We didn't use four wheel drive much in the past, but now live where it snows so used it a time or two this winter. Don't recall EVER using 4L for any purpose. Always use 4H when four-wheeling. Well, now it's stuck in 4H and my gas mileage is HORRIBLE, as I have to drive around all day for my job!

Only reason I mentioned 4L, is I tried to shift into it, to try to maybe get OUT of 4H, and it's like 4L aint there. Nor is the "N" you are supposed to shift into bewteen 4H and 4L. ANy ideas? OF course, I followed the procedure about "put it into reverse and then drive forward etc etc." No go! HELP!!!

Vehicle is 1989 Full-size Bronco, 351 V8, do NOT have overdrive tranny.

 

Sounds like the range fork inside the transfer case snapped. are you sure the truck doesn't go into 2wd???? BTW your truck does have overdrive unless you swapped the tramsmission to the older C6. your truck comes with the AOD which is the automatic overdrive.

 

I agree. Or its just jammed into 4h and isn't able to disengage either way it sounds like time for a range fork. I'd look into it before the oil pump goes or something then you'll have to replace other stuff too. I would to suggest unlocking your hubs and drive in 4h seeing as its the same as 2h just the front driveline will spin and you can disengage your hubs. Hope that helps.

 

This Bronco is Bone stock, nope, no overdrive, I understand the trans is a C6, not the optional automatic overdrive.

 

How do I disengage the forward hubs? It's all done automatically. Nothing to turn.

 

you could try to take out the front drive shaft also

 

i don't recall the C6 being used in our vehicles that late of a year. i own 2 89's both have the AOD and are bone stock xlt's

 

My 88 Bronco had a factory c-6 in it. I think the option was still available for the Custom s. I now have an AOD in mine.

 

I think we need to know what type of transfer case you have more than the trans. Though it probably is a good thing to know if you have a trans that wasn't offered in that year. You should also find out if the hubs are engaging and if you can disengage them. That would be a factor in your gas mileage and probably could save some wear and tear on the drivetrain.

 

It sounds to me like something in the t-case went bad. In that year i am guessing that it has an borg warner 13-56. It sounds like it is a manual shift? They are not all too teribly hard to pull apart and fix or rebuild yourself. I rebuilt mine about a month ago or so and the hardest part was getting it out of the truck. If you look in my gallery there are some pics of it ed open if you want to kind of see what it looks like.

 

Well, I guess the C6 can't be too unusual in it. Whenver I go to the parts store they ask me if I have the c6 or AOD, and never arch an eyebrow when I say "C6". And the shift indicator on the dash has no place for an overdrive indicator. It was purchased in Calfornia, and sometimes stuff for that state is different. I appreciate everyone's suggestions, keep 'em coming! Oh, forgot to mention, about 3 days before this problem happened, I had it into a garage to get the neutral safety switch replaced, it's located on the transmission. Could some sort of vacuum hose have come loose maybe, causing this problem? Thanks!

 

Your transfer case shift motor is stuck in 4H. This motor is located behind the Tcase. Remove the 3 screws that hold it in place and use a screwdriver to turn the slotted arrow back to the 4H mark. I recommend replacing the motor. One of the dealers listed on this website sells one for $150. Ford's is 350.

JB

 

not likely. there is no vacuum for the transfer case. its entirely mechanical. if your mechanical, i would suggest getting the parts, about $100 ( ford stealership), and replace the range fork and oil pump. its not too difficult, i did mine in a day, tear out, repair and replace. took me more time to locate the parts.

 

We still don't know what t case he has and whether or not its manual or automatic.

 

The retainer which is held in place by the retainer slot in the case may have failed. The result is that this retainer is damaged and forced into the selector fork preventing you from switching from 4x4 high to 2x4. Information reviewed says this is common in this year and 1356 transfer case. Rebuild is necessary in this situation. I would suggest you replace the oil pump, hose and filter because of the possible metal pieces left in the case. If this has occurred there will be debris in the case below the planetary gear. Remove it also and clean the case thoroughly. I suggest you replace all the bearings and seals at this time since you will have to remove all of them to check for metal pieces lodged in the bearings. The case has to be either replaced or repaired. I had a boeing retireee weld a new slot into my case. It has to be done right, the shoulders of the slot have to be precise or the retainer can slip out again and you will be back where you started. Bad Ford design. Ford's recommendation is that the case halve be replace every 100,000k. The selector has plastic guides, if these have broken then you will no longer be able to change the transfer case. I hope none of these things are the problem and you have found a simpler solution to the fix. Good luck.