2 questions

[scot]

i just got a '87. it goes into 4full time and 4 part time fine. when i put it in 4 lo i gotta drive for a min before it engauges. is this normal? second it has the towing package. did they automatically come with a d44? if not how can i tell the difference between the d35 and d44. there is no tag on it. TIA

[Eagle]

Are you trying to shift into low range while moving? I can't think of anything about low range that would require driving to engage. It's mechanically shifted, and if you have a full-time position you don't have an axle disconnect.

[Royce]

Are you in Neutral? If I am not mistaken 4lo will not fully engage unless you are in neutral.

[scot]

while im stopped and in neutral i shift into 4lo. as i start driving after a couple of seconds you can feel the 4lo to engage.

[RichP]

Check your linkages, crawl under there and lube them. If they are really rusty spray them with powerblaster, work the linkage a while then clean it with some brake cleaner. Then lube with either Mobil-1 spray lube or CLP Breakfree, lubing those linkages should be done every oil change, what the heck, your down there anyway.
It might also be a very good idea to change all your fluids including the transfer case fluid.
I have a 5speed in my 98 and generally all I do is come to a complete stop, keep the clutch in and drop it into 4lo, if I am moving at all it will grind a bit so I don't do that :D

[Matthew Currie]

If it is working consistently in 4 High (not popping in and out of 4WD), but in 4 low it is taking some time for the 4WD light to come on, you might also have a problem with the vacuum switch in the transfer case. This usually will fail first in 4 high, but you never can tell. I'd follow Rich's advice on linkages etc. first, though.

[scot]

ill give it a try. thanx

[squidwerd]

the d44 has an octoganal diff and the 35 has a round diff. i have an 87 with the tow package and it only has the 35, im kinda disappointed.