transfer case operation

k1500chevy97 · March 30, 2003

Ok , took the truck out today for a little offroad . I tried to put it in 4L but it wouldnt go in , instead it went into N and I couldnt get it out until I shifted the tranny to N .

So can someone explain the operation of this tricky thing to me ???

In my 97 I can go through the transfer case smooth with the clutch depressed and or the tranny in neutral

Frank S · March 30, 2003

To go in to 4 lo,you are actually supposed to be either stopped or barely rolling (preferred method) and have the transmission in neutral.

jth7186 · March 30, 2003

No offense, but... What were you thinking trying to get it in 4 lo without the tranny in neutral?

If the truck is not moving and you try to shift into 4 lo, you will hear some 'grinding' noise. Don't worry: the noise is normal. Even if you have the auto shift, you'll still hear a nice clunk as the gears fall into place.

Just remember, before going to 4 lo, put the beast in neutral and have it slightly rolling, then "firmly" push the manual lever all the way forward into 4 lo. You do not have to be in neutral in order to go into 4 high -- just don't try to go into 4 high at 60 mph.

Good luck!

Wingnut · March 30, 2003

Just remember, before going to 4 lo, put the beast in neutral and have it slightly rolling, then "firmly" push the manual lever all the way forward into 4 lo.

No manual lever in these trucks.

Firetiger(MN) · March 30, 2003

No manual lever in these trucks.

Actually, they still offer the floor-mounted levers. Obviously not available if you have the full console/bucket seat combination.

K1500 has the lever as seen in one of his interior pics.

Wingnut · March 30, 2003

No manual lever in these trucks.

Actually, they still offer the floor-mounted levers. Obviously not available if you have the full console/bucket seat combination.

K1500 has the lever as seen in one of his interior pics.

Umm....yup, you are right.

I'm a

k1500chevy97 · March 30, 2003

hmm weird im just more used to my 97

ok thanks

seadoons · March 31, 2003

Actually, on the newer models, it doesn't matter what speed you are going when you shift into 4H. This is only for the automatic transfer case, I am not sure about the manual. 4L is a different story - put the truck in neutral, have it rolling 1-2 MPH, and hit the 4L button. It will take a few seconds and you will hear a cluck. Same procedure to get it out of 4L - just have the truck in neutral.