4x4 shifting

[Dirka]

Just installed my TH250?NP203 back under my truck today, got everything buttoned up.
I get into truck and run the shifter, and I feel like it only "locks" into 3 different positions..
I'm still in the process of putting the rebuilt engine back in, so can't test which I have, but is there anything I could have done wrong to only have 3 positions??

[Captkaos]

TH250?  You mean TH350?  By 3 posistions you me it only moves in 3 slots?  Did it previously have this same trans setup?  If so pull off the linkage and work the trans lever to verify PRNDLL.

[Dirka]

Capt, yes 350.. I don't always go back and spell check. Guess high school didn't teach me anything 
I did check the PRNDLL I get all of those from the tranny.
I'm talking about the transfer case.

[FlatBlack77]

i had a similar problem when i first got my 79. it felt like it only had 3 positions and was really hard to shift.

turned out i had to put so much effort into shifting that it was skipping over 1 and even 2 positions when it would move because i was pushing so hard.

if you understood that lol

take the shifter boot off and see whats goin on. i sprayed some lube on it and havent had a problem since

[Dirka]

take the shifter boot off and see whats goin on. i sprayed some lube on it and havent had a problem since

Looks like I will put some lube on it before I put interior back in. Thanks!

[Jason S]

You might want to take the shifter off, take it apart and clean all the internal parts.  Cleaning out any mud, old grease and rust will help a lot with shifter operation.

[Dirka]

OK another quick question.  I replaced the metal hold down piece that goes around rubber boot and it doesn't have the markings for Hi, Lo, N Lo Lock, Hi Lock.. Of course N is in the middle and I found Low was pushed forward, and HI was pulled back all the way. I haven't locked the hubs, will that give me an extra gear to put in, or will it remain just those three?

[Jason S]

There should be 5 positions, regardless of whether your NP203 has a part-time conversion or is still full time.

If your NP203 has a part-time conversion you gain a 2wd-lo and can run hubs in the front. With the part-time conversion, shifter all the way forward (closest to the dash) and moving backward (toward the seat):
Lo-Loc is 4wd Lo
Lo is 2wd Lo
N is still neutral
Hi is 2wd Hi
Hi-Loc is 4wd Hi