98 not going into 4wd.

Greetings everybody!
I had my truck in the shop, just got it back today. They replaced the bushings in my (J shifter) transfer case, it shifts better as long as you hold pressure to the right when going from 2wd into 4hi and 4lo. The owner didn't charge me anything, said to "drive it for a few days and try it out".

I assumed the 4wd system was operating fine, just found out it's not going into 4wd, it's a 5 speed manual with manual locking hubs. What's the next step? I have been in contact with a member here about a used t-case he's got for sale. Would you all recommend swapping it out at his point?


Thanks !!

 

Is the light not coming on, or can you feel it isn't in 4wd? The jshift is dead simple so it shouldn't be too hard to find the issue.

 

The light isn't coming on, I tried climbing a few hills on the back 40 and the front tires aren't pulling. Then I put it in what's supposed to be 4lo and made a few sharp turns without any binding of skipping in the front end.

 

Another member with thew same issue
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4x4-help-front-end-not-locking-in.512101/#post-16119189

 

have you check to see if your front hubs are locking properly. lock them and try to spin the CV shafts by hand, if they spin or one spins you know something is up. make sure the tcase is locked in too of course.

 

I'll do that tomorrow, thank you.

 

Good Morning!
I unlocked the hubs, crawled u see and was able to turn the front axles freely. I locked them in and wasn't able to turn them.

 

Were the hubs apart at any time? Those are very simple but they can be installed improperly.

 

The hubs haven't been apart at all.

 

Hmm well then it is t case related if that's the case. Very strange, my guess is the lever was installed incorrectly.

 

Thank you all.
Would taking the case apart (only enough to replace the bushing) involve removing enough components to possibly have caused this issue?

(I'm trying to decide on whether or not to take it back to the same guy who worked on it before)

 

Bump for Thursday's enthusiasts.