I have a 2000 ranger 4.0 5 speed sport. The 4wd hi ans low engages smooth as butter, and goes from four lo to high just fine, but it wont go back into 2wd just going forward, starting and stopping. It'll only disengage if i go around a turn at an intersection. Any ideas as to what it could be?

 

how long since you had the transfer case fluid changed out

you probably have to do a complete flush to dislodge the sediment that is blocking the slip collar from fully dis-engaging

 

Thanks cheese_man. Heaven only knows when it was changed last. I got it used.

 

Hey cheese_man, do you think I'd be able to put a little seafoam in the transfer case and drive for a couple days to clean it up before I change the fluid?

 

since seafoam is a lubricant

adding a ounce to the changed out fluid should not hurt it

but it would be better for you to find a long dirt road and drive along it in 4wd high

doing this help the seafoam dislodge the crud that is jamming the shift collar

 

We just got some snow here in northern new Jersey and i took the ranger out. I used the 4wd around my unplowed neighborhood. Since i posted this concert, ive gotten new tires. The last set had a different sizes front and rear. The front tires where larger. When I'd engage 4 high, i went in, and i heard the t case turning, but the front end would skate alittle. Now, it engages and doesn't make any noise. I took it on a steep hill and tested it. So i think the real problem may have been the difference i tire size. I know under heavy load, it a pain to shift the transfer case. That may be it. I still plan on changing the fluid just for good measure anyways. But how does this sound to you?

 

the different tire size was a factor

but for safety sake , you should always have the transmission in neutral before you shift the transfer case into 4wd

this will prevent any damage occurring to the internal drive chain while the driveline is under load

 

Of course. I always hit the clutch when changing between when im rolling and shifting between 4 hi and 2.

 

good to know

i always fully stop and the transmission is in neutral when i shift between 2 and 4wd

transfer case repairs can be costly

 

2 to 4 hi and back is meant to do at a stop, or to be able to shift on the fly at 25 mph or less, as long as all wheels are turning together at the same speed. Spinning the rear wheels and trying to put it in 4 grinds the gears.when shifting into 2wd with a manual, once you get rolling say out of a snowy intersection, just put it in 2 and shifting the transmission, but hold the clutch it for an extra couple seconds. On an auto, just let off the throttle for a bit. Its kinda stupid using 4wd over 25 mph anyways. That just wears it out going fast in 4. Anything to do with 4 low is to be done and a dead stop in neutral anyways.

 

Anyways, thanks for the help cheese_man.