1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Jeep Only Moves In 4l

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Garrett Pirkey, Aug 1, 2020.

  1. Aug 1, 2020
    Garrett Pirkey

    Garrett Pirkey Member

    East texas
    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Messages:
    50
    77 Cj5 4 spd

    I found out today that my Jeep
    Will only move in 4L. When i try to pull it out of 4L, if will go into “N” but the jeep won’t move and I can’t pull it back to 2h or 4h.

    any ideas?
     
  2. Aug 1, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    You can't shift from 4LO into 2HI or 4HI while moving. Was the Jeep moving at the time?

    Locking hubs? In or out?
     
  3. Aug 1, 2020
    Garrett Pirkey

    Garrett Pirkey Member

    East texas
    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Messages:
    50
    I haven’t driven the jeeP much, I did a few times then put it in the garage to work on it. Finally got enough done and pulled it out to cruise the kids around the block. Well I down shifted and when I did I felt something change.

    after investigation, I noticed the transfer shifter had moved. Pushed it back forward and off we went. That’s when I realized I was in 4L.

    Hubs are not locked, I’ve double checked that.

    Standing still i can shift out of 4L to N, it won’t go any further down to 2h or 4h.

    when I shift from 4L to N, the front crankshaft spins freely while sitting still, does not when In 4L.

    I tried backing up 20+ feet and couldn’t shift.

    I haven’t tried shifting it while
    Driving.

    EDIT***
    I got back in it and had my buddy try to shift it from
    4L back to 2h, only goes to nuetral and, For a lack of better words no transmission, Like the transmissions is in neutral.
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2020
  4. Aug 1, 2020
    bigjohn

    bigjohn Active Member

    Kelso Wa
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2010
    Messages:
    1,054
    You may try shifting at a very slow speed., like 1-3 mph. I rarely shift the transfer case in the stationary position.
     
  5. Aug 1, 2020
    bigjohn

    bigjohn Active Member

    Kelso Wa
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2010
    Messages:
    1,054
    Otherwise check your linkage. If the front range is sticking out loose the detent won't allow shifting to high range. This isn't that I'm aware common because usually there is a natural spot in the shifter range that disengages the front axle but retains rear low range. But if the front axle plunger isn't moving due to a broken pin or loose linkage you won't come out of low range
     
  6. Aug 2, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    !! Hubs MUST be locked to shift from 2WD to 4WD.
    !! The front axle does not spin with the hubs unlocked.
    !! The speed of the front and rear axles must match when shifting into 4WD.
    !! Leave the hubs locked until you understand what you are doing.

    The shifter goes way way back to reach 4WD low. All the way forward, past vertical, to 4WD high. Shift from high range to low or back completely stopped, or at a baby crawl of movement, just enough to get the gears to mesh. These are basic actions that you should have done on your test drive before you bought the Jeep. If you don't know how, have the seller demonstrate.
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2020
  7. Aug 2, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    I'd "get out and get under." Give the linkages and shifter a good eyeballing, and maybe a shot of oil. Sometime it will be an obvious problem.
     
    Twin2 likes this.
  8. Aug 2, 2020
    Garrett Pirkey

    Garrett Pirkey Member

    East texas
    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Messages:
    50
    .

    I searched out this issue last night and have learned That I was wrong about a lot
    Of things. The jeep is in 4h and won’t shift to 2h. It will shift into neutral and won’t go any further.

    Hubs have to be locked to be in 4wd?. Should I lock the hubs and try to go from 4h to 2h?

    I am going to remove the Cover plate underneath after church and see what I can see. How do I check the fluid?
     
  9. Aug 2, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    The shifter goes, front to back, 4 high, 2 high, neutral, 2 low (not marked) and 4 low. You should not be able to reach neutral from 4 high without going through 2 high.

    You can shift from 2 high to 4 high and back at any speed, WITH THE HUBS LOCKED IN. Ideally you don't shift out of 2 high with the hubs unlocked. There's just no reason to, and you will have big loud gear clash if the front axle is still and the rear axle is moving.

    Do not assign much importance to the locking hubs - you don't really need them. They are simply someone's bright idea for a marketable accessory. They provide a debatable reduction of front axle wear and improved fuel economy (very slight). People came to expect them, so Jeep put them on the option list in 1974. Prior to that, every Jeep was delivered to the dealership without them.

    If you are in 4WD with the hubs free (unlocked), you may not be able to shift out of 4WD (possible - never tried it). You certainly cannot shift from 2WD to 4WD with the hubs free except at a complete stop. Sometimes that won't work either, depending on the alignment of the gears.
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2020
New Posts