What is the best way to put truck in 4lo. I was stuck in a field it rained today and i sunk and it would not go in without grinding ?? I tried neutral and park ?? also tried how described on my overhead visor ?? any ideas thanks, jr

 

Mine really never grinds, but it will make a 'thud' noise when she engauges. But I suppose a little grinding may be normal. From what I gather the 4x4 system on some trucks is a "use it or lose it" deal... The more you use it the better it may work for ya. Good luck

 

You should be moving forward at 2-3mph(NO FASTER!!!!!!!) and then pop it in to neutral and try to shift in to 4LO. Should work. also going from 2wd to 4lo is easier then from running in 4hi(it tends to bind up in 4hi after a while)

 

I have never had luck shifting into 4-lo while moving, even at a crawl. I always either shift to neutral first then into 4-lo while still, or even turned the truck off to prevent grinding. Usually the trans. in neutral and sitting still is all I require. I did have my truck wheels continue spinning in neutral once, while sitting on glare ice. I don't know why. I had to hold the brake to keep the drivetrain still, and the shift to 4-lo was particularly noisey. I had to shut down the truck. Perhaps your trans has some motion to it in Neutral like mine did, which hinders moving the T-case to 4-lo?

 

I have a six speed...probably slightly different than yours. Anyway, going into 4WD Hi was not an event. Engaged while in motion majority of time with no glitches. At a stand still never an issue. 4Lo is different. I have to be at a dead stop. 4Lo was never a clear cut engagement. Always some futzing around. But it always engaged. Mine never made that grinding noise. I know what you mean when it makes that noise. Its like a huge buzzer that goes off when you grab that lever.

 

I've had the same problem with a good number of my trucks (ranging from a dakota, to my f250 now). Like someone else said before a lot of people say it is a use it or lose it relationship with 4low, I know with my dakota I hadn't used it in YEARS (probably 6-7) and one day needed it, it took some coaxing but finally went in, then gradually after that it got easier and easier. Just keep at it and it should go in eventually, unless there is something wrong with your TC and 4low is gone.

 

I tried it again today and all i got was that wonder buzz, i thinking i will try it with the truck off a few times to see if it will loosen up any, Thanks, jr

 

I shut the truck off to go into 4Lo, unless you like to sit there and have it grind a lot. 4Hi will "clunk" right in.

 

Do not pause in neutral on the T-case....one smooth motion from 2wd to 4lo. If you stop in neutral it will grind.

 

Shutting down...or the 2 mph works for me, but I play with it once a month under the use it or lose it theory! Same for 4x4 High (once a week, if not using it regularly).

RJ