DAS_GTI

So tonight there were some heavy rainstorms, lots of accidents on the freeway, so I figured I would throw it into 4WD just to be safe. The roads were slick, so it was not dry pavement. I noticed several issues, and I was wondering if anyone could help me diagnose.

- When in 4HI, the truck pulls pretty hard to the right. It does NOT pull to the right when the hubs are locked in 2HI, only when 4WD is engaged.

- It is very difficult to shift out of 4HI to 2HI... the lever is not movable, even if I let off the gas or put it in neutral or clutch in or even accelerate... nothing... I can't shift back to 2HI UNLESS I punch the gas in 1st, push forward on the stick, and quickly let off the gas. This is the ONLY way I have been able to get it back into 2HI from 4HI.

- I was waiting in traffic on a slight hill (probably 10-15 degree grade). I noticed that on this hill, in 2HI (Hubs Locked), my truck would roll backwards when in Neutral. When in 4HI (hubs locked), the truck would hold itself in neutral without any brakes. Not sure what would cause this?

- When I got home, there was a burning smell under the truck. I replaced the oil in the transfer case less than 3K mi ago. I don't think it was the clutch because I was not riding it at all.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

MMA_Alex

Well the shifting issue is drivetrain bind. Basically the wheels dont have the ability to slip like they need to, and it binds up a little and makes it hard to shift. The solution is to drive a little, foreward, reverse, etc, and keep trying to shift. eventually it will work.

not sure about the other issues, but its probably worth checking the front and rear diff oil levels if you haven't done so recently.

SoCalWheeler71

Check the front driveline, get under the truck and try to spin the front driveshaft by hand with the hubs unlocked. You should be able to turn it and feel a very mild, smooth resistance.

It sounds like your axle ratios don't match, like you have bad driveline bind. If you are not the original owner I think you should check the ratios carefully using the driveshaft rotation method. You will have to remove the rear driveline to check the front. Don't use 4wd at all until you find out, you can really mess up your t-case if they don't match. Same thing applies if your front/rear tires are different diameters, and make sure your tire pressures are even too.