No 4x4 in Lo Range

[dirtdug]

I recently realized on my new build 76 CJ5 , that in low range I am not engaging the front axle. In high range all seems fine and works properly, no weird noises noticed yet.
I have only been driving it around on my farm working the bugs out so I have not had it at highway speeds. This basket case sat for about 12 years before I got it, I am finding a lot of unusual issues up to this point.
The combination shift boot is extremely stiff, especially when cold, but I think its more than that.
Is it possible that it if the shifter could not travel its full travel, could it engage only the rear wheels and not the front? I have never opened up a Transfer Case , and I'm hoping that I will be able to say that for a lot longer.
Just looking for ideas where I need to look when i get back under it.
Any Ideas?

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I would try and take the little screws out of the shift boot and leave it flopping. Try and get down where you can see the shift rods moving and see if it is just sloppy linkage outside the TC before you go and tear into it. Might just need some new screws and maybe new linkage all together on that. With the Transmission in neutral, it "should" shift through the TC gears easily enough to see whats going on...
Good Luck with it!

 

[Saddle Tramp]

If your 76 CJ is stock it should have a Dana 20 Transfer Case . The Dana 20 Transfer Case is direct drive to the rear so it will always propel the rear axle except for when in neutral unless the case has been twin sticked for the front and rear to operate independently. It is possible that the lever isn’t going all the way down. To go into 4 WD high the CJ Dana 20 lever will almost be tight to the floor. You may need to roll the jeep slightly or engage the clutch just enough to cycle the gears a little while you push down on the lever to get it to go in. It could be the linkage but I would try this first.

 

[dirtdug]

Thank you guys, I pulled the boot and was able to finally get it shifting well with the transfer lever darn near on the floor , just as mentioned. That was impossible with the boot in place.
I hated to pull that boot, it was such a pain to install. That darn extremely stiff one piece shift boot needs some work.
Thanks for the tips.