2003 FX4 Level II, auto trans: What are my transfer case options?

[chucky2]

I discovered this past weekend that 4LOW is not happening. 4HIGH is. Was thinking if I have to tear into it anyways to do the common troubleshooting/fixes, would getting a low mileage beefier F-150 transfer case, or some other such beast, be an easy swap in? Or, is it a nightmare and I'm just best off sticking with what I've got? (I almost never offroad or use 4x4, just figured if the work is almost the same, why not?)

Thanks either way to anyone that has knowledge on this!

Chuck

 

[5speedin2.3]

If this doesn't work, you might have to replace the shift motor or the module.

I'm assuming you have an electronic shift transfer case, not the rare manual.

"You have to be in neutral with the brake pressed to engage 4WD Low.

Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
• Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at a stop or any forward
speed.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
Note: Some noise may be heard as the 4WD system shifts or engages.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or slower.
2. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral). On vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, press the clutch.
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
• If the vehicle speed or transmission gear requirements are not met,
the shift will not occur.
• If shifting into 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turn on indicating the shift is complete.
• If shifting out of 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turn off indicating the shift is complete. "

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I discovered this past weekend that 4LOW is not happening. 4HIGH is. Was thinking if I have to tear into it anyways to do the common troubleshooting/fixes, would getting a low mileage beefier F-150 transfer case, or some other such beast, be an easy swap in? Or, is it a nightmare and I'm just best off sticking with what I've got? (I almost never offroad or use 4x4, just figured if the work is almost the same, why not?)

Thanks either way to anyone that has knowledge on this!

Chuck

Once you find a transmission that will mount to your 4.0 and a fullsize t-case you will be golden.

Otherwise your are stuck with a RBV transfercase.

 

[chucky2]

Wait...you're saying I can run a full size t-case but only if I mount a trans from a full size to the engine?

 

[Explorin94]

Wait...you're saying I can run a full size t-case but only if I mount a trans from a full size to the engine?

You can make anything work if you have the funds to do it. Advance adapters may have the adapter that you seek, but I don't know. Why are you wanting to change out the t-case?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Wait...you're saying I can run a full size t-case but only if I mount a trans from a full size to the engine?

Yeah, and that isn't very likely to happen. It would take a lot of work to put a fullsize t-case in your truck.

You are pretty much stuck with a RBV t-case... and as a whole they are a pretty good t-case.

 

[chucky2]

Only reason I was thinking about it is if it was going to be a drop in, I'd just go yank one off a full size in a yard, and put that in and be done, rather than troubleshooting my 4LOW problem (which is likely one of the common problems). But it sounds like it's not a drop in, so, off to troubleshoot the 4LOW issue before the cold months set in.

Thanks for the info!

Chuck