New owner of an 85 Eagle wagon

[eternalthursday]

Hi, all. Good to be here. I recently got my Eagle from a friend and have begun the process of fixing it up. It was immobile when I got it, but the engine now starts and runs great. However, the wheels won't move, so that's the next phase in the project.

[IowaEagle]

Welcome to the Den.  Check to make sure the transfer case is not in 'false neutral".  Take a 9/16" wrench and rotate the change lever to the rearward.  Have the selector switch set to 2WD drive and then let us know.

[eternalthursday]

Yes, I had seen this advice on a couple of different forums. I took the skid plate off to adjust the lever a couple days ago, but I couldn't get the lever to move in either direction, at least not a significant amount. It's supposed to move pretty easily from what I've heard, but I've busted three knuckles over the course of 2 days trying to move the lever (selector is in 2WD), and it feels like something is stuck internally that won't let it move. I've had a helper move the rear wheels to rotate the driveshaft a little while I pulled the wrench, just in case, but no dice.

Any ideas?

[IowaEagle]

Does the lever move forward at all?   

[eternalthursday]

No, which is the odd thing. I can only get the lever to move about 1/10 of a turn in either direction, if that.

Some background, in case it might help: the previous owner's small-town mechanic said that the transmission needed to be rebuilt, and that the transfer case had no fluid in it, and might need replacement as well. I'm holding out hope for the false neutral fix to at least get the wheels to move, and then I'll go from there. Also, when the transmission is in gear (any gear), there is no sound from the transfer case, like the screeching or grinding that I've heard usually goes with a false neutral condition.

Anything else to try, or should I face the music and pull the trans and transfer case?

[rmick]

I have a transfer case for sale if you need in Wichita KS if you need.