4X4 noob
 

I have just gotten my first 4X4. it is a 78 f150 ranger. I know this is a basic question, but i will never get an answer if I don't ask so here goes. The shifter i the floor has 4L, 4H, n and 2L. I know what each setting stands for. right now it is in n because the hubs need to be replaced. once I get that done, when would i use the different choices? I know not to drive on the hightway in 4X4 but that is about all I know. the 2L is what really confuses me. If there is a FAQ on this i couldn't find it so sorry in adavance

If it is in Neutral, you couldn't drive it.

I'm an '80's and up guy, so I can't tell you transfer case type and shift positons. Maybe someone else can help you out.

I know some of the trucks back then had the full time 4wd cases (np203), but it sounds like yours might be the 205. ?? Someone help.

If that is the case, it will only have 2hi, n, 4hi, 4low.

the shift pattern 4Lo, N, 4Hi, 2Hi or it should be.

if it was in neutral then the t-case would be disconnected from the output shafts so you wouldn't be able to drive it!

o yea....and the shift pattern for the 203 full time case is 4Lo - N - 4Hi

-cutts-

2H is for regular driving, 4L is for 4 wheel drive at crawling speeds (be gental on the gas), 4H is for normal speed driving in 4wd (such as in the snow). You could drive fast in 4wd, but just not on pavement. If you have manual hubs, you can put it in 4L with the hubs unlocked, and have technically 2L, which means you're in low range but only in 2wd. I use that for moving trailers or areas where i need to go slow but dont need 4wd.

The shift pattern should be 4L-N-2h-4h if its a NP205 transfer case. Leave it in 2hi on the pavement when you want to put it in 4 wheel lock the hubs first then shift it into either 4L or 4hi

Actually, some of the Dana 24 x-cases had the 4lo, 2lo, n, 2hi, 4hi patern. But Ford stopped using them after '73, so its doubtfull you have one. Just had to add some trivia :)

If you have 4 shift positions in a '78 F-150 you should have an NP205. Crawl under there and take a look, if it looks like this (click link):

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=45350&width=0

it is.

Then your pattern will be from forward to back: 4Lo-N-2Hi-4Hi

With your hubs locked in you can shift from 2hi to 4 hi and back whenever you want, but ALWAYS come to a COMPLETE stop before going into or out of low range.

Justin

Keep in mind too that people sometimes like to use hodge podge parts and the shift knob you have may not be the right one. The fact that you can drive this in neutral makes me think this may be the case.

I don't remember for certain but I thought the 203's that were converted from full time to part time would have 5 positions, 4Lo-2Lo-N-2Hi-4Hi. I guess without knowing which case is in there it's really tough to say.

it is 4Lo, N, 4Hi, 2Hi. It appears to be in the N postition but since I can drive it I guess it's not. The hubs need to be replaced and I don't know how long it has been since it was in 4X4 I am going to have the transfer case and front diff looked at before I do anything else. Thanks for all of the responses. Like I said I am new so I sppreciate the kindness