Seems to be sticky, real hard to pull in to 4wd. Is this something on the exterior of the transfer case that is common?? 1995 F150

 

Yes,very common and outside the transfer.The shifter is aluminium that pivots on a steel bolt.Corrosion and mix of the two metals causes binding.Spray the hell out it with PB Blaster.Once it loosens up some and works better take it off and grease it good.If you try to take it off before freein it up the aluminium can (and usually does) snap.