The chain drive J-shift manual transfer case for the 2nd gens (pretty sure this is the same case for the early J-shift 3rd gens) has two synchros, one on the range selector and one on the 2-4 selector.
- Shifts from 2H to 4H are synchronized and can be done on the fly, as stated above.
- Shifts from 4H to 2H do not require synchronization and can be done at any speed.
- Shifts from 4L to 4H are synchronized and can be done on the fly.
- Shifts from 4H to 4L are not synchronized and require a complete stop with transmission in neutral for automatics or clutch depressed for manuals.
20 years of wear may change the effectiveness of the synchros.
This info does not apply to the newer multi mode transfer cases.
- Shifts from 2H to 4H are synchronized and can be done on the fly, as stated above.
- Shifts from 4H to 2H do not require synchronization and can be done at any speed.
- Shifts from 4L to 4H are synchronized and can be done on the fly.
- Shifts from 4H to 4L are not synchronized and require a complete stop with transmission in neutral for automatics or clutch depressed for manuals.
20 years of wear may change the effectiveness of the synchros.
This info does not apply to the newer multi mode transfer cases.