Difficulty engaging low range

[quixote]

Hi guys,

As the title, really. The truck goes into 4WD no problem, but or some reason I can't get low range. The lever pushes down maybe a half inch, which from memory is too little? Can't remember the last time I actually had to use low range, so I'm wondering if the linkage is prone to seizing up if not used? :-/

Any advice very welcome

Edit: Forgot to add it's a '94 3.0 LWB (76K)

 

[rustic]

Push down, then backwards is the way, but have you had a body lift at all?

They can sieze if not used, like many things in life, so copious ammounts of WD 40 can help.
Then keep playing with it..:augie up and down... at first then with a few backwards ones...

 

[quixote]

No mods at all, Rustic. I suspect you're right and that it needs a good spray of lube. I don't use low range very often at all, so it's more than likely needing freed off, right enough :thumbs

At the moment, it slides into 4WD no worries, but then only pushes down a half in ch or so & feels solid when you try to move it rearwards

 

[AlexD333]

Get under truck with a spray, passenger side of gearbox I believe you will see linkage, spray away and get someone to work the lever back.

Some heavy persuasion might be needed too :sly

 

[rustic]

No mods at all, Rustic. I suspect you're right and that it needs a good spray of lube. I don't use low range very often at all, so it's more than likely needing freed off, right enough :thumbs

At the moment, it slides into 4WD no worries, but then only pushes down a half in ch or so & feels solid when you try to move it rearwards

It's hot and dry up there, and any road filth can build up and set like concrete.
Do as Alex suggests and have a crawl under from the nearside.:thumb2

I'm sure you will be sorted soon.:thumb2

 

[Banshee]

I had this, have a read here

http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23349

 

[quixote]

Thanks fellas :thumbs

I reckon that's most likely the problem. I've hardly ever had to use 4L so hadn't noticed it was becoming stiff. I'll get under the truck this weekend and give it a good spray & a wiggle.

Thanks again, guys

 

[briggie]

Thanks fellas :thumbs

I reckon that's most likely the problem. I've hardly ever had to use 4L so hadn't noticed it was becoming stiff. I'll get under the truck this weekend and give it a good spray & a wiggle.

Thanks again, guys

 

[Sweety]

Mine was very hard to get into 4H & 4L forget it but kept working it between 2H & 4H & it freed up nicely then did the same between 4H & 4L & that also freed up. Every week I put the transfer lever into every position quite a few times to keep it nice & free even tho never had the chance to use 4WD yet:doh

 

[rustic]

Mine was very hard to get into 4H & 4L forget it but kept working it between 2H & 4H & it freed up nicely then did the same between 4H & 4L & that also freed up. Every week I put the transfer lever into every position quite a few times to keep it nice & free even tho never had the chance to use 4WD yet:doh

Good tip:thumb2

Also if you have auto front hubs, then best find some wet grass, or put two wheels on the grass verge, engage 4H, for a few yards, then back to 2H but don't roll back.( In fact if you can remain on some slippery stuff, and if safe to do so, you could exercise the low box, but NOT on tarmac).
Now, in 2H, if you continue to drive forwards, the auto hubs will still be engaged so drive a mile or so on tarmac, and the auto hubs will "back drive" the front diff and propshaft, and get oil where it should be.
I try to do this every 2-3 months.
When finished, reverse back about 3 yards or so and auto hubs should disengage.
Now, if any clicking is heard during any of this operation, also as at anytime when using 4 wheel drive, then the hubs are in limbo, ie neither engaged or disengaged, so some shifting might be needed... 4H-2H-4H-2H... drive forward, reverse etc...etc etc
I have been doing this for... 20 years, still on the original auto hubs, and all original parts and prop shaft, and four wheel drive always available when I want it.
In that time, I have re greased the hubs twice, however I have never waded it deep enough to get water in them, clearly if you do wade deeper, you will need to grease the hubs and bearings more often.:thumb2

If you don't exercise the four wheel drive system, it won't be there when you really need it.:doh
Rustic

 

[Banshee]

Good tip:thumb2

Also if you have auto front hubs, then best find some wet grass, or put two wheels on the grass verge, engage 4H, for a few yards, then back to 2H but don't roll back.( In fact if you can remain on some slippery stuff, and if safe to do so, you could exercise the low box, but NOT on tarmac).
Now, in 2H, if you continue to drive forwards, the auto hubs will still be engaged so drive a mile or so on tarmac, and the auto hubs will "back drive" the front diff and propshaft, and get oil where it should be.
I try to do this every 2-3 months.
When finished, reverse back about 3 yards or so and auto hubs should disengage.
Now, if any clicking is heard during any of this operation, also as at anytime when using 4 wheel drive, then the hubs are in limbo, ie neither engaged or disengaged, so some shifting might be needed... 4H-2H-4H-2H... drive forward, reverse etc...etc etc
I have been doing this for... 20 years, still on the original auto hubs, and all original parts and prop shaft, and four wheel drive always available when I want it.
In that time, I have re greased the hubs twice, however I have never waded it deep enough to get water in them, clearly if you do wade deeper, you will need to grease the hubs and bearings more often.:thumb2

If you don't exercise the four wheel drive system, it won't be there when you really need it.:doh
Rustic

Uncle Rustic on form as always

I got in the sh*t on Sunday and needed 4WD, I was well stuck, dropped it into 4H and hit the gas, and see ya :naughty

 

[rustic]

Uncle Rustic on form as always

I got in the sh*t on Sunday and needed 4WD, I was well stuck, dropped it into 4H and hit the gas, and see ya :naughty

Yes, but you're always in the sh*t, it's just the depth that changes...lol..
:lol:lol

 

[Banshee]

Yes, but you're always in the sh*t, it's just the depth that changes...lol..
:lol:lol

:lol

 

[quixote]

Heh heh heh. Mine has the fixed hubs, so no need to worry about the front diff' :thumb2

I use 4WD a lot too, just not the low range

 

[Barrbeast]

Heh heh heh. Mine has the fixed hubs, so no need to worry about the front diff' :thumb2

I use 4WD a lot too, just not the low range

I've got manual hubs so if I haven't been able to lock them and put her into 4wd (not often) I just engage the lever for a bit while I'm moving around town :thumbs

Rarely run in 2wd with the hubs locked so I haven't been caught out... yet!

 

[quixote]

Well, I'm baffled. Just had a crawl about underneath. Couldn't get that bracket to come off. Both bolts out, but it's just too awkward & I couldn't be bothered to drop the front propshaft. The lever's actually free enough to move into 4WD from under the truck, but it'll be damned if it'll drop in to low range. Any other suggestions? :nenau

 

[rayf3262]

Well, I'm baffled. Just had a crawl about underneath. Couldn't get that bracket to come off. Both bolts out, but it's just too awkward & I couldn't be bothered to drop the front propshaft. The lever's actually free enough to move into 4WD from under the truck, but it'll be damned if it'll drop in to low range. Any other suggestions? :nenau

IIRC the gate/bracket sits on two turrets machined on the transfer box casting and the bolts only serve to hold it in place rather than locate it.
Mine was awkward to remove too, so rather than perform a task more suited to a gynecologist I opted to attack it from above.