difficulty changing from 2w high

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Dec 12, 2001 | 03:34 PM

johnny_ninja

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From: Northbridge USA

difficulty changing from 2w high

I have a 78 F250 that is very hard to shift from 2w to 4 low and 4 high. Is there any trick any of you know of to changing gears?

Dec 12, 2001 | 04:19 PM

Chuck P.

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From: SE PA

difficulty changing from 2w high

Not a trick, but you might want to shift from reverse to drive on an auto or let the clutch grab just a touch both ways, then try it. This helps "line up" the gears. From 2hi to 4hi I just let off the gas until it just so maintains, not accelerating or deccelerating at speeds up to 50mph or so. Do not try while turning, at speed, but turning just a little at very low speeds may also help.

Dec 13, 2001 | 11:37 AM

johnny_ninja

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From: Northbridge USA

difficulty changing from 2w high

So I can shift from 2hi to 4hi and visa versa while I am moving? I dind't realize that it was possible on a truck as old as mine. So with 4lo, I need to 'back out of the gear'? That is the term that I have heard.

Dec 13, 2001 | 01:02 PM

lanero

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From: South Sioux City, NE USA

difficulty changing from 2w high

I believe, to shift to 4lo, you need to be either stopped, or moving less then 5 mph. At leasst, that is what it says on the visor of my truck.

Roger Lane

Dec 13, 2001 | 05:59 PM

Chuck P.

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From: SE PA

difficulty changing from 2w high

Don't shift from hi to lo while moving, don't think you will like the results, lots of grinding, you are changing ratios that are not synchro'ed like a tranny. You should be able to go from 2-4wd hi when moving as long as you don't load the driveline, either direction, kinda like shifting a non-synchro'ed tranny, all speeds much match which is why you don't want the wheels turned, they will run at a different speed than the rear. In lo it tends to bind the driveline more than in hi and even backing up several feet may be needed to unload it as such. If it really is being contrary I will sometimes get "stuck" in neutral, then I just turn it off, get it back into hi, start it and on my way, this is with the C-6 though.