Real difficult shifting from HI to LO

[skypig]

I need help. I can barely shift from HI to LO or vice versa and it has gotten progressively more difficult the last few times I have been out on the trail. Any ideas?

 

[Travis351]

I watched someone use a sledgehammer to move his lever into low in his 80 last week. It worked for him and did not damage the lever. I think the transfercases are similar, if not the same. So here is a link to the problem as talked about in the 80 forum. https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=161261&highlight=transfer+case+lever

 

[skypig]

I didn't need a sledgehammer, but I did use my heavy steel-toed boot and leg power to move it in and out of low!

 

[Travis351]

You must be the first one with this problem in a 100...I figured some of the experts would chime in on this one as it is the most important lever in the whole truck IMO. Hang in there, maybe some of them are on sabbatical. He also used a boot and body weight with no success, the sledge was his last resort. Good to know they make them strong.

 

[skypig]

Okay, I have the center console apart, the linkage disconnected and still can't figure out how to remove the transfer shift lever. Maybe I don't have the center console "fully" removed? There appears to be a metal frame that the transfer shift lever and gear shifter attach to and normally I would think that metal frame was meant to be stationary, but I can't see how to get at the 4 bolts that attach the transfer shift mechanism to the tranny case. 2 of those 4 bolts are difficult (read scary difficult for an amateur like me) to reach. Any help is welcome.

 

[Tchecki]

Skypig, It looks to be about 9yrs ago but what did you do with this issue? I seem to be having same issue. Once engaged it works fine but its a bear to get it from HIGH to LOW.

 

[skypig]

Skypig, It looks to be about 9yrs ago but what did you do with this issue? I seem to be having same issue. Once engaged it works fine but its a bear to get it from HIGH to LOW.

I took it to a shop, Cruiser Co in Little Rock, and they fixed it; I don't recall that well, but the invoice notes that he removed and replaced shifter housing for $125.00.

 

[Tchecki]

Skypig thanks