M38 Transfer case shift knobs

[Deleted]

My shift knobs are stuck on the levers. I can clearly see rust on the exposed threads. I've been treating it with blaster but to no avail. I don't want to break the knobs as they are original. Anyone have an idea how to free them up. Thought about submerging the knobs in boiling water...metal expands, does plastic? Help if you can. Thanks - Bill

PS. I'm taking the knobs off so that I can install the rubber boot, otherwise I'd leave them alone.

[Deleted]

I remember breaking down a transfer case a long time ago and it, too, had stuck knobs. I blacked the bottom end in a vice and wrapped the knob with rubber from a blown out tire tube. I clamped on some vice grips and went to town. The vice grips dug in slightly on one knob and left a small impression.

Maybe someone with a less caveman approach will voice his solution.

[athawk11]

I like Moose's approach. What I don't like is PB Blaster. A 50-50 mixture of ATF (Automatic Tranny Fluid) and Acetone has made short work of everything I've used it on.

Here is a discussion with links to the outfit that tested penetrating oils...

www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/penetrating-oil-showdown.350800/

[Deleted]

Remove the shifter. Take a propane torch and heat the shaft below the knob. Have a bucket of water and a rag right there. That's to cool the knob as soon as possible. Do the rubber deal and a pipe wrench. The trick is to heat and turn on the knob ASAP. I saved a super rare WW2 knob doing this. The larger main shift knob are NLA. A leap of faith for sure. If it doesn't go right away with the wrench, put the wet rag on quick. Oilly

[Deleted]

Thanks guys. Bill