Opened fill plug and there's a flat bar hanging just behind the fill hole. Afraid to shift to $WD for fear of not being able to get it back in 2WD. What could it be?

 

Is it actually loose or just in view of the hole? If it's loose it shouldn't be there, if it's solid....I don't remember whats in view of mine. Maybe the "rooster comb" on shift slector inside? Or the chain you're seeing?

 

Any chance you can get a photo and post it?

 

I don't remember a bar in the TC other than maybe one of the shift forks? I had mine torn completely apart to put in fresh seals and bearings. Agreed a photo would help..

 

Is there a detent comb?

 

Yup I called it a rooster comb...#55

 

The rooster comb or the shift fork are the only two things I see that could be hanging over the fill port. A local guy will put a rebuilt unit if for me for $500 or sell it me to install myself for $300.

 

Whatever it was, it's not there now. I'm not going to worry about it.