ARGH 4x4 shifter broken!

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May 6, 2009 | 06:50 PM

Jermafenser

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From: MD

ARGH 4x4 shifter broken!

I had to to see if the truck has a working 4x4...went to shift from 2H to 4HI just fine, and then Neutral & 4LO without a problem. Then I followed the pattern left and down to get out of Neutral, and the shifter sunk in.

Now the truck is stuck in neutral. Basically powerless now. I called my local junkyard and they didn't have any.

Looked under the truck (it was dark, hard to see) and I think it's broken where the shifter end is at.

1) Can I somehow get it back in 2HI at the transfer case without damaging something else? I can fix the shifter later, but I do need to move it around.

2) Has anyone either attempted to repair it with JB-Weld or replace it with a stronger material i.e. steel, custom-made?

3) Last option...is it still available from Ford, and how much if so? Parts number?

May 6, 2009 | 07:39 PM

HrdDrv

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From: Baltimore

Grab the shaft/whatever is still on the shaft and see if it will go in. There was another issue on here of that flavor, don't recall the outcome though.

May 6, 2009 | 07:59 PM

Blue Rebel

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From: Cottage Grove, WI

under the truck, is a bunch of linkage that connects the lever to the tcase. follow it to the tcase housing, and there you will find the main lever on the side of the tcase. disconnect the linkage from that main lever, and then you can manually shift the tcase from under the truck. You will need to roll the truck forward slightly and block the wheels to get the load off of the driveshaft. the lever will be hard to move, but it will go. If i remember right you will need to pull it torward the front of the truck.

May 6, 2009 | 08:35 PM

dustybumpers

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From: In my own world

part is still available from ford, costs about $65. when you get the new one, take it apart and grease the heck out of it before you put it on the truck. my 89 has gone through 3 of them. take it with you when you get the new one, there's like 5 different ones

May 6, 2009 | 08:36 PM

Jermafenser

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From: MD

Thanks for the info. I will attempt to move it into 2HI tomorrow then report back.

This is a common problem on these trucks, mainly the 92/97 I guess. One of Ford's better ideas.

$65...yeah, the parts are always the moneymaker!

Yup. After some searching, I'll be greasing it every season with something synthetic or weather-resistant.

May 8, 2009 | 02:39 PM

Robbie87_05

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My Shifter did the same thing. My local junkyard said it was a common problem. I had my dad weld a peice of steel around both sides of the shifter where it had broke because the shifter itself wont hold a weld. I will try to take a picture for you today. But it works just fine and havent had another problem with it.

May 9, 2009 | 02:47 PM

HrdDrv

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From: Baltimore

Even though it's gonna be Mother's Day, ya just gotta love them Dads!.

May 9, 2009 | 07:33 PM

Jermafenser

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From: MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by waynaferd

Once you get the new one, break off the little pin....then you won't hafta push down on it and 2 hi to 4 lo will be a straight shot.....best thing I've done to mine!!

That actually sounds like a great idea! I'm so used to having the older NP205 that goes straight up and down.

Thanks!