2000 f150 manual engagemant (stick on floor), and the 4 low will not engage. 4 hi engages first time every time, but 4 lo hasn't engaged yet. when i move stick to 4lo position dash light stays on 4x4 and i am 99% sure it is still in 4hi. i guess that was one thing i forgot to check before buying every time i tried it i was in neutral with brake down, brake lights work. any ideas ???

 

I don't have a manual, and you've probably done this, but look it up in the drivers manual. It tells you if youre doing it wrong or not.

 

followed every instruction in the manual, it just won't go in. it kinda makes a grinding noise when trying to engage it which scares me and i usually stop after i hear that.

i was in neutral, foot on brake (complete stop), at idle.

 

You are not moving when doing this?

does it go into neutral first?

try depressing the brake on and off

 

yes it goes through neutral, then i try to get into 4lo and get a grinding noise, nothing happens

 

With the manual transfer case it is best to engage 4 low quickly. When the transfer case is in neutral the input shaft from the transmission will slowly start to turn from the movement of the transmission fluid. The grinding noise you hear and feel is the gears trying to mesh together. If you pull the lever back fast and firm the gears do not grind you just get a pop/bang.
Have you tried shifting into 4-lo with the transmission in Park on level ground? That will stop the transmission output from turning.

 

Mine clunks all the time when I shift into 4Lo. That is normal. You will know when it is 4Lo. It has a 2.64:1 reduction. Turn the engine off and shift into 4Lo. If it still grinds something is wrong inside the t-case or the linkage if bent/worn.
Sometimes the linkage needs to be cleaned and lubed.

JMC

 

I have the manual shift and I have to put it in 4x4hi, drive a few feet, and then put it in 4x4lo. Works every time.