I posted a few months ago about an axle problem I was having. Well after sourcing a replacement axle and changing it out this past weekend, I think I discovered the culprit of my premature axle wear. Apparently my transfer case has been stuck in 4hi for months and I didn't know it. While changing out the front axle, I went to turn the drive shaft with no luck, until I raised the rear tires off the ground. The front wasn't locked to the driveshaft b/c all 3 (front wheels and driveshaft) would all turn separate from each other.

I've done a lot of reading (over 3 hrs searching the forums) on what to check and possible problems. The one thing I couldn't find is if there is a way to manually disengage the transfer case so I can just have 2wd again. I hate to do this, but I need my truck for a trip this week and I don't have time to diagnose and source parts to get the 4wd switching system working properly before I leave.

I assume I'd just need to pop the switching motor off and rotate the system manually, but which direction do i I need to go and will it stay there? One thread I read said that 4hi was the transfer case's default position if it looses vacuum, but no one backed up that one reply.

Thanks for any help!