I just ended up with a 1991 Isuzu Rodeo with V6, (not sure of the engine size yet, but I'll check if its important), automatic transmission and 4 wheel drive, that has a problem with the transfer case, or the shifter for same. It was either take the thing, or totally loose out on a couple of hundred bucks I was owed.
I never actually drove this vehicle, other than when being towed in reverse the couple of blocks from where it was, to my place, (long story behind this left to the imagination). So, I can only convey the story told to me by the previous owner. Apparently, they were driving along in 2WD when the vehicle slipped out of this gear range and they couldn't shift back into it, so they stopped and used 4WD, until several miles down the road, this happened again in this gear range. When I try to shift through the transfer cases gears, it doesn't feel like its going into any of the high range gears, but does feel like it shifts into the 4WD Lo position. But it still doesn't move when I put the transmission into gear, even though the engine does slow down slightly when the transmission is in gear.
What I'm wondering is, if there might be a pin broken in the shifter, or maybe a shift fork broken, or loose, that prevents shifting the transfer case? (Just a guess on my part.) Also, if anyone knows which other brands and models of transmission and transfer case are interchangeable with this vehicle, I'd please let me know. If its going to be a big hassle finding parts, or if its really expensive, I would be willing to consider swapping in a standard transmission, with all the extras involved with doing that, but for now, I'd just like to get the thing drivable again with whats there, if thats possible.
Thanks.