Stuck in 4 wheel drive

[1999_chevy]

I just bought a 1999 chevy silverado 1500 4x4. It is stuck in wheel drive, it has manual shift transfer case. If i try to put it in 2 hi it sounds like there is some grinding going on pull it back to 4 hi it stop and will drive. Couple times it has backed up in 2 hi but when i pull it into drive it goes to making noise again. If anybody can help with any knowledge id appreciate!

[davester]

It's pretty simple.  You take the transfer case out of the truck, replace the bits that are scrambled inside (or install another transfer case), then reinstall it.

 

It probably is an NP261 (vs an NP261HD or NP261XHD), but to make sure, there's a small round tag on the transfer case that will say.  Make sure you get parts for that specific model, or that specific model transfer case.

 

If you want to drive it while figuring out how to fix it or to get the parts/replacement transfer case, I would suggest getting it in 2wd (even in reverse), then unplugging the actuator (plastic thing mounted on the front differential), then shift it back to 4wd.

 

At this point, you should be able to lift one of the front wheels and it will spin freely.  Assuming it does spin freely, you can drive around now as if you are effectively in 2wd .  The transfer case is still in 4wd mode, so the front driveshaft will spin, but because the front axle is unlocked, no power is transmitted to the wheels. 

 

If something went wrong, then the actuator stayed engaged, and you won't be able to spin the wheel and the system is still in 4wd mode.  In this case, you want to limit how far and how fast you drive.

 

As for fixing it, I would just hit up a junkyard and get another transfer case (making sure it's the right model) and throw it in your truck.

[1999_chevy]

Thanks !!!!!