Transfer Case "tough" to shift in motion? (2H to 4H)

[Maverickxeo]

I know from factory these transfer cases are very stiff.

Since I got my 2023 (60KM ago), I have not been able to shift into 4H from 2H while moving at speed. I did double check the manual, and it does say this is possible.

I had a 2021 JL before, and I recall being able to shift while moving without much issue - in my Gladiator - I can be pulling as hard as I can and it will not shift until I come to a stop - and then it shifts super easily.

Is that normal?

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[azmojave]

I know from factory these transfer cases are very stiff.

Since I got my 2023 (60KM ago), I have not been able to shift into 4H from 2H while moving at speed. I did double check the manual, and it does say this is possible.

I had a 2021 JL before, and I recall being able to shift while moving without much issue - in my Gladiator - I can be pulling as hard as I can and it will not shift until I come to a stop - and then it shifts super easily.

Is that normal?

Sounds weird. Mine shifts fine at speed

 

[Moto-M187]

Now that it's cold (average 30⁰ and under lately) outside, shifting into 4h is a bit stiffer than in the past.
This is my first 4x4 that ISN'T push button, so, I'm still green to Jeep things haha

 

[Freems]

It takes its time to train you. I am a slow student, still struggle with rigger of it after 64K miles. But still love it.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

I know from factory these transfer cases are very stiff.

Since I got my 2023 (60KM ago), I have not been able to shift into 4H from 2H while moving at speed. I did double check the manual, and it does say this is possible.

I had a 2021 JL before, and I recall being able to shift while moving without much issue - in my Gladiator - I can be pulling as hard as I can and it will not shift until I come to a stop - and then it shifts super easily.

Is that normal?

Have you pulled the drain plug yet?

 

[Maverickxeo]

Have you pulled the drain plug yet?

I've drained and refilled it - fluid looked okay and it shifts the same.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

I've drained and refilled it - fluid looked okay and it shifts the same.

Please tell me you live in Calgary!

 

[SoK66]

Jeep does it again. The JK had a very stiff t-case shifter. Jeep came through with a new design for JL/JT that improved on that characteristic. It’s even STIFFER than JK. Brilliant!!!!!

 

[Maverickxeo]

Please tell me you live in Calgary!

North - Wetaskiwin

 

[NC_Overland]

Jeep does it again. The JK had a very stiff t-case shifter. Jeep came through with a new design for JL/JT that improved on that characteristic. It’s even STIFFER than JK. Brilliant!!!!!

My JK transfer case shifter would break a plastic clip and I’ve have a 2wd rubicon. I happened a few times before I did an aftermarket fix. At least we don’t have that issue. 2008 JKU Rubicon 6MT. Maybe the foes it on later models.

 

[SoK66]

My JK transfer case shifter would break a plastic clip and I’ve have a 2wd rubicon. I happened a few times before I did an aftermarket fix. At least we don’t have that issue. 2008 JKU Rubicon 6MT. Maybe the foes it on later models.

I did the Advance Adapters T-case cable on my JK. First time I took it on a trail, brand new Jeep, the damn clip broke at the transfer case.

 

[NC_Overland]

I did the Advance Adapters T-case cable on my JK. First time I took it on a trail, brand new Jeep, the damn clip broke at the transfer case.

Mine had like 30 miles on it the first time it happened. No exaggeration.

 

[Volt0]

Per the owners manual, you’re supposed to be like 5mph or 3mph or less when going from 4hi to 4low, and from low to hi. I usually put the tranny into Nuetral, then some pressure on the t-case shifter and roll to a near stop, and it slips right in, like in the last 2’ of the roll.

What do you mean by, at speed?

I mean, just b/c you might be able to perform the shift when closer to 5mph, that seems like a recipe for some teeth to get damaged. This isn’t a clutch engagement.

fwiw, the first few times that I tried in my JT, I had some challenges, and then watched the speedo and realized that I was actually rolling faster than I had perceived.

 

[Deleted member 52902]

Jeep does it again. The JK had a very stiff t-case shifter. Jeep came through with a new design for JL/JT that improved on that characteristic. It’s even STIFFER than JK. Brilliant!!!!!

Interesting. My JK from brand new to the day I sold it, shifted from 2H to 4H and then back to 2H easy as pie, every time. At any speed which I self-regulated to be 50 mph tops. I mean, its slipper stuff and why push it. However, I did try it once at about 60 and it went in and out just fine. Going into 2L the first time was a bit stiff but after that, 2L at crawl speed just took a firm pull to go in, and out. I did a couple of totally stopped engagement but the slow speed engage was always the way to go.

My JT does the 2H to 4H and back exactly as nice as the JK. I haven't had any situation to use 2L this Winter but I did the slow crawl test and that was again, just a firm action in and out and same no grinding in the crawl. Three RAM, V10-powered trucks did the same although the 1994 (my first one) was where I did my first 4WD engagements. I made some grinding on my first few tries, I think because I forgot what I read in the manual. Actually I bought a very well used J10 I for $1,000 (asking price I think was $1.3k) a long time ago but never really learned how to shift into 4WD or use the front axle lockers except just to try it maybe once or twice. It was a lot cranky-r to work this but I was a kid with no need for 4WD on the flat paved city streets.

 

[Volt0]

Sorry, misread the post. Yeah, this should work at highway speeds. I do let off the skinny pedal when doing that t case shift. Works well in both our JTs ( assuming that you’re driving straight, and not in a turn? )

is yours an automatic or stick?

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