older chevy 4x4 automatic?

Question

why is it hard to shift out of 4 wheel drive, mine you have to pry on it to change it, i even have my transmision in neutral at the same time. I have tried to move truck forward and reverse and tried then, but still hard to get out, only time easy is in mud or snow, then shfts with out a prob.

Answer 1

Make sure your tires are the same size front and back, if this truck has been like this from day one since you have owned it then someone may have changed the gearing in the rear or front and the front no longer Matches the rear. What is happening is the front and rear axles are not turning at exactly the same speed ( could be due to tire size or gearing ) and trying to work against each other. The pressure from the axles travels through the drive-shafts and is dead headed at the transfer case. When the ground is muddy or slippery the load is able to be displace through lack of traction making it easier to take it out of gear.
Kinda hard to explain unless your pickn up what I'm thowin down

Answer 2

Some older 4x4s do this on a regular basis.Equal tire size and axles do little to solve this.Traction can provide a way out. Windup is rarely overcome while rolling.Best shut off the engine on a hill and let things roll without power to gain a feel for your tranfer case limits.New respect for this third range is imperative to longevetie of the vehicle. Never allow confussion to dominate when navigating this application of force.

Answer 3

For the sake of your transfer case it’s always best to shift into and out of 4 wheel drive while on grass, mud, snow..... I have electronic controls and it shifts so much easier on anything other then a paved road.

Answer 4

You may need to lubricate the shifter linkage.

Answer 5

LINKAGE NEEDS ADJUSTMENT OR LUBE OR IS WORN OUT THE BUSHINGS ON LINKAGE