Shift to 4H and 4Hc

[rcan1015]

Hello,

I just bought a low mileage '98 Montero. When it is stopped and in neutral it shifts into 4H real nice. But when I am driving at 15 or 20 mph, it is more difficult. The owners manual says you can shift up to 62 mph (which sounds a bit optimistic). Sometimes, the gears grind and other times it seems to hit a stop. If I continue trying to lightly force it, then it shifts straight into 4Hc (center diff lock). Is this common for the Montero?

Thanks,
Richard

[Joel_CA]

Try checking your tires to make sure they are the SAME SIZE and SAME BRAND/MODEL tires. Even same tires brand/model with differerent wear rates (ex. fronts are bald and the rears are fairly new) will make it difficult to engage and ESPECIALLY desengage. Good LUck!

JOel, CA

[winston]

I have a 95 and I have shifted it into 4H at various speeds up to about 55mph. There is usually just a bit of a "grating" feel as it slips into 4WD. Not perfectly smooth, but not bad at all. It has behaved this way since new.

[prtdvl]

According to Mitsubishi, slight grinding is normal at speed- Remember, you are supposed to let off the accelerator while shifting.

[CerOf]

even though low "low miles" the gear oil will degrade over time. Change it out and it should be a bit more smooth, possibly.