T-Case Shifter question.

[Biggs]

87 XE?, 5-spd V6. Bare bones, power nothing. Does the linkage for the push down into N/4Lo have issues getting stuck or broken? I can shift to 4Hi just fine, but for the life of me I cannot get it to push down and then pull into N or 4Lo. It only seems to push down about 3/8 of an inch or so. I don't want to force it to much but it doesn't seem to get past the gate. I am in N on the trans and fully stopped. Running or off, it does not seem to matter. I am hoping someone did not break it when they modified a JGC center console to fit. I just don't know what it should feel like and I don't know anyone that has one that I can go  test. 


P.S.  Where can I find a rear liftgate handle? They seem to be unobtanium. 

Edited 7 hours ago by Biggs

[Slartibartfast]

Not a common issue that I'm aware of, but I wouldn't be surprised if it seized up from lack of use. I'm away from my truck at the moment, so I can't confirm, but yes, I think it's supposed to go down more than that. The transfer shift linkage and lockout plate is exposed, on the side of the transmission, so you should be able to see from underneath if the shifter isn't moving enough for its nub to clear the plate. IIRC there's a boot over the collapsible part of the shifter. If the collapsible part isn't moving as far as it should, I would see if I could sneak a little PB/WD40/silicone/similar in between the boot and the shifter and wiggle the shifter up and down until it'll do its full stroke (giggity). 

Looks like the tailgate handle isn't available new. Local wrecking yard or part out is likely your best bet. If you strike out there, I'm pretty sure I've got the tailgate handle off my parts car in the stash somewhere.