Can’t get 4WD shifter into 2H

[LDBlover]

It shouldn’t really ever be difficult to pull out of 4H into 2H, because it’s literally just sliding a collar off of some teeth.

I feel like you have a t-case disassembly ahead of you.

There is also the possibility that somebody went in there before and forgot to put the snap ring on the main shaft that pulls the main shaft rearward, which could keep it engaged in the collar even when in 2WD.

But the fact that the shifter won’t even go into 2WD makes me think you have a bigger issue internally than the snap ring.

Is there anything else you could suggest I do before removing the TC and proceeding to disassembly? The lever is really stuck..

Should I just buy a new transfer case or should I take it apart and rebuild it? This is so strange considering that 4WD was never used. What do you think it could be if bigger than the snap ring issue?

 

[sab]

It shouldn’t really ever be difficult to pull out of 4H into 2H, because it’s literally just sliding a collar off of some teeth.

Didn't know that. Semper discens!

 

[cpwolf]

I’ve got the jeep in neutral. I roll it backwards then go under and try to shift it into 2H. Am I doing this right? So far it hasn’t worked.

Yes. Since you're pulling the front drive shaft either way...Pull that off. Leave it off, you can then just turn the front Yoke on the Transfer Cast back and forth should let it shift if there's a bind.

Look up a Jeep TJ 231 Transfer case rebuild on youtube or a SYE install video....you'll see the internals and people shifting it. If you haven't opened one, might be a good perspective if that makes sense.

 

[machoheadgames]

Is there anything else you could suggest I do before removing the TC and proceeding to disassembly? The lever is really stuck..

Should I just buy a new transfer case or should I take it apart and rebuild it? This is so strange considering that 4WD was never used. What do you think it could be if bigger than the snap ring issue?

I honestly don't know. It's pretty simple in there. I would think some part might end up being broken for it to be this bad. I feel like it is likely not the snap ring issue because you should still be able to get the shifter plate to go to the 2H spot, you would just end up staying in 4H function with the chain engaged, despite the shifter having moved. Since it seems like the shifter itself is not actually moving into the 2H position, it makes me think something is broken and not allowing the parts to move appropriately.

You could just buy a t-case and swap it in, but disassembly really isn't that bad. I want to see it apart so we can know what happened, just for curiosity's sake.

 

[machoheadgames]

What color is the sealant on the t-case? If it's any color other than black, that would at least indicate that it's been opened before and could potentially start to point at somebody having messed with something. At this age, it's likely it has been opened before, although less likely on a stock rig.

 

[LDBlover]

I honestly don't know. It's pretty simple in there. I would think some part might end up being broken for it to be this bad. I feel like it is likely not the snap ring issue because you should still be able to get the shifter plate to go to the 2H spot, you would just end up staying in 4H function with the chain engaged, despite the shifter having moved. Since it seems like the shifter itself is not actually moving into the 2H position, it makes me think something is broken and not allowing the parts to move appropriately.

You could just buy a t-case and swap it in, but disassembly really isn't that bad. I want to see it apart so we can know what happened, just for curiosity's sake.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/crown-automotive-np231-transfer-case-overhaul-kit-8706-yj-tj.html Would this be a suitable rebuild kit?

 

[machoheadgames]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/crown-automotive-np231-transfer-case-overhaul-kit-8706-yj-tj.html Would this be a suitable rebuild kit?

I'd probably go with one of the listings from here for a bit less:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...1,drivetrain,transfer+case+overhaul+kit,16049

I bet it ends up being some sort of broken part that the rebuild kit doesn't address, but you won't find that out until in there. Still, a rebuild is not a bad idea because it's not difficult to do and you'll be in there anyways.

 

[LDBlover]

I'd probably go with one of the listings from here for a bit less:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...1,drivetrain,transfer+case+overhaul+kit,16049

I bet it ends up being some sort of broken part that the rebuild kit doesn't address, but you won't find that out until in there. Still, a rebuild is not a bad idea because it's not difficult to do and you'll be in there anyways.

Would the standard gear for $97 be okay?

 

[cpwolf]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/crown-automotive-np231-transfer-case-overhaul-kit-8706-yj-tj.html Would this be a suitable rebuild kit?

Just me.....but I would not go jumping to a full rebuild yet, ha, unless you've got time on your hands. You can pull it all apart and find out what's up first and possibly just be out the RTV, if I remember pulling it apart correctly.

I'm not against rebuilding what needs it, but if it worked, all you did was pull it and put it back on....that's odd, I'm not hearing something that would cause that, but maybe just me.

 

[LDBlover]

Just me.....but I would not go jumping to a full rebuild yet, ha, unless you've got time on your hands. You can pull it all apart and find out what's up first and possibly just be out the RTV, if I remember pulling it apart correctly.

I'm not against rebuilding what needs it, but if it worked, all you did was pull it and put it back on....that's odd, I'm not hearing something that would cause that, but maybe just me.

I’m pretty much out of time now. Being a professional musician with a gig in a month, I can’t dedicate anymore time to this. School starts back in a month too, as I’m in undergrad.

Looks like LDB is gona be sitting for a while. I tried every one of your guys suggestions, none have worked. The seal is black so I’m guessing it’s never been taken apart. During winter break I guess I’ll take the TC apart and see what’s up….

Any last suggestions would be great. That lever is stuck like chuck.

 

[machoheadgames]

Best option is probably find a used t-case to get you running quickly, and then tear down the old for science just to see what happened.

With the front driveshaft removed, you can just leave it in 4H with no issues as long as it runs smoothly. If it doesn't then I'd park it until repaired.

 

[LDBlover]

Best option is probably find a used t-case to get you running quickly, and then tear down the old for science just to see what happened.

With the front driveshaft removed, you can just leave it in 4H with no issues as long as it runs smoothly. If it doesn't then I'd park it until repaired.

I appreciate that, I’ll definitely be tearing this TC open come winter. I just checked out some options for used 231 cases…. Maybe we will be able to afford one.. as of now, strapped for cash.

I would like to add that she runs like crap right now. I can be in third gear and only about 10-15 mph, I guess that’s because it’s in 4H? Doesn’t feel like driving normal, that’s for sure.

 

[Wildman]

I appreciate that, I’ll definitely be tearing this TC open come winter. I just checked out some options for used 231 cases…. Maybe we will be able to afford one.. as of now, strapped for cash.

I would like to add that she runs like crap right now. I can be in third gear and only about 10-15 mph, I guess that’s because it’s in 4H? Doesn’t feel like driving normal, that’s for sure.

You should still be in 1st gear @ 10-15 MPH... I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Do you mean that it doesn't have any power? The 4.0 likes to be rev'd up. It's not like a manual 4 cylinder car. You need to spin these up to 3,500-4,000 RPM's to get power out of them.

Can you explain more about what you mean by "It runs like crap":?

 

[LDBlover]

You should still be in 1st gear @ 10-15 MPH... I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Do you mean that it doesn't have any power? The 4.0 likes to be rev'd up. It's not like a manual 4 cylinder car. You need to spin these up to 3,500-4,000 RPM's to get power out of them.

Can you explain more about what you mean by "It runs like crap":?

Exactly my point. I just took it for a test drive and got barely any power. I had to shift into 4th gear going like 20 mph or else I would’ve red lined every gear up until then.

 

[LDBlover]

You should still be in 1st gear @ 10-15 MPH... I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Do you mean that it doesn't have any power? The 4.0 likes to be rev'd up. It's not like a manual 4 cylinder car. You need to spin these up to 3,500-4,000 RPM's to get power out of them.

Can you explain more about what you mean by "It runs like crap":?

Yes, I’m not getting any power. Lots of revs, no power with the 4WD light on, as it is stuck in 4H. Tried again to pull the lever all the way forward, no dice. Calling it quits on this one until winter break. Thanks for everything fellas

 

[machoheadgames]

Yes, I’m not getting any power. Lots of revs, no power with the 4WD light on, as it is stuck in 4H. Tried again to pull the lever all the way forward, no dice. Calling it quits on this one until winter break. Thanks for everything fellas

That means you’re stuck in 4L. You’re definitely going to find something wrong internally once you take the t-case apart.

 

[Wildman]

Yes, I’m not getting any power. Lots of revs, no power with the 4WD light on, as it is stuck in 4H. Tried again to pull the lever all the way forward, no dice. Calling it quits on this one until winter break. Thanks for everything fellas

If it's reving and not going anywhere then it sounds like your newly installed clutch isn't installed properly. Being in 4HI with the front driveshaft removed is the same as being in 2WD. My Jeep started off with a 4 cyl and I would drive down the freeway when there was snow on it in 4WD HI going 70 MPH...

So you need to back up and address one issue at a time & IMO the clutch is more of a issue than the t-case not shifting properly.

 

[machoheadgames]

If it's reving and not going anywhere then it sounds like your newly installed clutch isn't installed properly. Being in 4HI with the front driveshaft removed is the same as being in 2WD. My Jeep started off with a 4 cyl and I would drive down the freeway when there was snow on it in 4WD HI going 70 MPH...

So you need to back up and address one issue at a time & IMO the clutch is more of a issue than the t-case not shifting properly.

He’s revving up and going at a slow speed, which is why he was in 3rd at 10-15 mph. He’s stuck in lo.

 

[Wildman]

He’s revving up and going at a slow speed, which is why he was in 3rd at 10-15 mph. He’s stuck in lo.

I thought he'd said it shifted into 4HI? Now I'm going to have to go back & read again...


Edit:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/can’t-get-4wd-shifter-into-2h.86202/post-1767869

 

[machoheadgames]

I thought he'd said it shifted into 4HI? Now I'm going to have to go back & read again...


Edit:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/can’t-get-4wd-shifter-into-2h.86202/post-1767869

He got the shifter plate to go into the 4H position but if he's needing to shift into 3rd at such a low speed because it keeps revving up, then I'd say he's definitely actually in 4L, regardless of the shifter position. Definitely got some things wrong inside that t-case.