In accordance with the present invention, a preferred method is disclosed for operating a transfer case synchronized range shift mechanism. The range shift mechanism can be selectively actuated for establishing a four-wheel high-range drive mode, a neutral mode, and a four-wheel low-range drive mode. The synchronized range shift mechanism is comprised of a first input gear system, a second input gear system, and an output gear system. The output gear system is comprised of a rotary output member that may be selectively engaged with either the first input gear system or the second input gear system, depending on which four-wheel-drive operating mode the vehicle operator selects. The range shift mechanism is further comprised of a synchronizing mechanism. The present invention discloses a novel method for controlling the speed of the range shift as a means for reducing the time it takes to perform the range shift.