Cannot shift into 4 Low

[RInzana]

Hello and Thank you in Advance,
I had the frame repaired on my 98 TJ from the top of the front wheel to the top of the back wheel on both sides. The shop that did the work told me there is now binding with the driveshaft and I should purchase and they will install a skid plate lowering kit. The jeep ran find until I tried to shift into 4Low. Stock IL6 motor, no idea what transfer case is in it, but I would suspect stock. The shifter sounds like it hits something metallic and will go into 4Low. My local jeep club said I should now raise the transmission so the linkage doesn't hit. Wouldn't think be counter-productive? The ground is still pretty cold and snow covered, but I'd like to purchase whatever I need so I can install once the weather clears up.
Any suggestions on what I need to do?

Rich

 

[RHanna]

I'm not sure how frame repair would do all of that but in any case you could purchase the savvy transfer case cable shifter

 

[tworley]

Try adjusting the linkage first

 

[RInzana]

T

I'm not sure how frame repair would do all of that but in any case you could purchase the savvy transfer case cable shifter

Thanks RHanna,
It did shift into 4low before the frame repair and the skid plate being lowered. No other changes which is why I'm thinking the lowering of the plate is causing binding somewhere.

Rich

 

[Rubicon88]

Not to insult you but...

4lo if is not meshing up properly can refuse to engage at times. A simple half tire rotation does the trick. (Meaning move forward or backwards just a tad and will fall in)

If you've really got a problem with the linkage not allowing you engagement ...
#1 WTF did they do to disrupt that in their repair??

#2 before anything else look into your linkage and adjust.

 

[LieutenantJohnson]

T

Thanks RHanna,
It did shift into 4low before the frame repair and the skid plate being lowered. No other changes which is why I'm thinking the lowering of the plate is causing binding somewhere.

Rich

I believe it just changed the Tcase shifter geometry. Like Tworley said, just get under and adjust your linkage. Plenty of videos on how to. VERY EASY

 

[Rubicon88]

I believe it just changed the Tcase shifter geometry. Like Tworley said, just get under and adjust your linkage. Plenty of videos on how to. VERY EASY

It's all it could be unless they removed it to repair and they fucked it up putting back in place.

Or....."we'll just weld the hell out of it."
"Weld what, Hank?"

Weld everything. Even your fingers and your toes. Weld the damn tires too. Ya know...to make sure.

 

[RHanna]

T

Thanks RHanna,
It did shift into 4low before the frame repair and the skid plate being lowered. No other changes which is why I'm thinking the lowering of the plate is causing binding somewhere.

Rich

I misunderstood. I didn’t read it that you had the lowering done.

how often are you shifting into 4lo? Just testing it out?

 

[1o1proof]

While you in the area, ditch the linkage and replace it with a cable. Just did ours and wish I had done it long ago. Less to worry about and much smoother.

 

[RInzana]

Thanks Everyone, I figured since it worked before the skid plate being lowered it would work now with out needing an adjustment. I'll do some research on adjusting so I'm familiar with the process and have a look underneath. I did have a few others in the club try to shift into 4lo and they were not able to either, all were rocking the jeep or rolling forward at a slow pace. Maybe the shop hit the linkage and bent something. Not planning on using 4lo all the time, a few weekends in the woods and on the beach might call for it, but if it has 4lo, I'd like to have it available if needed. I understand the cable is an option, was hoping to not have to invest another $140 into the "frame repair" issues.

 

[glowell222]

Thanks Everyone, I figured since it worked before the skid plate being lowered it would work now with out needing an adjustment. I'll do some research on adjusting so I'm familiar with the process and have a look underneath. I did have a few others in the club try to shift into 4lo and they were not able to either, all were rocking the jeep or rolling forward at a slow pace. Maybe the shop hit the linkage and bent something. Not planning on using 4lo all the time, a few weekends in the woods and on the beach might call for it, but if it has 4lo, I'd like to have it available if needed. I understand the cable is an option, was hoping to not have to invest another $140 into the "frame repair" issues.

I had a similar issue after I swapped my frame. I hadn't put the linkage mount back on the tub correctly, and I would check this first-it mounts to the tub with 4 bolts-nuts on the underside and bolt heads inside under the carpet.