As in I feel like in going to break the handle going from H to L. Even when I push hard into L the "dont not put in gear light" flashes on the dash. It yours real hard to put into gear??

Ive tried in N stopped
Ive tried in N roling about 3mph all with the same result.

Is this caused by the shifter mechanism or the transfer case itself?

 

Unless the transfer case is low on fluid it is the shifter. When was the last time you shifted into low range?

 

Just serviced the transfer case 2 months ago with new fluid. I actually got it into L last week but i remember it being a pain.

 

The more you use the lever the better it will shift. You need to use it once a month to keep it working well.
If you only use it once or twice a year it will give you fits.

 

What year and model, this will help?

 

This is the guy with the '03 that eats oil.

 

yes thats me oil eating non shiftin SOB

 

What ever you do, don't force the shift, go have someone look at it.

 

The shifter on the transfer case is a use it or lose it type of thing. It needs to be "exercised" once a month.

 

After installing my CDL handle it took several off road trips and over 100 miles of driving with the T-case locked (dirt roads only) before it would engage. The T-case is splash lubricated, so moving those parts around means they all get a little oil.

Cheers,

Pete