courage or stupidity

[churchkey]

I have a '70 Jeepster v-6 3 sp.that I use for plowing my own driveway.I'm trying to work up the courage to put the transfer case into low range.Things would be easier on the clutch etc.if I had low range.In the ten years I've had the old girl I've not messed with the transfer case,should I screw up my courage or leave it in 4 wheel hi?thanks ,Churchkey

[bmorgil]

Oh my gosh, the dilemma. If I say aw man stick it in low and give it a go, and it breaks, I hereby disclaim all liability.

I would shift it in gently by the book. I would run it around easy for a while and if it runs good, no loud noises, it was made to plow in low range.

[okiemark]

Never fear, parts are available.

[gmwillys]

Welcome Churchkey,
I would lube the linkage going into the transfer case before grabbing and yanking on the transfer case lever. After letting the penetrating oil time to soak in, gently engage 4 low. Unless there was water contamination in the transmission/transfer case, the only point of concern would be the shift rods going into the transfer case for being sticky with corrosion. Gentle persuasion is the key. Nothing to fear.

[bmorgil]

Definitely some good advice there. Spray the shift rails with WD40 where they enter the transfer case as gmwillys said. The seals will not tolerate rust cutting into them. A little attention there might prevent a leak later.

[5JeepsAz]

Well. Two choices from my seat. On the one hand you could abandoned courage and wait til summer. Take a couple of weeks to sort it all out. Other hand, try this business during the next blizzard. That way you'll for sure get it working.

[bmorgil]

Haha! I like option 2. There is something about "do or die" that gets it done.

[gmwillys]

True, option 2 is a lot more fun, but with my luck it would jam up in neutral, and would have to shovel by hand.