78 4x4 help

[blindside56]

when i try to shift into 4 wheel drive in my 78 bronco, the shifter only moves a lil towards back of the truck, like a 2 h setting, can't get it to move forward or all the way back, what could some of the issues be only had the truck a month or so....also notice a leak outta teh back of the transfer case where it hooks up to the rear driveline, it has those two u joint things(not sure kinda a newbie), is that just a seal or need to rebuild it all or what...any help thanks

 

[Broncobill78]

when i try to shift into 4 wheel drive in my 78 bronco, the shifter only moves a lil towards back of the truck, like a 2 h setting, can't get it to move forward or all the way back, what could some of the issues be only had the truck a month or so....also notice a leak outta teh back of the transfer case where it hooks up to the rear driveline, it has those two u joint things(not sure kinda a newbie), is that just a seal or need to rebuild it all or what...any help thanks

If it hasn't been used in awhile the transfer case shifter can sometimes be difficult to shift, a lot of time driving for 20-30 feet in reverse will help but you should be able to loosen up the linkage by moving it back. Sometimes it helps to be in Neutral but you should be able to shift in drive as long as you aren't buzzing down the highway (I think 20mph was the max speed but someone correct me if I'm wrong). As for the 2-u-joint thingie, your description is less than clear but I think you're talking about the double-cardigan joint that's on the transfer-case end of your rear driveshaft. I'm not sure just what it is you want to know about it but yes it can be rebuilt but I have no idea if yours *should* be, is it doing something or did it just catch your attention ?

 

[blindside56]

oil is running outta those and flings all over the underneath of the floor pans then falls onto teh exhuast and smells like ****...just tryin to find out ways to solve that problem

 

[Seabronc]

The part time 4X4 needs to have the truck stopped and in neutral to shift into 4L. Put the transmission and transfer case in neutral then shift the transfer case into 4L. It is possible to shift between 2H and 4H while the truck is moving but it is easier on the drive train to stop first. Running in 4X4 on dry pavement is not recommended.

If it is leaking just ahead of the Cardon joint, the seal can be replaced without a rebuild.

Good luck,

>-

 

[blindside56]

yeah i got it into 4x4 with a lil force, probably not the best way to do it, but some ******* ran my brother off the road in the snow,(while elk hunting) and got it stuck so i got ****** and forced it in now it goes in and out really easy, its just leaking now i think its teh transfer case seal but it runs down the joint used to connect the transfer case to the driveline, and it smells so bad thats the only problem i am really have with the leak, and its not right,

 

[Titos79]

i have been able to shift from 2h to 4h while rolling at anything under about 10mph, of course the hubs have to be locked. when i'm out trail riding i just shift between and 4 with out any problems. i don't know maybe perfect or maybe its worn but i like it so run it till its broke and then build it better!

 

[Broncobill78]

yeah i got it into 4x4 with a lil force, probably not the best way to do it, but some ******* ran my brother off the road in the snow,(while elk hunting) and got it stuck so i got ****** and forced it in now it goes in and out really easy, its just leaking now i think its teh transfer case seal but it runs down the joint used to connect the transfer case to the driveline, and it smells so bad thats the only problem i am really have with the leak, and its not right,

it's a 78/79 so yes, the best way to do it is to use some force. I'll accept the rebuke if I'm wrong but it's always been my understanding (and I"ve done it waaay too many times) that you can shift a NP205 on the fly under 20-30 mph obviously the slower the better but you don't actually HAVE to be stopped to do so. I know for sure that it can be done @ around 25mph without any strange or scarey sounds. Winters in New England I would usually leave the hubs locked and just slow it down to a crawl before shifting to 4-hi and I never once crashed the gears.

You're absolutely right, the gear oil used in the 205's smells like $hit when it gets flung but that's just the nature of gear-oil the $hit stinks like sulpher and once you fling it onto your exhaust you're stuck smelling it for awhile if you have carpeting. The rear-main can be changed without taking the whole box apart but you need to take a look at it to see. If it's not losing too much you can just try to keep it clean & refill it from week to week if you're lazy like me. Do yourself a favor & DON'T run it dry an NP205 is like freaking gold don't go & ruin one