2 Hi to 4 Hi and back is hard to shift? Why? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TP from Cntl PA · 12-25-2006, 10:38 PM

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.

72 CustomCamper · 12-26-2006, 01:36 AM

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...

TP from Cntl PA · 12-26-2006, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72 CustomCamper

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...

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

Troy-Built · 12-26-2006, 09:17 AM

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.

TP from Cntl PA · 12-26-2006, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troy-Built

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.

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.

scotto0609 · 12-26-2006, 03:40 PM

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.

1969K10 · 12-27-2006, 04:50 PM

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...

Burt4x4 · 12-27-2006, 05:56 PM

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

jacobs · 12-27-2006, 09:34 PM

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?

**Zoomad75** · 12-28-2006, 07:19 PM

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.

12-25-2006, 10:38 PM	#1
TP from Cntl PA Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central PA....In the Berg of Nisbet Posts: 790	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. __________________ '72 K-20 EFI'ed 250 Inline/4spd stake body, Farm Truck '71 C-20 Cummins Diesel Powered, In storage thanks to $5.00 diesel! '69 3500 GMC 305V-6/4spd, Still under reconstruction.......... Inlines Rule! 6 soldiers standing is better than 8 laying down!!!!!!!!

12-26-2006, 01:36 AM	#2
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	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... __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

12-26-2006, 09:17 AM	#4
Troy-Built Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perrysville Indiana Posts: 258	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. __________________ 69 Chevelle SS 375/396 TKO 600 71 Suburban 3/4 4x4 402 5-speed (project) 68 chevy C10 shortbed 327 5-speed (project) 72 Blazer 4x4 400 4-speed (wifes project) Numerous 67-72 parts trucks

12-26-2006, 03:40 PM	#6
scotto0609 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: new york Posts: 226	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.

12-27-2006, 04:50 PM	#7
1969K10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana Posts: 733	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... __________________ 1969 K10 - V8, 465, 205, 12 bolt, D44 2002-current 1969 K20 - V8, 465, 221, Eaton, D44 2012-current Nothin' but drums on all 4 corners! past horses in the stable 72 C10-short step (97-02), 68 C10-long fleet (06-12)

12-27-2006, 05:56 PM	#8
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	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... __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

12-27-2006, 09:34 PM	#9
jacobs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 9000' Mountain Man Posts: 326	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?

12-28-2006, 07:19 PM	#10
Zoomad75 K5Camper Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pueblo, CO Posts: 1,513	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. __________________ Rob Z. 1975 K5 350/465/205/D44/12b 4" lift on 35's- RIP 1991 K5 8.1L/NV4500/241/D44/14b FWC Camper



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