Having a problem with low ratio on my 1988 2.5 petrol 90.

When you move the transfer leaver to low ratio position it jumps straight back into neutral. This is with or without the engine running. You can hold it in low ratio position (but have to use some force) and if you let out the clutch it will move along in low ratio, but as soon as you ease up even slightly on the power it jumps out again.

It feels like it is barely engaging and spring somewhere in the system is pulling it back.

I have had a look at the linkage. It all seems to be working correctly and moves freely. There was a v small amount of adjustment I could make to the linkage which allowed the selector on the box to move a bit further when the gear leaver was moved into low ratio but it only translated into a tiny amount of extra movement on the selector which has made no difference.

I guess the next step is to disconnect the linkage and see if the selector moves further and engages more positively by hand to see if there is a problem somewhere in the linkage meaning the selector on the box isn't moving enough or if it is actually a problem in the box.

I'd welcome any thoughts though or suggestions on other things I can try.

I've had the vehicle about 18 months and never had to use low ratio until recently - so a lesson there for me about not checking it worked properly when I bough it.

Works fine in high ratio and when moving the selector into high ratio there is a much more positive movement/feel. As I say when moving into low it feels like it isn't moving enough to fully engage.

Thanks in anticipation of any suggestions. jack at the back.

adjust linkage properly it might need moving a spline or 2, its very rare for dog teeth on lo gear to be worn but is possible but id go with linkage or a loose grub screw on cross shaft in box selector top (secured by 6 bolts)

Mine had the same simtoms. Would pop out when crawling down a loose hill and scared the life out of me.

Bodged it with a bungy cord holding it forward.


Got home and took off the selector lever grommet and metal square parts that hold the grommet on. Filed the forward edge of each down to allow the lever to go forward a few extra mm. Problem solved.

I replaced the little split plastic bushes in the linkage on mine as it worked but would not go fully home, cost pennies.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I disconnected the linkage, but the selector still would not stay in low ratio it just jumps back out. So I think it must be a problem with the transfer box rather than adjustment of he linkage.

I took the selector box off the top of the transfer box (the one held on by 6 bolts) the grub screw wasn't loose, so guess it is something in the transfer box itself. Any further suggestions before I take it off to the garage.

Thanks Jack at the back.