1985 Jeep Wagoneer transmission

1985 JEEP WAGONEER
108,000 MILES • 5.9L • V8 • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
BCANNING
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I just bought this jeep and i changed the u joints in the drive shafts and when I noticed the rod connecting the vacumm engagement to the transfer case was disconnected I Re connected it and after I started the Jeep I shifted the 4x4 button and I shifted the lever to see if it engaged and I Re shifted it back 5o the original position but now it dosent want to go it's making grinding like it not engaged in the transmission now the lever that said high neutral and low when I first shifted it it moved and the vehicle went into neutral but not in says it's in the high but it won't move out of high. And reverse will work but d 1 2 won't catch they try but it starts to grind.
May 6, 2015 at 7:36 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
The transfer case is in neutral. With the vehicle safely secured, craw under it and check if the linkage has come off the transfer case. Let me know what you find.
May 6, 2015 at 7:47 PM
Avatar
BCANNING
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It's connected but the high low netural lever won't budge either
May 7, 2015 at 4:35 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Disconnect the linkage at the transfer case and see if you can move it by hand. Many times I have seen the linkage rust to a point it is hard to move when it never gets used.
May 7, 2015 at 5:24 AM
Avatar
BCANNING
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Will do my second question to the issue is can the case not engaging or distribution engaging cause the transmission not to engage? It was a daily driver until the other day when I hooked the 4x4 up and try ed shifting it to 4 wheel drive. And back out. Now it sounds like the forwards gears won't grab
May 7, 2015 at 7:31 AM
Avatar
BCANNING
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Not (distribution engaging ) four wheel not engaging
May 7, 2015 at 7:33 AM
Avatar
BCANNING
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
So the linkage moves but the peice on that enters the transfer case won't budge
May 7, 2015 at 9:11 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
That is where the problem is. First, check to make sure the fluid in the transfer is clean and full. Next, spray the heck out of the transfer case linkage where it enters the transfer case. Allow it to sit for awhile and then try working that linkage back and forth until it begins to move. NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE THE VEHICLE IS SECURE AND CAN'T MOVE. Also, place the transmission itself in neutral. That way there will be nothing preventing the transfer case from shifting.
May 7, 2015 at 6:51 PM
Avatar
BCANNING
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I tried all that and it's still not moving but it shifted before this issue arose so I'm assuming it's internal or really stuck I'm kinda tired of messing with it so I bought a new transfer case and a rebuild kit for the old one. And if that dosent fix it I'm gonna find a transmission as well. I want to restore this truck to its awesome 1985 wagoneer glory , so instead of hoping it works I'm gonna replace stuff until it does. Thanks
May 7, 2015 at 7:40 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
I understand. I have an 87 that I just redid. Other than having problems finding parts for it, I enjoy it. If you ever run into a problem finding parts, I found a place in Antelope, CA. It's called J&W Jeep. They have everything needed for the older ones.
May 8, 2015 at 10:42 AM
Avatar
BCANNING
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Awesome I have found a few things but always looking for other parts places thank you
May 8, 2015 at 1:40 PM