thank You. JohnG.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2004 | 01:02 PM
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98150
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I had a 95 f150 with a manual transfer case that was a pain in the but to get out of 4 low. What I learned was that I had to have the truck in N and push down on the transfer case lever and then put it in 2 wheel drive. It first happened out in the middle of a 1600 acre pasture and it took me an hour to get it shifted. After that I never used 4 low again. hope it helps.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2004 | 07:10 PM
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Sounds like something internal, maybe broke the shift fork inside the case. Sounds like your going to have to pull the case and open it up.
 
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Old Sep 2, 2004 | 01:08 AM
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Transfer Case Stuck in 4 LOW

What about replacing the shift forks with the transfer case IN the truck??? Is that lots harder to do than taking the transfer case out first??
 
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Old Sep 2, 2004 | 10:39 AM
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it's actually REALLY easy to remove the tcase. 6 bolts hold it on to the housing, and then you have to remove the linkage. The case is very light probably only 50lbs.
 
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Old Sep 2, 2004 | 08:56 PM
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Hey, FordPerf300, that's really Very encouraging, you really made my day brighter !! Last month I was replacing a seal on a Chevvy 4WD and the transfer case slipped off the jack - - spent the rest of that day just getting it back on (working by myself) so I was approaching my Ford with a bit of trepidation, to say the least. Very much appreciating your encouraging information. Thanks BUNCHES !!!
 
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