Just bought a 97 4x4, ext cab, 5 speed, 4.6L. First day with bad roads, and of course 4x4 not working. I cannot get it to shift out of 2WH. The shifter will not move. Am I retarded, and just not doing something right? Does this sound like a serious problem, or something simple? What do I look for? Thanks in advance.

 

Electric or manual 4x4 shift?

 

manual. The lever does not want to move out of 2H. Tried shifting while moving, and while standing still.

 

1. Should have run through 4 high and low before you bought it... but next time you'll know.

2. Make sure you have the truck in neutral and nnnot rolling. Follow the shift pattern on the handle and it should go it with a little effort

 

Agreed.

 

I thought something was wrong when I bought it, but guys, we are talking about a $700 truck here. The next cheapest option in my area was a 98 with 127K miles and no 4WD for $1600. This truck was much cheaper, little better body, plus runs fantastic. The 4x4 hadn't been used in quite some time, was hoping for an easy fix. If not, I think I still got a steal for the money. Got underneath today, and the linkage looks pretty dry and rusty. Sprayed it down with penetrating oil, will hit it again later. Hopefull just needs to be freed up. Will post progress. Keep suggestions coming.

 

Well you probably did the right thing, let that goo sit n penetrate for a while and you should see results, as for my truck it supposively had the same problem before I bought it, I was told by the previous owner that all the linkage had to be taken apart as he did not use the 4x4 and it all seized-up......so now I throw in 4 wheel often just to keep things moving!!! Good luck!

 

uhhh another suggestion. next time, save up a little and get something that works a little better. i have a feeling for 700 bucks the 4x4 is not going to be you only problem.

anyway its probalby just frozen up from not being used. if thats not it though than you can expect to spend more than the truck to have it taken down and looked at. a good transmission shop sould be able to give you good advice and maby recomment a corse of action.