Shifter will not budge!

CAVEMAN 4X4

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-150
5.4L
V8
4WD
MANUAL
155,000 MILES

Just got this truck told was simple fix. Everything is okay on the truck with the exception of the 4WD shifter will not move at all. Was told it stopped moving all at once and the 4WD itself was okay just the shifter had stopped moving altogether! Anyone help me with this?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Have you checked the linkage to the transfer case? If you disconnect the linkage, can you shift the transfer case?

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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 12:08 PM

CAVEMAN 4X4

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I'm not really sure how to disconnect the linkage myself, but the shifter has probably inch and a half to 2inches of play but wont click in to 4WD if that makes a difference I did however just spray some PB blaster on all the joints of the linkage to see if it helped but I got same amount of play when I checked it 2 hours after setting

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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 12:08 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

I hate to say it, but you need to check the linkage at the transfer case. Have a helper move the shifter so you can see if it is moving there. If it is, see if you can figure out how the linkage comes off and see if you can move the shifter on the transfer case. Please make sure the vehicle is secure with the parking brake on and the wheels blocked so it can't move. The transfer case can be shifted into neutral, and regardless if the transmission is in park, it will move.

Also, check to make sure the fluid in the transfer case is clean and full.

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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 12:08 PM