Transfer case linkage let me down yesterday

nondem

nondem

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 17, 2021
Messages
152
Location
Tallahassee, Fl. USA
So since I got this TJ, 2H worked fine but it would sometimes pop out of 4L if I didn't actually hold the handle back. It worked fine when I tested it on a dirt road but every time I actually needed 4L it would pop out.
I did the adjustment procedure outlined in the manual and watched several Youtube videos...sure seems pretty straight forward...but at this point I wish I hadn't because it wouldn't go into 4L at all when I really needed it yesterday. This is after working perfectly right after adjusting it.
Now that I have 35's on it, I REALLY need low range....I got in some deep mud and of course w/3.73's I couldn't break loose and turn the tires in 4H(auto trans). Although the shifting worked fine driving around the property after doing the adjustment I couldn't get it to go into 4L when I needed it...period. If I held it all the way back it would grind a bit like it was trying to get into 4L but it just wouldn't catch. I ended up having to winch out in 2WD.
I inspected the linkage while I had the transfer case out doing the SYE and it seemed fine...at least it didn't have any noticeable wear or bushing issues. There is no transfer case drop so everything is still at the factory angles.
I know I ultimately need the Savvy shifter cable but due to other recent Jeep-related purchased I'll have to get a divorce if I buy it right now. I figure I'll do the adjustment again when I do the body lift and "maybe" that will help...short of getting the cable shifter, is there any tips/tricks that might help in the short term?
 
nondem said:
So since I got this TJ, 2H worked fine but it would sometimes pop out of 4L if I didn't actually hold the handle back. It worked fine when I tested it on a dirt road but every time I actually needed 4L it would pop out.
I did the adjustment procedure outlined in the manual and watched several Youtube videos...sure seems pretty straight forward...but at this point I wish I hadn't because it wouldn't go into 4L at all when I really needed it yesterday. This is after working perfectly right after adjusting it.
Now that I have 35's on it, I REALLY need low range....I got in some deep mud and of course w/3.73's I couldn't break loose and turn the tires in 4H(auto trans). Although the shifting worked fine driving around the property after doing the adjustment I couldn't get it to go into 4L when I needed it...period. If I held it all the way back it would grind a bit like it was trying to get into 4L but it just wouldn't catch. I ended up having to winch out in 2WD.
I inspected the linkage while I had the transfer case out doing the SYE and it seemed fine...at least it didn't have any noticeable wear or bushing issues. There is no transfer case drop so everything is still at the factory angles.
I know I ultimately need the Savvy shifter cable but due to other recent Jeep-related purchased I'll have to get a divorce if I buy it right now. I figure I'll do the adjustment again when I do the body lift and "maybe" that will help...short of getting the cable shifter, is there any tips/tricks that might help in the short term?
Click to expand...
Have you checked your motor mounts and transmission mount? Is it possible the drivetrain is moving excessively causing the shifting issue?
 
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SvtLdr said:
Have you your motor mounts and transmission mount? Is it possible the drivetrain is moving excessively causing the shifting issue?
Click to expand...

You have a point...I did have someone put it in drive and park and hit the throttle while I watched the engine and it didn't flop around noticeably but it does seem like something must be moving enough to make a diff. It works fine and then doesn't...I have new 1" lift MMs to install when I do the BL. Maybe that will help - or just the change in angle w/the lift may help(or make it worse).

One pleasant surprise I found reading the docs on the BL is that if you don't have a transfer case drop you don't have to install the shifter relocation bracketry. I'll report back after getting all that in place.
 
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nondem said:
You have a point...I did have someone put it in drive and park and hit the throttle while I watched the engine and it didn't flop around noticeably but it does seem like something must be moving enough to make a diff. It works fine and then doesn't...I have new 1" lift MMs to install when I do the BL. Maybe that will help - or just the change in angle w/the lift may help(or make it worse).

One pleasant surprise I found reading the docs on the BL is that if you don't have a transfer case drop you don't have to install the shifter relocation bracketry. I'll report back after getting all that in place.
Click to expand...

I would also take a look at the transmission mount if you haven't already done so.
 
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Try to convince your wife it’s a safety issue . Amazon has the Savvy cable shifters in stock now .
Also , mentioned above , Please check your transmission mount . I had no idea mine was bad . I only found out when I dropped the skid and the mount fell apart .
 
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