Disengaging Twin Stick Transfer Case

I recently acquired a 1961 CJ-5 w/the 134 F head engine. Is there any sequence or procedure to disengage the transfer case, eliminating power to the front axle? I find it very difficult to get the middle stick all the way forward. Thanks in advance.

 

well it doesn't move like the high/low lever
front axle drive is in or out . try shifting it while it's still moving . clutch in

 

Gotcha. Does it matter what position the Hi/Low stick is in when I attempt to disengage the TC?

 

The "Hi/Low" stick must be in Hi in order to disengage the front axle drive (TC, as you call it). Put another way: Low range can be selected only in 4WD.

 

Thanks for the info regarding the Hi/Low stick position when disengaging the front drive axle. By "TC" I'm referring to the transfer case, which transfers power to the front axle from the transmission.

 

Clearly. But it's a contradiction in terms. All power, front and/or rear, high or low range, goes through the transfer case. You can't disengage the TC. You can disengage the front axle. You can switch between high or low range.

There is an interlock in the transfer case that prevents some combinations. You are allowed 4WD (front and rear axle), high or low range. You are allowed rear wheel drive, high range. Without modifications of the TC internal interlock, all other combinations are blocked.

 

Neutral?

 

Yes, there's that!

You could argue that it's still engaged, just in neutral. The intermediate gear still spins. That's semantics though. It's still different from disengaging the front axle.

 

Here's the info straight from the owner's manual:

 

Ummm… Just to clear up any confusion about all those levers and to get the nomenclature right: the longest lever controls the transmission, as everybody knows. Both of the other 2 levers control the transfer case (TC). The longer one selects front axle drive - In or Out. The shorter one selects the range - Hi or Low, with neutral in between. Yes, it controls gear ratios, but in the transfer case, and is not part of the transmission. As has already been pointed out, Low range cannot be selected until the front axle drive is In, and front axle drive cannot be disengaged while in Low range. So both of those extra levers are TC levers. Lastly, optional and aftermarket overdrive and power take off (PTO) units attach to the TC and add another lever (or two) to the forest.

 

Thank you very much Fireball. The information you provided is precisely what I'm looking for.