2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

I've only used my 4WD on my K acouple times now, both times I just needed to kick it into 4x4 to get out of the yard(AKA 4Hi)...........Anyhow, it shifts into 4Hi ok, you run it to where you need to go, then try to shift back out to 2 Hi, and it is next to impossible. Had to unlock the hubs to get it today, as it was like the front end put everything into a bind. Is this normal for these to do this? I never had anything 4x4 that was this old, only 4x2's and I sorta miss being able to kick it in and out with ease.

Re: 2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

Next time try shifting it back into 2x on the fly. While sitting still the front end can put enought strain on it to not allow it to shift easy...

Re: 2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

Tried it, you can't move the stick.............

Re: 2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

If it is not used very often it can be tough. Make sure there is no strain on the drivetrain when you shift back. Get up to about 20 and level off on the gas pedal like coasting then try it. You may need to grease the shafts on the transfer case. Also, if you have a 205 transfer case there is a grease zert on the pivot shaft of the shifter. A 205 has 2 shafts and a pivot bar connecting them together coming out of the upper front of the transfer case.

Re: 2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

Did grease the shafts.............Right after I bought it it shifted very hard, I mean it took two hands to shift it. I found that the pivot bolt was seized to the shaft, also wasn't a grease fitting on this one. So we freed it up, and I put a fitting in the shifter, also lubed all pivot points in the area. Shifts nice into 4Hi, just hard to get back out into 2wd. I'll play some more with it, maybe I am just to used to the newer Fords.

Re: 2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

Before shifting out of 4hi or low try putting it in idling in reverse for about 10 or so feet. That should unload any binding in the drivetrain.

Re: 2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

Most of the time, mine shifts out just fine, but everyonce in a while it doesn't want to. i have found that means i've got the X-fer case bound up. Back up and try again. or drive it forward a while longer until something slips and gives... it'll usually move real easy after that...

Re: 2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

mine can be stiff at time too and I use the forward backward trick while trying to shift and it pops out eventually...

Re: 2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

Make sure all four of your tires are exactly the same tread, size and worn the same amount front and rear. Although not likely different, but are your front and rear gear ratios the same?

Re: 2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why?
 

My 205 shifts from 4hi back to 2hi pretty easy. Most of the time. if it don't I just back up a few feet and try again.