Im i know this is really stupid. But here it goes.
In the front transfer case there is only one set of gears.
So the difference between 4hi and 4lo is in the transfer case, I assume. How is the dramatic difference in power acheived? And while im at it, how does the transfer case work?

 

Alright, I see you're kinda new to this.

When you say "front transfercase," are you talking about the pumpkin on the axle? That would be the differential.
The transfercase is a box that mounts to the back (or has a shaft from the back) of the transmission. In normal 2wd opperation, it does nothing. When placed into 4high, it incorperates the front driveline into the equation, providing power to both front and rear differentials. When placed into 4low range though, It sets itself onto a new set of gears. The power is gained through gear reduction, just like your transmission reduces the speed of the drivelines and increases the torque. I hope this helps a little, ask questions if it doesnt.

 

Yea i know what diffs. are (i learned that about a year ago threw the site
So the transfer case uses 2 sets of gears? What are their ratios? How can I find out what kind of gears are in the transfer case?

 

it depends on the t-case... the np205's have a laughable 1.96:1 low gear ratio and the np208 has a whopping 2.61:1 (if i remember right)

here are some others
np203 = 2.00:1
D20 = 2.00:1
NP207 = 2.61:1
D300 = 2.61:1
BW1345 = 2.72

-cutts-

 

here is a good link...
Transfer Case Info

 

well 4lo is usually what fishmandotcom said, and 4hi is usually 1:1 ratio, like the average 3rd gear in a tranny. 4lo has more pulling power, but is slow, speed wise, in
4hi you can go faster. its kinda like a tranny. in first you have more torque and take off power(4lo) in 2nd or 3rd gear, (4hi) you have less torque to the wheels, but you go faster.

 

So when the transfer case is in 4 lo, does the power going to the driveshaft, to the rear diff. go threw the transfer case first? Im kinda havin problems understandin how the front could be gettin different gear ratio than the rear... Or since its the same gear ratios in the diffs. does it not matter what kinda power is getting put into it?

 

when you engage 4 low, it engages a lower gear set for both the front and the rear.

 

Zman,

For the sake of simplicity, consider your transfer case an extension of your transmission. That is, power will always flow through your tcase, no matter what gear or transfer case position you're in. So when you're in 2wd, power flows from your trans through your tcase to the rear axle only. When you choose 4hi, power flows thru the tcase at approx a 1:1 ratio to both the front and rear axles. Finally, in 4lo power flows through the tcase at around 2:1 ratio to both front and rear axles. You can change the actual final ratio by choosing different trans/tcase combinations of gears while you are driving. Example: 3rd gear, 4lo will give you a final ratio of maybe 3.5 to 1. First gear, 4hi will give you a final ratio of about 5.5 to 1. These numbers are generic and are different for each trans/tcase combo. But, hopefully this provides some clarity.

All the Bst,
Ernie

 

its kinda confusing huh zman?

 

although technically correct, what it actually does is run through before it splits it to each driveshaft

 

Ok that makes more sense, thanks guys for helpin me feel smarter about this stuff.

 

I also have a stupid transfer question...my manual level is pretty much flopping around. I know nothing is seized as I can engage it manually. However, upon inspection the linkage attaches from the business end of the lever to an Aluminium? bracket that just seems to be a pivot, and its snapped in half (gotta love NY salt). What is this called? I tried to explain to my local parts house, and looked at me like a dog when you put it on the phone.

Thanks in advance
Larry, 95 Bronco, 302,E4OD, Manual Transfer