2006 H3. Currently have my front drive shaft removed, waiting for a replacement to come in. Was replacing CVJoint then noticed wear on drive shaft splines.

Switched to HI lock while engine was off to "trick" the computer, no problem and all the power went to rear wheels. 100 feet down the road the transfer case disengages out of lock on it's own and it coasts to a stop with all power trying to go to the front which has no drive shaft. 4 Hi lock light stays on but for some reason lock does not stay engaged.

I repeat the 4 HI regular to 4 HI lock switch, same thing, 100 feet down the road it disengages out of lock and it coasts to a stop. I've read that guys have driven H3s without a front drive shaft in 4 HI Lock, what is it that is preventing my H3 from staying in 4 HI lock?

Next time I really need 4 HI lock I would like it to work, wondering what is failing and needs to be replaced, thanks!

 

Can you please post pics of your removed drive shaft project?

 

Old CV Joint was clicking, boot was cracked and bearings failing.

Front UJoint Position

Rear CV Joint Position

Installed

Installed

 

Sounds great, no more clicking and feels fine.

But, after test driving with the front drive shaft removed I've discovered that the truck won't stay in 4 HI Lock. Someone here mentioned the shift fork in the transfer case, usual suspect when the transfer case won't stay where it's set?

 

Thanks for those pics...

The problem that can occur with regard to the shift fork is the plastic fork can fail. There is some details on this if you use the search feature. There is a fix replacing the plastic with a metal fork.

 

You have a worn plastic shift fork in your transfer case most likely.

 

Thanks guys, glad to hear that all symptoms are are all pointing to the same cause. I'll start searching for threads here on what's involved with dropping the transfer case and getting at that shift fork.