[bestatchess]

There is a TSB for the tranny cooler hoses. I completely understand that part. Basically the hose has crappy clamps.

But how does that have anything to do with (1) leaking front diff or (2) shifting into or out of 4wd ? Or maybe they have not yet advised you on that issue?

I had my front diff replaced (well known problem with C-clip axle pulling out.) After replacement, I now have to shift into R (as you describe) to get out of 4Hi. With the original diff, it shifted out of 4Hi reliably on the fly.