4wheel drive problems

[crappiegetter]

I have a problem with my 4x4 that I am stuck on figuring out the issue. When ever I'm off the beaten path or need it for snowy roads it will shift just fine into 4 high or 4 low but when I want it back in 2 wheel drive its a struggle. Almost all the time the t-case will make a noise like its trying to go back into 2 wheel but never seems to. Usually I have to push the shift button and shift the truck back and forth from reverse to drive or shift from 4 low to 2 wheel sometimes works. Is it a possibility my t-case is bad or maybe some other issue?

[highlife4me]

What kind of vehicle do you have to start with? I had an 89 Bronco that did the same thing if the whole undercarriage was packed with snow, once I it all cleaned out it would work fine and never had a problem in the summer.

[CoorsCaptain]

Are all of your tires the same size? If not that could cause.

[crappiegetter]

whoa my bad I ment to mention what kind it was its a 98 gmc jimmy with the 4.3

[crappiegetter]

all tires are the same size, and this happens in the summer too

[tomfromblaine]

When was the last time the T-case was serviced? and did they use the proper fluid? Don't assume it's atf fluid, GM has a secret sauce they put in there You should verify 1st.

Do you have the owners manual? in it it tells you how to put the transfer case in neutral(for towing purposes)from there you can select any position you want. If you can't perform this function I would suspect the selector switch on the dash, they are known to go bad and are easy to replace, just pry it out with a tiny screw driver and there are 2 plugs on the back, you can get them at the N--a store or the dealer(expensive)

I have a 99 Blazer and just fixed my 4WD issue and lucky for me it was just that switch and a dissconnected vacuam line.

Let us know how it works out for you.

Tom

[crappiegetter]

Tom I have never serviced the t-case myself and don't know if the previous owners did either but I doubt it. The owners manual calls for atf in the t-case at least I think from the last time I thumbed through it. I also thought the selector switch was bad too I replaced it, still the same results. Is there maybe a sensor in the t-case for when you shift in 2 or 4 wheel that could be bad. I know when it does shift back and forth from 2 to 4 or 4 to 2 it shifts and engages really hard could there be a problem with that as well

[tomfromblaine]

I don't know what the conditions are as you shift(any positive/negative driveline torque), if your performing the shift as per your owners manual states and your still getting a clunk but the shift is happening fairly quickly it maybe normal, since the t-case is a critical piece of your driveline I would have it serviced with the proper fluid and start from there then try the shift procedure without any torque on the driveline (no acceleration/deaceleration).

Did you try the section in the manual shifting from t-case nuetral to any selection? Clunking is normal during that time.

As for hard shifting I suspect the electronic motor(moves stuff around in t-case) maybe binding due to lack of service, another reason to start with that(drain and refill with dex 3 atf or equivelant) just go to a oil change place and they will have you in and out in no time.

let me know how that goes .

Tom

[deadeye]

I would change the fluid and see if that helps. Since its been neglected it certainly wont hurt.

However I think that you got a transfer case motor going bad. Its a pretty common problem. They are pretty easy to change and cost about 100$.

[theoilman]

My lookup shows 4 different transfer cases used in 1998 Jimmy.

NV Elec shift and NV Elec TRC use GM SLF (Special Lubricant Fluid, 12378508 which I think is the blue smurf oil).

Two other transfer cases (I believe both have a floor shift lever) use a "GLS Gear Lubricant Special." The AMSOIL listing is for the synthetic ATF, but I doubt if a petroleum tran. fluid meets the spec.

[tomfromblaine]

Thats where I was going after seeing if the service didn't work, alot of t-case motors have been replaced unnecessarily. Even had a dealer tell me that mine needed replacing, but it was a simple fix.

[crappiegetter]

Well I'll have to do that and if thats not it start looking into other problems it could be.

[tomfromblaine]

Hey crappie getter, did you git your rig serviced yet?

Tom

[crappiegetter]

Nope not yet it's not my daily driver so I keep putting it off. But it will get done soon.