Can’t get 4WD shifter into 2H

[LDBlover]

Hey guys, new to Jeep TJs and this forum. I just did a ton of work on my wife’s 03 wrangler X 5 speed. After putting everything back together, I go to see how the clutch feels and I realize that I’m getting zero power at all. After putting it into 4WD and taking it for a few spins, I noticed that there was a lot of vibrato

Did some research and I find out the transfer case linkage needs to be adjusted. After watching some videos, people are saying I need to loosen the nut on one of the linkage arms to adjust the shifter back into spec. Could someone explain and clarify this for me please?

While I was underneath, I noticed that the new front driveshaft I installed looks like this now: (picture attached.). The strange thing is that when I was installing this, it seemed like it was too short, even after I had uncompressed it.

 

[LDBlover]

Driveshaft: 38 1/4” long

grinding noise accompanying vibration whilst turning. Also to note that I hear a pop when I go into each of the transfer case gears EXCEPT for the RWD gear. With that it feels like I cannot even access it, as there feels to be not enough space to push the shifter there, and no noise shifting into it either.

 

[B1Toad]

Did some research and I find out the transfer case linkage needs to be adjusted. After watching some videos, people are saying I need to loosen the nut on one of the linkage arms to adjust the shifter back into spec. Could someone explain and clarify this for me please?

It's a 13mm. A long wrench works good, a long ratcheting wrench works even better. You'll see the bolt holding a rod into a square part. You'll need long monkey arms to reach in there as the skid plate blocks access pretty good so you need both hands up there to feel for it once you locate it visually (you won't be able to see it once you snake both arms in there). It's kind of hard to explain but once you're laying under there with the wrench you'll see what I mean, you get positioned a certain way and you can reach it but not see it.

Most folks switch to the cable shifter available from a couple aftermarket suppliers.

 

[LDBlover]

Hey thanks for the reply and telling me how to adjust the linkage. Did you see the picture of the driveshaft and read what I said about it as well?

 

[Duck Doctor]

Exactly what work did you do to the rig?

 

[KennethS]

Exactly what work did you do to the rig?

I was wondering as well. Some things would have no impact on the transfer case shift linkage, while other things may have a dramatic impact.

 

[LDBlover]

Exactly what work did you do to the rig?

I had to drop the transmission and tcase for a clutch job. Also did a tune up on some upper bay stuff. I think that the linkage needs to be recalibrated because of the fact that I had to remove it.

 

[LDBlover]

I was wondering as well. Some things would have no impact on the transfer case shift linkage, while other things may have a ha

I was wondering as well. Some things would have no impact on the transfer case shift linkage, while other things may have a dramatic impact.

had to drop the transmission for a clutch job which included removing the 4WD linkage

 

[LDBlover]

Oh also replaced the front drive shaft, as the cups had fallen apart when I first removed it. I am confused why no one has mentioned the picture of it that I linked to my original post. Does that look normal to you guys? Did you guys see how I said it seemed like it was too short during installation..?

 

[KennethS]

Oh also replaced the front drive shaft, as the cups had fallen apart when I first removed it. I am confused why no one has mentioned the picture of it that I linked to my original post. Does that look normal to you guys? Did you guys see how I said it seemed like it was too short during installation..?

I saw that but have absolutely no idea what I was looking at as that driveshaft doesn’t look like mine.

You replaced the driveshaft because the u-joint bearing caps fell off?

Maybe tell us what brand driveshaft you bought?


We need accurate and complete information in order to give useful advice.

 

[LDBlover]

I saw that but have absolutely no idea what I was looking at as that driveshaft doesn’t look like mine.

You replaced the driveshaft because the u-joint bearing caps fell off?

Maybe tell us what brand driveshaft you bought?


We need accurate and complete information in order to give useful advice. Th

I saw that but have absolutely no idea what I was looking at as that driveshaft doesn’t look like mine.

You replaced the driveshaft because the u-joint bearing caps fell off?

Maybe tell us what brand driveshaft you bought?


We need accurate and complete information in order to give useful advice.

i just need to know how to get the transfer case into 2H. I’m stuck in 4WD…. Feels like 2h isn’t available, I think I’m stuck in 4H. But the adjustments I make aren’t working.

 

[KennethS]

i just need to know how to get the transfer case into 2H.

No, that is not all you claimed you “just need to know” as you specifically posted about your driveshaft, which is what I replied to.

I am confused why no one has mentioned the picture of it that I linked to my original post.

Anyway, let’s not get bogged down with that. Since it appears the shifter is the main issue, you need to verify the linkage is adjusted correctly.

 

[macleanflood]

First thing I'd do is disconnect the linkage and verify everything works manually moving the lever.

Here's a cable shifter in action, and a good demonstration of how the lever moves to shift the case:

Savvy makes the best cable shifter, and they're available on Amazon.

Here's some video I did too trying to find a leak in my transfer case...I have an aftermarket UCF skid. Might also be helpful.

-Mac

 

[LDBlover]

Well, just got back in after several, and I mean several attempts to adjust the linkage. It seems that I am unable to unify both the shifter and the actual transfer case. There were times when I thought I got them matched, but then I wouldn’t be able to get 4L. All the while, the 4WD light is on the dash. So I’m guessing that it is stuck in 4H. Whenever I try to drive it, it is super touchy and does not behave normal. Feels like the power is stunted, as I can get into third gear and only be going 10 mph…..

The front driveshaft I installed is the 38 1/4” driveshaft from USA standard gear off rock auto. Like I said before, it felt like it was too short during installation. There is another standard gear driveshaft that is an inch longer. I will attach a clearer picture. This picture shows the front of the driveshaft near where it connects to the yoke on the front differential. Hope that helps clarify.

 

[machoheadgames]

Well, just got back in after several, and I mean several attempts to adjust the linkage. It seems that I am unable to unify both the shifter and the actual transfer case. There were times when I thought I got them matched, but then I wouldn’t be able to get 4L. All the while, the 4WD light is on the dash. So I’m guessing that it is stuck in 4H. Whenever I try to drive it, it is super touchy and does not behave normal. Feels like the power is stunted, as I can get into third gear and only be going 10 mph…..

The front driveshaft I installed is the 38 1/4” driveshaft from USA standard gear off rock auto. Like I said before, it felt like it was too short during installation. There is another standard gear driveshaft that is an inch longer. I will attach a clearer picture. This picture shows the front of the driveshaft near where it connects to the yoke on the front differential. Hope that helps clarify.

View attachment 631851

I’m confused about the driveshaft stuff you keep referencing. Did you have trouble getting it bolted to the two yokes if it’s too short? If you think some of your troubles are due to it being too short, why not remove it and see if some of the issues disappear?

For whatever it’s worth, a 4.0 manual needs the longest front driveshaft available as far as I’m aware, as well as the shortest rear driveshafts (depending on axle).

 

[macleanflood]

I'd call Adams Driveshaft or Tom Woods and discuss what you need for a front shaft.

-Mac

 

[KennethS]

I’m stumped as to why you replaced the driveshaft because the u-joint caps fell off. Unless there was another issue that you haven’t disclosed.

 

[ItchyDong]

Ya’ll are so much more patient than I’ll ever be.

 

[LDBlover]

First of all, thanks for everyone trying to help. I’m going to remove the front driveshaft and send it back to rock auto. I’ll call those driveshaft specialists mentioned, good call on the longest driveshaft thing. I mentioned the thing about the driveshaft because I wanted to know if you guys thought it looked fucked up. It looks like it’s spinning out of itself….

Secondly, I believe that I’m going to get the savvy cable kit and get rid of the stock linkage. I’m hoping this will help me get back into 2WD.

Now, to address Kenneth and Itchydong, the dickwads of the group. I decided to replace the driveshaft because when those caps fall off, that means the shaft needs to be replaced. If I’m wrong, feel free to correct me. Any confusion experienced by you could have easily been alleviated if you would have read everything I have written on here, most importantly my original post. As for you itchydong, why even comment if you aren’t going to add anything constructive or productive?

I was so clear in my posts. I am baffled with how people are confused at all by anything I’ve said. Learn to read.

Thanks again,
Ranger

 

[macleanflood]

So the caps "fell off" and a new 1310 U joint couldn't be bolted back in because of damage?

You don't need a cable shifter or a mechanical linkage to shift the transfer case. Disconnect the linkage, grab the level and pull it towards the front of the vehicle. If you can't shift it by hand then you've got something else going on and a cable shifter, while useful, won't fix it.

Heck last weekend we melted the shift cable on @Wildman transmission and took turns crawling under while someone stomped on the brakes to put it into gear.

Good luck returning anything to Rock Auto.

Pictures would help us offer solutions.

-Mac