Transfer case linkage is not moving, truck will not shift into 4 wheel drive.

[Zero_Accel]

Well, got big problem, my 4 wheel drive is broken! It looks like my transfer case linkage is broken, but I'm not sure where.

Short version of this is I went to go play in the dunes after work, and when I went to shift into 4-high, I got a limp linkage. Truck would not engage into any 4x4 mode, either rolling or stopped, park, neutral, etc. I can push the transfer case lever into what would be 4-low, and got nothing.

Went and took video of the linkage under the truck, but I don't understand what is wrong. It looks like it's still connected topside, but the linkage to the transfer-case is not moving at all.

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[DylanM]

Looks like the shift bracket has come unbolted from the t-case. The orange bit in the second picture is moving fore and aft instead of transferring motion from the shift cable to the shift rod.

 

[Zero_Accel]

@DylanM Dude you rock! That's exactly whats wrong, those two (three?) bolts are MIA. I can move the whole assembly by hand.

I had the transmission replaced under warranty back in December, I'm wondering if my transfer case was removed as part of that and a tech gave that bracket the ol finger tight.

 

[tysongladiator]

@DylanM Dude you rock! That's exactly whats wrong, those two (three?) bolts are MIA. I can move the whole assembly by hand.

I had the transmission replaced under warranty back in December, I'm wondering if my transfer case was removed as part of that and a tech gave that bracket the ol finger tight.

I can almost bet that's what they did. Just tightened it enough to get it out the shop or the ole finger tight. I had my steering box TSB replaced about 4 or 5 years ago and the dealership did that with the pitman arm nut. That was very dangerous as that nut has to be 184 ft/lbs. When I checked the nut myself, it was barely finger tight. I got out my torque wrench, torqued it properly, and was good to go.

Glad @DylanM helped you find your issue before it progressed into something else.

 

[Zero_Accel]

Went and took a better picture now that the truck is cooled off.

Gonna call the dealer and see what we can do about this. If they're going to charge me labor to fix this, I'll just buy the bolts and do it myself. Hopefully they'll own up to it and put it back together once I drop it off this Friday.

 

[Lost1wing]

So if anyone tells you that a dealer only does it by the book, you know better. It would be a toss up for me to bring it back to the dealers attention. I think they should know but buying new bolts and installing them yourself may be quicker.

Darn your luck.

 

[Deleted member 57233]

I think they should know but buying new bolts and installing them yourself may be quicker.

And the bolts will be tighter lol

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