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Shifter "path" into 4LO?

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Old 08-31-2009 | 07:18 AM
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Default 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.
Old 08-31-2009 | 08:21 AM
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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)
Old 08-31-2009 | 08:51 AM
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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.
Old 08-31-2009 | 06:10 PM
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I have an auto and I allways stop and put it into neutral, makes it alot easier.
Old 08-31-2009 | 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by bcrouse
Helpful if you're on an incline or decline....you can use the brakes to move you just a tad which helps alignment of the gearing.
This is what I do whenever possible. It results in a smooth shift every time. On flat surfaces, it's about 50/50.

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.
Old 09-01-2009 | 12:02 AM
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Good tip. Don't force it. Rolling slightly seems to help.
Old 09-01-2009 | 05:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Red
Good tip. Don't force it. Rolling slightly seems to help.
X2 on this, i just slightly roll.
Old 09-01-2009 | 07:57 AM
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x3 on the roll, I put it in neutral and right before it quits moving I jam down. No grinding at all.
Old 09-09-2009 | 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by motorvated
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?
you should be stopped, but a little noise is common. don't put to much into the diagram or an exact angle, just pull back it has nowhere else to go
Old 09-09-2009 | 09:50 AM
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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.



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