Transfercase will not stay engaged

[shubyjames]

Hey guys new to this forum and hope you could help me out. I have a 98 Ford Ranger 3.0 auto 4x4. My problem is she will not stay in 4 wheel drive. I have to admit I got pretty freaked out a couple times when it decided to pop out. When it comes out I turned the nob off and then back on, and then it will re-engage. However, it will eventually pop back out. I'll be driving in the snow and out of nowhere it falls out of 4x4 and I start fishtailing almost causing a few accidents. Has this happened to anyone else? If so what was the fix?

Thanks guys

 

[jeffw920]

to be completely honest, i dont know...haha with that said my only guess would be the shift motor isnt working properly?

regardless, a quick suggestion until you figure it out:
carry some sockets and a pair of pliers with you...if you absolutely NEED 4x4 crawl under, remove damper, remove motor and there is a little triangular stud, turn it with the pliers and it will engage 4x4....my best guess is the motor is bad and just isnt turning the little stud as far as it should to engage 4x4. turning it by hand will ensure this happens

 

[feellnfroggy]

I htought I posted in this, but i guess i didnt. Sounds like your shift linkage is misaligned. Either you have a lift or someone did work on your tranny at some point in time and everything was adjusted wrong. Play with linkage adjustments before you put any money into it.

 

[shubyjames]

thanks for the input guys! Whatever happened to the good old days of pulling a lever to engage or turning your hubs to lock. All this convenience just leads to more things to break.

 

[91rangerxlt]

thanks for the input guys! Whatever happened to the good old days of pulling a lever to engage or turning your hubs to lock. All this convenience just leads to more things to break.

yea no joke thats what made me buy my 79 f150 with a 4speed and manual tcase oh and manual hubs...i just like manuals!

 

[ronclark]

My 1354M is popping out of 4l and 4H, it does seem to have some slop when twisting both shafts.
should i just find another yard TC or get a chain and fix it?

 

[bilzy7]

I would like to get a manual shifter for my 4wd... Hope yours is an inexpensive fix cause nothings ever ez.....

 

[ronclark]

Well i am trying to locate a chain but cant seem to find one yet.
I hear there about $100 but have yet to find it.