I have a 98 ram 1500 and just rebuilt the transfer case. The case shifted fine when it was on my work bench. After bolting it onto the truck with just the rear drive shaft hooked up im having problems shifting it inside the truck. If I pull the shifter all the way back to 4H it just stuck, I then have to go under the truck and push the left back on the case. To me the level on the case looks to far forward for there to be any leverage from the shifter. Did I screw something up putting it back together, shift linkage not adjusted right? Does the truck need to be started or anything? Right now its on jack stands with the transmission in neutral.
Any help would be appreciated, this project has taken far too long and I just got my hope up that I would be able to drive it by the end of the weekend.
Two quick pictures showing the linkage.

 

I can see why it would be difficult to shift that way, the linkage is almost directly in line with the lever...... Somethin' ain't quite right there.

 

Don't know for sure if my linkage is the same as yours or not, looks the same from what I can see in the pictures. The lever on the side of the T case on mine is vertical (12 O clock) in 2HI, and the lever from the shifter that the rod is connected to is angled slightly to the rear. The rod itself is fairly level. Hope this helps.

 

A photo would help!

 

Look at OP's pict. 2, it'll be clear to you. I have dialup, takes a long time to upload a photo to a server.

 

I think it was in 97 or 98 they changed the pattern on the np231. From forward to back on the shift ****, 4L, N, 2H, 4H. Those pictures are in 4H. In 4L the lever on the case is at about 11 o clock.
After looking at this picture it shows the slot being at an angle. Im off to check mine out, might just be on backwards.
Shift lever

 

Wonder if you have the lever on the t-case flipped? Is it a slot on the end? Or a shaped hole?

 

Ooops. Did not see the hyperink...... I was looing for imbedded photo.

That shift arm is too straight in line as HeyYou stated. Basically, a lever is like a fulcrum, and must be able to push torotate, and not diectly to towards the shaft.

 

Fixed it.

 

What about shift rod? I had a truc with a bend in the shift rod, and the rod would fit eitehr way, but not line up correctly if flipped? Don't have 4wd Ram, so I cannot go outside and look.



Thanks! Makes it easier for us old guys. Been fighting with ball joints on a freaking Taurus and can only see the obvious!