Can't get out of 4WD!!!!?????

I've been living with this problem for a while now and it's starting to bother me. When I shift into 4 low I can't get it out of 4WD without unlocking my hubs. To unlock my hubs I've got to use pliers to turn the hub lock. Once the hubs are unlocked it easily shifts through all ranges. Is this a problem with my hubs or my t-case or something that all 1973 CJ's have? Seems like I should be able to shift out of 4 Low easily. I resealed the t-case last summer and all gears looked good.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. The Jeep has a 304 with T15 tranny and D20 t-case. Axels are D44 rear and D30 front (open).

Thanks in advance.

Casey

 

have you tried backing up? this will take the tension off the t-case so it should go out of 4wheel drive. my neibor had this problem in his 7. drove 25miles in low range on the street

 

I've tried that with no luck. I'll try it again and see how it works out.

 

When unlocking, there are a lot of parts that need a little "wiggle room". T-case, axle and the locking hubs. I just roll it forward, or backward a foot or so and try the hubs again.
It may not be a good idea to use pliers on the hub switch. The parts inside do a good job, but they arent super beefy as far as forcing the switch itself is concerned.
I have never been a big fan of the tool they sell to add hand torque to the switch. If you unload the pressure they move effortlessly.
It may be time to take the locking hubs off, you can service the wheel bearings at the same time.
Usually, you will find the hub has tons of hardened grease, that wasnt necessary and comes out in a lump like a piece of beef jerky .
Just my two cents anyway.

 

Do some tight zig zigs at real slow speeds off road and while doing so, put a little pressure on your transfer case lever. It might come out of 4WD while doing these motions. I had a jeep with a twin stick and this was about the easiest way to get it our of 4WD.

Also do you have matching tires on your jeep? If not, it could cause it bind up and put some extra pressure on the gears.

The hubs should easily turn with your fingers. Might want to take them apart, clean and re lube them. Not a big job, just take your time.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I was thinking it might be time to take the hubs apart and service them.

Casey

 

I have found that putting the tranny in neutral helps releive some of the tension and makes shifting easier. Because I am twin-sticked I also can disengage the rear and the front then disengages easy.

 

Sounds like mis-matched tire sizes