Engaging manual transfer case in motion

[Nez'sRanger]

I got an 89 2.9 4x4 manual tranny with a manual transfer case. I can't seem to find whether or not it can be engaged or disengaged while in motion.
That would be helpful info, especially with how the roads are maintained here in the winter. You can need 4x4 on all back roads, but the main roads and highways are bare as can be.

 

[Curious Hound]

I don't remember what the owner manual says. But you should be able to shift in and out of 4 hi while moving at low speeds. I would recommend being stopped to shift in and out of low range.

 

[Snoranger]

If you have manual hubs and they’re locked, I don’t see why not. Everything inside the t-case is already moving at the same speed... as long as your tires aren’t spinning on snow/ice, you should be fine... I’ve done it plenty of times.

 

[Shadowrider6661]

I haven't had any problems with shifting my 88 BII into 4 hi at low speed, my Ranger has electric shift, it has to be under 55 mph to engage.

 

[adsm08]

You should be perfectly safe shifting in and out of 4 hi at any speed up to 35 or 45 MPH, the low range shift needs to be done at 3 mph or less as that gear is not synchronized.

 

[wildbill23c]

The manual transfer case can be shifted on the fly between 2WD and 4WD High Range after the manual hubs are locked in. To shift to low range you need to be completely stopped as is the case with most vehicles. The only one I know of that likes to be rolling slowly is the older Jeep Cherokees, and Grand Cherokees. Never tried shifting to low range while moving in any of my Fords, I've always stopped completely and never had any issues, but I also haven't found the need to use low range anywhere other than out in the fields bucking hay....I'd throw it in low range and 1st gear jump out and start throwing hay bales on the trailer...works very well for that.