Here's what I do:
Lock the hubs first. that way when you're rolling, the front gear is back driven too.
While rolling slowly, usually idling in D (but sometimes in N), pull the front lever to engage 4 hi. The Atlas II is synchronized so engaging the front axle on the fly is no problem.
Then, put the trans in N, then push both levers together into 4 low. I've been able to do this step while stopped also.
I've found that shifting them together between ranges is key. Others (including AA) say to lead with the rear shifter. DWYW.
To get out of 4wd, make sure you've driven straight for a few feet to relax the drivetrain. If you have to reverse, do it straight too.
Here's what AA says:
http://www.advanceadapters.com/tech-...ng--operation/
If the T-case won't come out of Neutral, keep pressure on the T-case shifter while doing the other things (rolling, or idling in D or R). You need it to "fall" into gear when the shift dogs line up. Big yanks will only make you tired.
If you're already stuck, or bound up, definitely put the trans in N first, then try to shift the T-case. If that doesn't work (and it probably won't), put it back in D or R and keep pressure on the levers until they fall into gear.
Remember: Front and Rear axles can't be in different ranges and you can't be in front-wheel-drive Hi only. So if you get that rear output in N, don't try to shift the front into hi range first.