Yesterday we took our 5-speed manual 1991 HDJ81 out on some 4wd roads. We had been using both 4Hi and 4Lo, depending on the terrain, throughout the day. Towards the end of our trip I tried to shift back into 4Hi using the transfer case shifter (H-N-L), but was unable to no matter what I tried. When I shift the transfer case I make sure to stop completely and depress the clutch. So, to get home we ended up having to trailer our HDJ81 home on a friend's trailer because we could not get the transfer case to shift into 4Hi to be able to go highway speeds.
Everything works great in 4Lo, no problems. The CDL (center differential lock) dash light behaves as it should when shifting into and out of 4Lo: the CDL light turns on automatically when you shift into 4Lo, and goes out when shifting out of 4Lo. The thing is that I cannot shift into 4Hi...very frustrating. The transfer case shifter lever will allow me to shift into what seems like it should be 4Hi, but then when I put the transfer case shifter into 4Hi and then release the clutch to go into gear (1st or Reverse) it then makes a weird whinning/grinding noise and I do not move at all. For comparison, I am able to shift into multiple gears while in 4Lo.
In terms of troubleshooting I checked the transfer case fluid and needed to add a little bit of fluid. Topping it off did not fix the problem. I have also torn into the shifter area, but stopped once I got to the rubber boot that is beneath another boot. I thought perhaps it might be a linkage issue.
Does anyone have an idea on what is going on here? I have found numerous threads of people not being able to get into 4Lo, or no being able to get out of 4Lo...I can do both. I just can't get into 4Hi and therefore can't drive on main, paved roads! Suggestions?
Thanks for any advice!
Everything works great in 4Lo, no problems. The CDL (center differential lock) dash light behaves as it should when shifting into and out of 4Lo: the CDL light turns on automatically when you shift into 4Lo, and goes out when shifting out of 4Lo. The thing is that I cannot shift into 4Hi...very frustrating. The transfer case shifter lever will allow me to shift into what seems like it should be 4Hi, but then when I put the transfer case shifter into 4Hi and then release the clutch to go into gear (1st or Reverse) it then makes a weird whinning/grinding noise and I do not move at all. For comparison, I am able to shift into multiple gears while in 4Lo.
In terms of troubleshooting I checked the transfer case fluid and needed to add a little bit of fluid. Topping it off did not fix the problem. I have also torn into the shifter area, but stopped once I got to the rubber boot that is beneath another boot. I thought perhaps it might be a linkage issue.
Does anyone have an idea on what is going on here? I have found numerous threads of people not being able to get into 4Lo, or no being able to get out of 4Lo...I can do both. I just can't get into 4Hi and therefore can't drive on main, paved roads! Suggestions?
Thanks for any advice!