1997 F250HD won't shift out of 2H

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Jan 15, 2017 | 12:34 PM

Razkid

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Joined: Jun 2007

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1997 F250HD won't shift out of 2H

Hello, It seems like the shift handle doesn't push down far enough to get the transfer case out of 2H. My question is- does the gearshift lever, #9 in attached photo, have a locking mechanism in it that won't release it until the shift lever is pushed down far enough? The shift handle only pushes down until the tab hits the bottom of the detent plate. The handle only goes down about 1/8" but it seems like it used to go down more then that as if once the tab hit the bottom of the detent the handle would go down some more to unlock the shift lever.

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Jan 15, 2017 | 12:45 PM

Big_Al59

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: west plains spokane,wa

On all the 250's I've had, you just pulled the lever back an inch or so to hit 4hi. Don't need to push down & back unless you want 4lo.

Jan 15, 2017 | 02:56 PM

Razkid

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You're right Big_Al59. I found my owners manual soon after I submitted the question. The problem is that I can't get it to shift out of 2H. I drove around a while with the hubs locked, unlocked them and turned the driveshaft by hand while trying to engage the transfer case with no luck. Has anyone heard of the plastic bushings in the control rod (#12) seizing to the gearshift lever or the transfer case lever? I'll try disconnecting the control rod from the transfer case lever and see if I can get it to engage that way.

Thanks for your reply Big_Al59.

Jan 15, 2017 | 05:30 PM

jaagen

Senior User

Joined: Jun 2012

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From: Rohnert Park Ca.

Have you tried lubing the cap out of it. I had the same problem with mine till I lubed it exercised it lubed it exercised it till it moved nice and smooth.

Jan 15, 2017 | 06:16 PM

Diesel_Brad

Fleet Owner

Joined: May 2009

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From: Gilbert, PA

You pivot bolt is seized to the cast aluminum housing

Remove the whole mechanism from the truck and look at this thread

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...er-repair.html

Jan 22, 2017 | 11:18 AM

Razkid

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You are right Diesel_Brad. Yesterday I finally had the chance to get under the truck to take another look and see what happened when I removed the control rod. I was happy? that it was the shift lever and not the transfer case that was the problem. After loosening the pivot bolt, I kept spraying Kroil on it while turning it back and forth until it moved freely. I installed new bushings in the control rod and lubed the pivot points with never-seize. It shifts great now. Today I found your reply with the link to the repair thread. Installing grease fittings is a great idea and next on the list. Thanks to all of the replies.