So here it is. I bought this truck. It drove home to upstate NY from Springfield ,MA just fine. Now I'm having problems. My diagnosis is that some installed a 3rd gen transmission into this baby and fudged it all up. So the tranny shifts fine in all gears. Pulls good. Overdrive switch even works. But my transfer case lever reads 2H all the way forward. ...4H next back...then N...then 4L closest to the driver. Like a 2nd gen ram should. But what it says is different than what it actually is. 4L is all the way forward. Then N...then 2H then 4H closest to driver. And while driving she pops out of gear and all axles go into N. 4x4 works but anytime I drive I must hold the transfer case lever in place so it does not pop out of gear.
So what I need to know is 1st how to identify what transmission and transfer case are in my truck. 2nd if this mix match will work. And 3rd...what the hell???? Thanks

 

Probably just has the t-case out of a 98 or newer truck. They changed the shift pattern at that point. So, starting ALL the way back toward the seat is 4H, next one forward is 2H, then neutral, then 4Lo. Do not drive on high traction surfaces in 4 wheel drive. That tends to break things.

Welcome to DF.

 

If this is the case...why would it pop out of gear? How do I identify the t case and tranny?

 

T-case will have a round tag on the back side. Kinda red and silver. Should have the build date on it as well. (likely 231D, possibly DHD)

Trans is likely 46RE, as the newer transmission won't bolt to the 5.9. (at least, not without an adapter plate.)

Is it popping out of 4x4? Or does it not even want to stay in 2wd?

 

Won't stay in 2H or 4H without holding the lever in place. When it does pop out I throw the gear shift into Neutral , turn the truck off and put the t case back into gear, start the truck, put it into drive and then continue on my way while holding the t case stick.

 

Possible it just needs to be adjusted properly. Problem is, it isn't the correct shifter for the t-case. You could try adjusting it, but, don't hold your breath. Might want to be on the lookout for a 94-97 t-case..... get the model number off the one that's in there first though, so you get the right one.

 

Roger that. At least now I know where to look to find out which t case is in it. I'll have to go from there. Are you pretty sure that a newer model trans won't match up to my '97 5.9? Thanks

 

The newer transmission have a different bellhousing bolt pattern than the 5.9, (or the 5.2, or 3.9, for that matter) so no, they won't bolt up, not to mention they work entirely different from the older trans, so there would need to be some method of control for them as well. The 2nd Gen PCM wouldn't have a clue what to do with 'em.

 

I had this problem in a Bronco II once. Then nylon bushings on your shift forks inside the transfer case might be bad if your linkage is adjusted correctly. They are real easy to replace and you can even do it with the transfer case in the truck if you want. The first thing you will need to do is download the service manual from the sticky at the top of the page. It's in the FAQ's, DIY & How To's area. There is a lot of good info in this area for any future issues you might have.