Shifter "path" into 4LO?
#1
Shifter "path" into 4LO?
I don't have very much offroad experience in a Jeep, but definitely want to learn. Pertaining to shifting into 4L, I've read several threads here, have thoroughly read my owner's manual and read offroad tips at jeep.com. Do you guys move the transfer case shifter exactly as the "path" is shown on the shifter? (to the right from 4H, and then straight back a slight amount and, without pausing, pull diagonally towards you to your left?) I do that but still have some grinding shifting into 4LO. While shifting into 4L, I have my automatic in neutral and am coasting at about 1-2 mph, on dirt. I've only used 4L about 3 times for short distances on dirt. I'm thinking that I may be pulling straight back too far, before doing the diagonal move to my left. Any suggestions?
Last edited by motorvated; 08-31-2009 at 07:28 AM.
#2
On mine I shift just like the diagram shows (not sure you can shift it anyother way). As for the grinding I've been in and out of 4L many times and it still grinds on mine every now and then. I am normaly stopped when I shift it into 4L if I'm rolling forward over half a mile per hour the gears crunch going in but if I'm rolling backwards they don't. It sounds to me like your tcase is pretty new still so some grinding should be expected while the gears wear in. Pretty much the more you use it the easier it will mesh. I don't think its because your pulling back to far on the stick when it engages you should hear and feel a solid clunk. Hope this helps ya bro. (I have a manual BTW but that shouldn't change it too much if any)
#3
Yes, it's virtually new- only about three shifts into & out of 4L...and maybe 2-3 miles total in 4L. I bought it new & have had the Jeep about 2-3 months and 4000 miles. I've had manual shifts on previous trucks/cars & the shifting paths from gear to gear always seemed like a natural track (the only way to move the shifter). I wanted to ask here before attempting to change the way I was moving the shifter. Like you said above, my t-case may just need more use to mesh better. That said, I will try to shift even slower, or even stopped) than the 1-2mph I've been doing. Thanks much for your quick reply.
#5
Another thing. There is no need to apply a lot of force. Force will result in your shifter cable retainer breaking at the transfer case or at the connection in the console.
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#9
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,255
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From: GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB
I don't have very much offroad experience in a Jeep, but definitely want to learn. Pertaining to shifting into 4L, I've read several threads here, have thoroughly read my owner's manual and read offroad tips at jeep.com. Do you guys move the transfer case shifter exactly as the "path" is shown on the shifter? (to the right from 4H, and then straight back a slight amount and, without pausing, pull diagonally towards you to your left?) I do that but still have some grinding shifting into 4LO. While shifting into 4L, I have my automatic in neutral and am coasting at about 1-2 mph, on dirt. I've only used 4L about 3 times for short distances on dirt. I'm thinking that I may be pulling straight back too far, before doing the diagonal move to my left. Any suggestions?
#10
Following advice in this thread, I have been shifting into 4LO while stopped- no more grinding. That makes me wonder why our owner's manuals & jeep.com suggest shifting at "2-3 mph". It seems to me that both should emphasize shifting while stopped and if the gears don't engage, then slightly roll, then stop & try shifting again. Thanks again for your replies.