My car just started slipping into 4Hi when driving around. I'm thinking it's got to be the linkage - I haven't taken the time to look at it, but does loose linkage sound like the right diagnosis?

You're probably right about the linkage; but I doubt it's a loose linkage. Most likely it's mis-adjusted. If I remember correctly, the height of the 4WD lever can be adjusted it's likely too low so when you put it to the floor, it's too close to engaging 4WD drive. Take off the rear part of the plastic housing, and look at the base of the 4WD lever which should have a screw adjustment for the height; loosen the screw, raise the lever about 1/2" inch and re-tighten it. Now the linkage will dis-engage better when pushed down into the 2WD position. Sorry if I'm a bit vague on this; I've only had to do it once on my Brat and that was quite a while ago.

My car just started slipping into 4Hi when driving around. I'm thinking it's got to be the linkage - I haven't taken the time to look at it, but does loose linkage sound like the right diagnosis?

Thanks a lot, Ed. I'll take a look at it.

my hatch does this (not all the way into 4wd but it lights up the light) when ever I corner HARD or when I "spin out" figured it was normal

My old wagon did this too (just the light).

new one doesn't 'cos i haven't hooked one up yet.

I don't have a light and I definately don't like slipping into 4WD when driving around. If there was snow on the ground (like there should be) then this wouldn't even be a problem.

Alright, so I never actually fixed this and now I am stuck w/ everything but 2WD.

 

I removed the plastic trim around the shifter and that fixed the problem. I was shifting because the lever was bottoming out on the trim.

 

After a while the problem progressed and now I can't get the lever to go far enough down to get back into 2WD.

 

The only two bolts that I see to mess w/ are the one that the lever pivots on and the connection between the metal off the lever and the shaft going to the trans. I can't seem to be able to adjust anything at all w/ either of these.

 

I am at a loss as to what to do. The 'height adjusting screw' that Ed mentioned doesn't seem to exist as far as I can tell.

 

What should I do? It seems like the shaft is simply too far back. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks,

Noah...call me right now, I'll walk you through how to fix it or at least see if we can get to the bottom of the issue....

 

New cell # is 541-206-2494.....

 

The others don't realize you are running the 5 speed Hi-Lo in the Wagon...

 

Talk soon, John

I'm having the same problem with mine and the only thing I can see to do is shorten the connecting rod and reweld it.

I'll let you know how I resolve this problem. It seems to be a progressive problem, so I would suggest not neglecting it like us procrastinators love to.

I just got aPM from Bratsrus (Jerry) and he tells me there is an adjustment for the 4x4 linkage. I'll look for it again tomorrow and let you know what I uncover.

There are adjusting nuts on my linkage under the hood on the right side of the trans right before where the linkage goes into the trans..... I would think tightening that adjustment would shorten the linkage and therefor allow the shifter to be shifted down further? Do not all linkage's have that adjustment?

So, I pulled the driver's seat out, peeled back the carpet and there are 2 12mm bolts that allow adjustment or the pivot point for the 4x4 shift lever. I adjusted them as far as they will go,and now have the correct height on my 4x4 shifter. It is SWEET!

Can also be motor mounts. All three of mine are shot, so the light goes on under heavy acceleration, heavy braking or hard cornering...really gotta get that fixed up some time....SOON!