Transfer Case Shifting Problem (video)

[jmd349]

My copious amounts of reading has well documented to me that the transfer case shifter linkage is garbage, and that for the long term it should be upgraded to a cable style setup. Definitely want to get that done in the future, however, I don’t have $180 in the cards to play to get this done right now.

So with that said I have attached a video (pardon my amateur commentary) of the current state of my shifter linkage. If I am deducing correctly, it appears the arm that goes from the spring in the z-linkage to the actual shifter arm extending from the TC is slightly bent, thus not apply the proper pressure to the shifter arm. Does that seem right? Is that specific piece replaceable?

And of course my mind goes to the worst possible scenario... could the TC be locked up!?

 

[2005 TJ]

Potentially it's only me, but I've tried loading your video 3 or 4 times and it's audio only.

 

[jmd349]

Potentially it's only me, but I've tried loading your video 3 or 4 times and it's audio only.

I’m sure I jacked something up. Let me see what I can do....

 

[jmd349]

Potentially it's only me, but I've tried loading your video 3 or 4 times and it's audio only.

I shortened it up to roughly 15 seconds. For me to view it after posting I had to download the file in my Safari. I am on iPad. I’m sure it’s different for others.

I could be just doing it all wrong too...

 

[2005 TJ]

I shortened it up to roughly 15 seconds. For me to view it after posting I had to download the file in my Safari. I am on iPad. I’m sure it’s different for others.

I could be just doing it all wrong too...

I tried again but still no luck!

 

[AndyG]

The linkage is adjustable.

Loosen the 13mm nut on the rod

Click the transfer case firmly into 4 low

Have your buddy hold up the shifter

Tighten 13 mm nut

lubricate all the pivot points liberally with a quality spray lubricant not a penetrant or WD-40.

 

[Goatman]

A good spray with Fluid Film will keep the rust at bay and also works into spots like a penatrant spray. A 2 for 1.

 

[Chris]

Video works fine for me.

Near as I can tell that shifter linkage is in bad condition. I see rust, which means the bushings and everything else are probably toast, thus it's not allowing it to move very freely. In all fairness, that stock shifter linkage setup is a piece of garbage. You should replace it with a cable shifter so you never have to deal with this again.

This is the one I suggest:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073L4L4R5/?tag=wranglerorg-20

In the meantime though, I would suggest lubing everything under there, as I suspect that is the issue.

 

[AjRagno]

It looks like the linkage rod has come out of the pivot body that’s mounted to the tub, probably due to the rust creating the need for additional force to move the arm.

If Novak is not an option right now, you can pick up a linkage rebuild kit then remove, clean and lubricate the entire assembly.

Fluid Film will definitely help avoid these rust related issues.

 

[LONGJP2]

Another option.
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...yU4ur9qSsChMSlrijj655sYOVpZNFq3hoCDBYQAvD_BwE

 

[jmd349]

Appreciate everyone’s feed back. I’m going to blast it daily with some PB for the next few days and then give it a shot. I may end getting a short crow bar and tapping the end of it with a hammer against the lever extending from the TC to encourage it to move.

One question about the cable shifter for those with it. Did you have to drop the skid plate to install? Having a tough time figuring how it could be done without dropping it.

 

[ac_]

I had to drop mine to put the cable in. I mean I may not have had too but it would have been way hard to do without dropping it. it probably saved hours just by removing the skid plate.

Also Not sure what your deal is, I couldn't see your video, but Mine would pop out of 4 low and sometimes not even get into 4 low with the linkage before I put the cable in. It turned out it was the transmount was completely broken. When I tried to put it into 4 low, it would push the transfer case away just enough that it wouldn't fully engage. I figured it out right away when pulling my skid. Check your trans mount.