The transfer case on your four-by-four vehicle provides power transfer to front axle and low-range gear reduction. The "New Process" 205 transfer case is a heavy-duty, gear-driven transfer case with a cast-iron housing. Used in Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Dodge and International Harvester trucks in various configurations, it is considered the strongest factory transfer case ever made by virtue of its iron case and all-gear drive. Many transfer cases use a chain, similar to an engine's timing chain to drive the front axle and an aluminum case, which is not as strong. The biggest complaint about the NP 205 is that it only has a 1.98-to-1 gear reduction in low range.
Park the vehicle on an unpaved surface -- in the dirt -- and set the parking brake. Place the transmission in "Neutral."
Engage four-wheel-low by pushing the transfer case shifter all the way forward. This will be one position forward from the regular two-wheel-drive position. The shift positions are, from all the way forward: "4Lo-2Hi-N-4Hi," where "4Lo" is "four-wheel-low." This shift pattern should be stamped in the top of the shift knob. In this position, the front axle and gear reduction engages. You will have more power to the wheels, but a much lower top speed. This is for extremely poor traction environments such as a steep hill or very loose dirt, mud or snow.
Pull the shifter back one position to shift into "two-wheel-high." This is the standard street-driving position. The front axle is disengaged and there is no additional gear reduction. You will feel a definite click, when changing positions.
Pull the shifter back one more position to engage "Neutral." This is similar to having your transmission in neutral. No power will be transferred to either axle.
Pull the shifter back to the fourth and final position to engage "four-wheel-high." This engages the front axle without any gear reduction. This position is for basic off-road driving when needing some extra traction.
