shift into 4X

[jlshort1]

I just switched from an old dodge 4X to a 91 sport 5 spd manual with no owner manual. I'm used to the manual switch into 4X on my dodge. What's the proper procedure to get into 4X with the dash buttons on my sport? Stopped, neutral, clutch, brake?
I saw the tips on the sticking selenoid and expect to encounter that as I don't think the last owner used 4X much if at all. I tried shifting into 4X a couple different ways and it doesn't seem to be engaging fully or correctly. I get some bumping and chatter so I kick it back off with some trouble there too it seems.
Any advice welcome. Thanks

 

[TPLYNCH]

Welcome to the site! You should be able to switch to 4HI on the fly (up to ~ 50MPH). Does the light on the dash come on when you press the 4Hi button? You should hear a clicking noise from your left rear wheelwell too. To engage 4Lo, you have to be stopped, in neutral (I believe clutch depressed on 5spd) with your foot on the brake after having engaged 4Hi. You should hear a clunk from the t/f case as it switches to the lower gearing.

It takes about 10ft of forward motion to engage the auto-hubs and fully lock in 4x4. Chances are the chattering you are hearing is the hubs engaging or trying to. To disenge the hubs to get out of 4x4, you need to drive in reverse for ~15 feet.

The hubs are the weak link in the design, and fail quite easily. Most people replace them w/ Warn Manual Hubs.

EDIT- Almost forgot- Bookmark the following site, and read thru it. TONS of excellent maintenance info about the '91-94 Ex's here!

Dead Link Removed

Last but not least, DO NOT DRIVE IN 4x4 on pavement/hard packed surfaces if at all possible. Short straight line driving is OK. Any turning will cause binding/windup and the hubs will definitely break if they aren't already. Hope I didn't scare you off. I think if you read thru this site you'll find the Ex is an incredibly capable vehicle, especially with some cheap easy upgrades performed.

 

[jlshort1]

Thanks

The dash light is working and I can hear the activity. Sounds like I need to check the hubs and do the conversion.
The website you quoted is great, good info.
Thanks again.