Low Range will not stay engaged

[cj7crawler]

I have a 78 CJ7 with the QuadraTrac and for some reason low gear will not stay engaged unless i hold it in. When Iam holding it in it will also at times when there is a large load on the Transfer Case it will pop. Any ideas? thanks for the help.

 

[cj7crawler]

Also it is not the linkage i disco'd it and it still pops out of low.

 

[jeepboy45]

Wish I could help. I have a 79 CJ7 with the same QuadraTrac . Mine has been changed into a 2x4 with the Milemarker kit.

However, I've never experienced it popping out of low range. Even before I did the conversion.

I just wanted to clarify you are talking about the the low range LEVER on the floor and not the emergency vacuum switch in the glove box.? Correct?

You mentioned a "pop" when you hold it in low range. Do you mean it pops out of low when you are trying to hold it in? OR is it a POP like the chain skipping on the gears? Excessive chain play will allow this to happen when a load is put on it.

Actually popping out of low range is something I've never experienced. Wish I could help more.

brian

 

[cj7crawler]

yes it is the low range on the floor and if i hold it it will stay in,as for the noise when it is in low it could be the chain but wouldnt that happen in high gear as well?

 

[jeepboy45]

I could be way off here, but I would imagine that the low range is going to generate more torque to the rear because of the reduction. Thus the chain is under more stress.

There is a plug on the T case that is for checking chain deflection. You take a screwdriver or any thin object, insert it into the hole and measure the distance you can move the slack in the chain. I cant say over the net if that is indeed your problem.

It seems doubtful that a worn out chain would cause the reduction unit to pop out though..

 

[jeepboy45]

I just looked in my Jeep Technical service manual and this is what it says

It didnt mention the reduction unit popping out of gear, but it did have this section....


Troubleshooting:
RECDUCTION UNIT WON'T ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE:

1. Incorrect engagement procedure used. (Obviously not this)
2. Shift linkage loose, bent, broken
3. Shift fork worn, damaged, or loose on shift rail (spring pin broken)
4. Reduction unit holding plate, shift collar, collar plate, collar plate hub, or pinion cage lock plate worn or damaged.
5. Reduction unit incorrectly assembled.


BTW: I never asked: Did you just acquire this Jeep? How long has this problem been going on? Did you recently do any mods to the Jeep prior to this problem?

Lots of questions but trying to narrow this down for you.

If you just got the Jeep, its possible the PO had the Tcase apart and put it back together wrong. etc etc etc

let us know..

good luck
brian

 

[cj7crawler]

I did just get it and it has been happening since i got it. I think i will have to pull it out and chk it all out. The jeep has a 4" lift and 33's that is it. Not sure if it is worth rebuilding or if i should find a new tc.

 

[jeepboy45]

I kinda figured you inheirited the issue.

There is really nothing to it. They are kinda hard to find. If there is nothing actually wrong with the housing, I'd rebuild it.

If you get a different TC (other than a QuadraTrac ) then you have other issues to deal with..... adapters, and the offset rearend.

I saw a complete used Milemarker kit on ebay last month for about $250... Thats a steal. It was the complete conversion with a new chain.


It really isnt that hard to take apart and figure out. The TC is HEAVY. Its possible to get it out relatively safely, but try and get help to put that sucker back in!

 

[1986cj7]

I kinda figured you inheirited the issue.

There is really nothing to it. They are kinda hard to find. If there is nothing actually wrong with the housing, I'd rebuild it.

If you get a different TC (other than a QuadraTrac ) then you have other issues to deal with..... adapters, and the offset rearend.

I saw a complete used Milemarker kit on ebay last month for about $250... Thats a steal. It was the complete conversion with a new chain.


It really isnt that hard to take apart and figure out. The TC is HEAVY. Its possible to get it out relatively safely, but try and get help to put that sucker back in!

It can be man handled in and out but I suggest a Transmission jack you can rent one for about $20. It turns a two to three man job into a one man job. especially if you take out the Transmission and Transfer Case at the same time. This is what me and my 9 year old son used. Not to mention it made him feel special to help dad work on the jeep.

 

[cj7crawler]

Awsome thanks for the help guys now i just need to find that mile marker kit and get it installed. I think I can handle the rebuild on my own.