Can't get into 4 LO

[Jakejeep2005]

hey so i have a 2005 jeep rubicon and i can’t get it to go into 4 low. i’ve already adjusted the linkage so i know that’s not the problem. it feels like it doesn’t exist like there’s something blocking it. i have a 3 inch suspension lift and a 1 inch body lift. any ideas?

 

[Tj7]

Has the transfer case been apart lately? Mine was assembled wrong and did the same thing you are describing.

 

[Tj7]

The spring was on the wrong side of the shift fork.

 

[Jakejeep2005]

no it’s never been taken apart

 

[Tj7]

Can you shift it with the linkage disconnected, by hand, right at the transfer case?

 

[CharlesHS]

hey so i have a 2005 jeep rubicon and i can’t get it to go into 4 low. i’ve already adjusted the linkage so i know that’s not the problem. it feels like it doesn’t exist like there’s something blocking it. i have a 3 inch suspension lift and a 1 inch body lift. any ideas?

Did this problem occur before or after the body lift ?

 

[Jakejeep2005]

it happened after. the last time i had it i was off with some buddies and blew out my rear diff. i don’t know how that would effect it but that’s the last time i had low

 

[Jakejeep2005]

@Tj7 no it won’t go further than neutral.

 

[Tj7]

I would say internal problem then, not that difficult to take apart

 

[Jakejeep2005]

alright thanks for the help

 

[CharlesHS]

it happened after. the last time i had it i was off with some buddies and blew out my rear diff. i don’t know how that would effect it but that’s the last time i had low

Since the problem occurred after the body lift then the problem was more than likely caused by the angle of the transfer case shifter linkage. I have read that there is supposed to be a way to lower the linkage pivot point and then readjust the linkage for proper engagement/disengagement of the transfer case. The misalignment will cause the transfer case to pop out of gear or not engage at all. Novak also sells a cable kit for the transfer case to alleviate the misalignment of the linkage during flexing when body lifts are installed.
Contact the forum member: MrBlaine to clarify my suspicions.

 

[Jakejeep2005]

yeah i’ve heard that too but we’ve had the body lift since we bought it in 05 and low has worked up until the diff went out.

 

[Tj7]

If the linkage is off and can’t shift by hand, it’s not the linkage

 

[CharlesHS]

yeah i’ve heard that too but we’ve had the body lift since we bought it in 05 and low has worked up until the diff went out.

Might check around and see what changed.
IF you were recently off roading then flexing the suspension could have caused a body mount to shift or loosen up.
Look for the easier things first before assuming there is a problem with the transfer case.

 

[Fouledplugs]

Might check around and see what changed.
IF you were recently off roading then flexing the suspension could have caused a body mount to shift or loosen up.
Look for the easier things first before assuming there is a problem with the transfer case.

OP eliminated the linkage... The transfer case wont even shift into 4L using the selector at the case itself.

 

[Daryl]

OP eliminated the linkage... The transfer case wont even shift into 4L using the selector at the case itself.

In which post did OP state he’s disconnected the linkage?

 

[Jakejeep2005]

@Fouledplugs is right. i disconnected the linkage completely. i don’t know if i said that or not but i did and i still can’t get it to go in.

 

[Daryl]

@Fouledplugs is right. i disconnected the linkage completely. i don’t know if i said that or not but i did and i still can’t get it to go in.

Okay, remove the transfer case range sensor and check to make sure the pin moves freely.

 

[Jakejeep2005]

it’s an internal problem. i disconnected everything and tried switching the gears from under the jeep and had the same problem. thanks though!

 

[CharlesHS]

Now that you have continued your troubleshooting and have come up with the results you have; it is time to remove the transfer case. The problem could be worn or broken pads on the shift fork.

Look at this exploded drawing of the NP 231J.

NP-231J