Ok, I know this has been gone over a 1000 times, but I searched and can't seem to find the answer I need or want (don't know which one). Problem is I cant move the transfer case shift into low or over to the left for the cdl. I read about seizing and about removing the solenoid. Well I removed the solenoid and sprayed mucho PB on the linkage and still nothing, still will not move from High 4x4. Is this just because I need to get the PB more time (looked pretty rusty). If time and PB is not the answer what am I looking at needing to do. I read about replacing the linkage, but can't find the thread with a vendor now. Probably frustrated from my efforts failing tonight. Do you guys still think it is a case of frozen up linkage, I still have it torn apart, so I can continue to lube it tomorrow and continue to try to free the shifter. NOTE, when going to the left (CDL position) I do believe it is starting to free up, but when trying to put in low, I might as well be pushing a brick wall.

any and all suggestion greatly appreciated.

1998 DI
Auto.

 

It probably hasn't been shifted in a long, long time. Just keep working at it. Every day spray some more penetrating lube all over, work the linkage a little. Don't over do it trying to jam it free, I'd hate to see you break something. If you haven't seen any progress in a week or so then I'd consider a replacement.

 

i know it's obvious, but be sure you're either rolling in neutral, or sitting still in neutral while giving it gas.

 

yep.

I will try to work it out for the next few days.
thanks.

 

There is a bar that comes from the shifter area and runs down to the transfer case where it is bolted on to the top side of the T/C. I guess this is where the linkage enters the T/c. Do I need to miss with this bar down by the nut to free or should I just try to use the T/C handle?

I should have done a little more research last night, I didn't know what all the transfer case shifter entailed, after looking at a picture of a shifter and linkage on rover land, I believe I have some more cleaning to do. Either way the linkage is not that expensive to replace, so I will work on it for a couple more days, but will probably just pick up a fresh linkage setup.

 

Mine was the same way... rusted. I disconnected the linkage to see if I could even move the shifter but it was siezed, so I just ordered one from Roverland. If you get yours to free up or if you replace it, pack it full of grease and go thru all shift patterns about once a month so it doesn't lock up again.

Eric

 

thanks. I am going to pull it apart tonight, there is a lot of crud down where all that grease is. I'm going to remove the linkage and clean all the junk and all the grease, then regrease and see if that helps.

 

I now have 4hi and 4hi lock, making progress. Maybe tomorrow 4lo.

 

Its fixed. I used the spray and tap method and got it loose, then continously went through the gears until I was happy with the way it shifted. Still have to give it a little gas to return it to 4hi, but I thinks thats fine, at least alot better than it was when I got it.

 

Congrats!!! Now that you got it freed up, you might want to grease everything including the shifter lever itself. Pack a bunch of grease beneath that shifter, lube all the linkage. I used axle bearing grease on mine.. so far no problems.

Eric