Transfer case hard shifting.

[widowmaker77]

I’ve searched around on here but haven’t found anything that mentions my issue.
I’m running a j shift 77 transfer case and it has always been kinda tough to shift into 4 low. Now I have installed a 4r70 transmission and I went with the twin stick shifter from Tom’s. With the shorter lever it has magnified the problem. It’s only the shifter for the rear output. It is super hard to get into low range like I have to really force it. Neutral and hi range is normal. What could cause this? Any ideas??

 

[JB Fab]

Do you have OEM gears, or aftermarket?
Did you have an automatic prior to installing the the 4R70?
Do you get the same results attempting to shift to rear low when your transmission is in neutral (engine not running)?
Can you confirm the front drive is in neutral?

 

[widowmaker77]

Do you have OEM gears, or aftermarket?
Did you have an automatic prior to installing the the 4R70?
Do you get the same results attempting to shift to rear low when your transmission is in neutral (engine not running)?
Can you confirm the front drive is in neutral

Yes sir. Front drive definitely in neutral
Yep it had a c4
Same result regardless if engine running or not
By oem gears are talking about in the transfer case? If so yes all original. If you mean the reared currently 4:11 about to change them to motive 4:56. It’s always been hard to shift into 4lo. The shorter lever is just magnifying it now.

 

[JB Fab]

Do you have adjustable detents?

 

[widowmaker77]

Do you have adjustable detents?

No sir. Never heard of that. My transfer case is all original. Had it since brand new

 

[dmoses42]

Could it have too heavy/thick gear oil?

 

[JB Fab]

No problem, just trying to rule out the easy stuff......

It should not take nearly as much effort as you describe.

If it was in my shop, the first thing I would do is back off the rear drive shiftrail detent pressure (backing out the detent plug on top of the case). make sure to get up there with a wire brush and an air hose to blow out any little bit of dirt, you don't want to get anything abrasive down onto the shiftrail.

The second thing I would do is remove the inspection cover, look for any rust or obvious issues with the rear out output shaft where the sliding gear would be when you shift to Low (inspecting the shaft with the sliding gear in the Rear High position).
With the detent backed out, I would reach up into the case with a prybar and shift the rear drive sliding gear manually to see if there are any obvious issues or indication if the friction coming from the sliding gear on the shaft or from the shiftrail.
Take a critical look at the sliding gear/idler gear engagement as you slide into the Low position, look for any indication of interference. Take a critical look at the shift fork for excessive wear or being bent (really tough to see a bent fork most of the time).

 

[widowmaker77]

No problem, just trying to rule out the easy stuff......

It should not take nearly as much effort as you describe.

If it was in my shop, the first thing I would do is back off the rear drive shiftrail detent pressure (backing out the detent plug on top of the case). make sure to get up there with a wire brush and an air hose to blow out any little bit of dirt, you don't want to get anything abrasive down onto the shiftrail.

The second thing I would do is remove the inspection cover, look for any rust or obvious issues with the rear out output shaft where the sliding gear would be when you shift to Low (inspecting the shaft with the sliding gear in the Rear High position).
With the detent backed out, I would reach up into the case with a prybar and shift the rear drive sliding gear manually to see if there are any obvious issues or indication if the friction coming from the sliding gear on the shaft or from the shiftrail.
Take a critical look at the sliding gear/idler gear engagement as you slide into the Low position, look for any indication of interference. Take a critical look at the shift fork for excessive wear or being bent (really tough to see a bent fork most of the time).

Thanks for the advice! So to clarify, all I do is just back off the plug a bit and see if that helps? I’ll definitly take the cover off and see if I can see anything up in there.

 

[JB Fab]

Yes back out the plug, you can even remove it if you want. there will be a spring and a detent ball underneath. nothing will come flying out you might see the spring sticking up.
I would try it with the plug in just a thread or two.

 

[widowmaker77]

Yes back out the plug, you can even remove it if you want. there will be a spring and a detent ball underneath. nothing will come flying out you might see the spring sticking up.
I would try it with the plug in just a thread or two.

10-4 thanks!

 

[Yeller]

We have the best vendors here! Thank you @JB Fab for taking the time to provide assistance in detail, I’m sure it will help many.