Yes, I did a search first for those who wonder.

This past few days a snow/ice storm hit Cincinnati and I had to use 4hi to get up our steep driveway (covered in ice and snow) and 4hi on our way home from Indiana (Milan). When I got to the top of our driveway somehow the transfer selector was in N not 4hi and I tried to put the truck in park. Well I heard a grinding noise and the ATP light came on. I got nervous (new to 4wd) and stupidly tried to put it in 4low. Another grinding noise. Wait it gets worse. I then tried to move it from 4low to 4hi while in park (wife now yelling at me). Yep more grinding. I finally got it in 2hi without any grinding (relaxed and thought before moving things). I understand how to use the 4wd system but for some reason forgot to think about it this time BEFORE shifting.

My question is what kind of damage this may have caused to the 4wd system? Is it rather tough (can take this kind of abuse) or will this really cause some damage? I checked it later on that day and everything seemed fine.

It should be fine, it's very stout.

The automatic transimission models always grind unless you shift the transfer case very quickly.

The fact the transfer case had slipped to neutral leads me to believe you were too gentle when you first shifted it into 4Hi.

Watch the video in this thread.

Yeah I wouldn't worry a little grinding can't hurt much, but I would learn how to use 4wd before you use it again.

Thanks for the info guys. I understand how to use the 4wd system and that video did help me but I have a nasty habit of leaving my hand on the transfer case selector even after I have selected 4hi. I am thinking that I moved it ever so slightly out of 4hi. Glad to hear that the system is rather stout. I have only used the 4wd system 3 times, playing in the mud (VERY fun) and snow/ice. Cannot wait to offroad some more. Thanks again.

That is a bad habit, as it causes wear to the shift linkage and shift forks. The same thing goes with a 5-speed transmission, never rest your hand on the shifter.

Really? Damn I will work on erasing that habit.