Coming out of 4WD, something not releasing

[scooterspal]

1997 Ranger, 4.0 liter, 5-speed manual, manual locking hubs, 200K+ miles

My issue has to do with coming out of 4WD and back to 2WD. I stop the truck on level ground (pavement) and turn if off. Get out and switch the font hubs back to free spinning for 2WD. Get back in and set transfer case lever to 2WD. Start back up and begin to drive 1, 2, 3 etc.

I can hear what appears to be the transfer case still engaged. There is a wurring sound and a slight sluggishness. This lasts for a mile or two and then I will hear/feel a slight clunk and all is alright.

It does this every time I have used 4WD now. Only had the truck a few weeks and used 4WD maybe 6 times or so.

Is this normal or at least is it anything I need to be concerned about?

Thanks for the help on this.

 

[4x4junkie]

Doesn't sound like anything wrong with your truck...
Any amount of bind in the driveline can hold the 4WD shift collar engaged for a brief period even though you've moved the t-case lever back to 2WD and unlocked the hubs.

Backing up for 10-20 feet should release the bind and allow it to pop out of 4WD (you might be able to just blip the throttle while driving forward and the resultant lurch of the truck should allow it to pop out as well).

Finally, taking it out of 4WD before you reach pavement may help too.

 

[scooterspal]

Glad to hear it not something to worry about.

I will try the backup trick.

I'm on a bit of a rocky hill just before pavement so it might be tricky to shift back to 2WD but I will try that, as well.

Thanks