What is the proper way of shifting out of 4wd to 2wd in a 1977 Bronco?

[Evian]

I have a 1977 Ford Bronco with a 302 auto. What is the proper procedure for placing the vehicle into 2wd? It is currently in 4wd. Am I suppose to have it in neutral or park? On or off? I tried to shift it into 2wd but nothing happened. It seemed to be in 4wd. I don't have the owner's manual. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Scoop]

Try it in neutral or park. Make sure the hubs are in free. If you can't shift it to 2WD or if you can't unlock the hubs then you are bound up. You may need to put it in reverse and back up a few feet. Also it's best to be on a non-paved surface to keep it from binding. I assume you have a stock J-shift TC? If by some chance you have twin sticks installed by a PO, then it's easy to shift the front out "on the fly".

 

[doran4x]

Reverse with a quick snap of the throttle while disengaging transfer case. Try and unlock front hubs first.

 

[Audog]

I always back up ten feet or so after i unlock the hubs and shift into 2 wd to make sure the hubs are disengaged.

 

[Quick & Dirty]

What is the proper procedure for placing the vehicle into 2wd?

If it's working properly, you should just have to push the lever. With hubs locked, you can shift back and forth while moving. No need for neutral, just let off the throttle when shifting. I'd shift between 2 and 4wd on the fly on icy roads. As I approach a stop sign, pull it back into 4 for even braking to all wheels. After accelerating back to speed, push it back to 2wd. Sometimes if it's a little stubborn, blip the throttle as I'm pushing.

This assumes manual hubs, if you have automatic hubs, you have to stop to shift into 4wd.

If you were using 4wd on a high traction surface, then it may be bound up as was previously said. If backing up doesn't work and the hubs won't unlock from being bound, you can also try jacking up the front axle so the tires are off the ground. That should release any bind.

 

[blubuckaroo]

You're all making it too difficult. You need to on on a soft surface. Leave the hubs locked. While rolling along, blip the throttle and make the shift from 4HI to 2 HI. For the shift from 4LO, you'll need to stop the car.

 

[Viperwolf1]

You're all making it too difficult. You need to on on a soft surface. Leave the hubs locked. While rolling along, blip the throttle and make the shift from 4HI to 2 HI. For the shift from 4LO, you'll need to stop the car.

This method works well. Another recommendation I have is to get rid of the J shifter and put twin sticks in it so you can actually tell what gear you're in.

 

[Evian]

You guys want me to back up several feet and move the shifter from 4wd to 2wd while in reverse or in park?

 

[Bronco Junkie]

You guys want me to back up several feet and move the shifter from 4wd to 2wd while in reverse or in park?

Yes, put in reverse and back up as hard as you can...put in neutral and try to shift out of 4wd. Try to put in 4hi first and then work over to 2wd. Gears may grind a little when engaging.