Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

My 87 did great in the snow today, until I pulled into the driveway. We have a decent hill at the beginning of our driveway so I put it down in 4L to get up it. When I got to where I wanted to be I put the tranny in neutral and tried to shift out of 4L and it started grinding. I let it roll a little then tried again same thing. I pulled forward a little same thing. Can't figure out why it wouldn't let me shift out of 4L. Could it be the incline?

Re: Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

You don't say what transmission and transfer case you have, but an '87 would likely have a NP208 as original equipment. If it's NP205, they are known for being hard to shift out of 4L. Haven't had a problem with the 208, but maybe the chain is stretched? Can you let the truck roll down the hill slightly and try to shift out?

Re: Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

I knew I would forget something....700r and np208. I am about to go back out and mess with it to see if I can get it out of 4L. Thanks for the reply.

Re: Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

Went back out and with a little coaxing she came out of 4L. If the weather ever clears up I will drain all the fluids and refill them. I was pretty happy with the way the truck handled the roads today....it's nice to have 4wd again. One of the roads coming out to our house was under water and the other had not been plowed yet. Without the truck we would not have made it home and I was over staying at the hotel.

Re: Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

Was the truck rolling or at a complete stop when you tried shifting? Usually to get out of 4-low you want the truck to be rolling, slowly, near coming to a stop, put the tranny in neutral, and shift the t-case with a firm quick motion back to 4H or 2H.

Re: Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

NP 208 uses ATF, not gear oil. Maybe previous owner put the incorrect fluid in it?

Re: Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

They will bind up easier in 4Lo.

Re: Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

When in a bind, I will turn off the truck and then pull it out of said gear, restart truck and continue on. Not sure why turning off the truck helps get it out of gear, but it does.

Re: Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

A transmission repair shop once told me to put it in reverse and gun it, then try and shift. Seemed to always work.

Re: Grinding when trying to shift out of 4L
 

When you shift in to neutral the main shaft of the trans is still spinning! Put the tranny back in to drive then neutral and should shift easier!